Characterisation of the agro-diversity of family farms in the communes of Save and Ouesse (Central Benin)

Abstract

Agro-diversity is one of the cornerstones for achieving food security within the family circle that adopts it. However, climate change and the reduced adaptive capacity of family farmers are a source of fragility. This paper aims to examine the level of crop diversity on family farms in Savè and Ouèssè in the era of climate change. The methodological approach was based on investigations of crop species and cropping systems using phytosociological surveys. A total of 325 farm households and 108 fields were visited. The data collected were analysed and processed using the Shannon diversity index (H) and Piélou equitability to characterise crop diversity in the area.

This research shows that five major groups of crops are cultivated through two cropping systems, namely association crops and monoculture with 38 types of agrosystems. Perennial crops and fruit trees are more diversified than tubers and roots. However, one variety of maize, two varieties of cowpea and four varieties of yam are directly or indirectly threatened by the effects of climate change.