Ecological sustainability of lowland rice (Oryza sativa) cropping systems in Malanville municipality, northern Benin

Abstract

The ecological sustainability of rice production depends mainly on the efforts and abilities of farmers to take rational actions for the preservation of natural resources. The goal of this research is to assess the ecological sustainability of different lowland rice cropping systems. Following a methodological approach, 283 lowland rice farmers were randomly identified. Data were collected by direct interview using a structured and digitized questionnaire on KoboCollect (CAPI system). The data were analyzed using a descriptive approach that combined the IDEA method illustrated by previous studies and Tobit regression. In general, the results showed that the cropping systems practiced by the farmers are not sustainable. However, the cropping system incorporating more agro-ecological transition practices (GSP2) was found to be the most environmentally sustainable. In addition, the study shows that the economically efficient cropping system is ecologically sustainable. The analysis of agroecological sustainability through this study not only highlights the practices to be advised to farmers in a context of preservation of natural environments but also challenges the idea that conventional practices give the best economic advantage.

Keywords: Agriculture, Rice, Cropping system, ecological sustainability, IDEA, Benin