Comparative analysis of local populations’ perceptions of socio-economic determinants of vegetation degradation in sudano-guinean area in Benin (West Africa)

Abstract

Perceptions of socio-economic determinants of the vegetation degradation were studied in the district of Djidja, located in the Sudano-Guinean area in Benin. The socio-economic surveys aimed to collect perceptions of farmers, ranchers, loggers and charcoal producers on socio-economic determinants of degradation of vegetation cover. These perceptions have been analysed by factorial analysis. By decreasing order of importance, agriculture, logging, charcoal production, hunting and farming have been recognized by local actors, as key socio-economic factors, determining vegetation degradation. However, a cross-reading of all stakeholders’ perceptions displayed an opposition of perceptions between farmers and breeders. The interplay between socio-economic determinants renders tedious the identification of the core element, responsible of the degradation of vegetation cover.