Adaptation of Periurban Cattle Production Systems to Environmental Changes: Feeding Strategies of Herdsmen in Southern Benin

Abstract

We undertook a survey of 112 cattle farms in the periphery of Cotonou in Benin, with the aim to characterize the diversity of the production systems and to better understand herders’ feeding strategies and perspectives. We used the categorical component analysis and two-step clustering techniques to classify the farms into homogeneous groups. The adaptive strategy of a given farm was predicted through logistic regression analysis technique. Four distinct farm types were identified as follows: large integrated agro-silvopastoral (17%), small agro-silvopastoral (28%), pastoral (30%), and silvopastoral (25%). Irrespective of farm type, low availability, and difficult access to pasture due to increased crop/vegetable farming, climate variability and urbanization were commonly reported by all herders. Current coping strategies included the use of lowlands pastoral resources and exploring new grazing routes. Future strategies included moving animals towards rural locations and significantly (p < 0.001) depended on farm type and its proximity to urban centers.