Tropentag, September 11 - 13, 2024, Vienna "Explore opportunities... for managing natural resources and a better life for all"

Exploring perceptions of land tenure security and its implications in northern Benin

¹West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Burkina Faso
²University of Kassel, Fac. of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Germany
³Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Germany

Abstract

Land tenure security is a fundamental aspect of agricultural development, influencing farmers' decisions regarding investment, and their livelihoods. While numerous studies have examined the impacts of secure land tenure on agricultural outcomes, there remains a notable gap in understanding the nuanced consequences associated with farmers' perceptions of land tenure security, particularly in the context of Northern Benin. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the local perceptions of land tenure security and its effects across various socio-demographic groups in the region.
The study is conducted in ten villages in the departments of Borgou and Donga, selected for their agricultural significance and the presence of migrant communities. A total of 300 households is surveyed using a digitalized questionnaire and an innovative tool called M-Tool, designed to collect and analyse mental models’ data. Four distinct groups of farmers — men, women, migrants, and non-migrants — are targeted, ensuring representation across different demographic groups and age.
The results showed an assessment of local perceptions regarding the impacts of land tenure security, identification of socio-demographic factors shaping these perceptions. Through comparative analysis across various categories of farmers, this study unraveled the multifaceted nature of land tenure security and its implications for agricultural development in Northern Benin. The insights from this research will allow the formulation of equitable and sustainable land management policies tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by rural communities in the region.
This study represents a crucial step towards fostering a comprehensive understanding of the implications of perceived land tenure security, thereby facilitating the design and implementation of interventions aimed at enhancing agricultural production, livelihood resilience, and community well-being in Northern Benin.

Keywords: Farmers' perception, land tenure security, mental model maps, Northen Benin, rural communities

Contact Address: Mélika Kèmi Vodounhessi, West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, e-mail: vodounhessi.mwascal.org