Abstract

In Benin, cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a crop heavily involved in agro-industry and plays an important role in maintaining food security. However, cassava cultivation systems remain traditional with yields that are far below the potential yields. To understand this fact, a survey was conducted among 585 cassava producers in the agroecological production zones (Ouèssè, Bantè, Djidja, Dassa, Kétou, Djakotomé, Klouékanmey, Zakpota, Dangbo, and Adjohoun) with a semi-structured questionnaire. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and they were related to soil fertility management practices, production constraints, and developed solutions to avoid or to minimize effects of these constraints. A regression tree was built to analyze the data collected. The areas allocated to cassava production are generally less than 1 ha in the agro ecological zones surveyed. Five cassava cropping systems are observed in the study area. The variables “commune’’ (p=0.001) and “level of education’’ (p=0.02) significantly determine farmers’ choice of the system. Cassava importantly contributes to the household income with high significant difference (p?0.0001) in cultivated areas per commune. The high yields of cassava roots are obtained with the use of improved variety and mineral fertilizer. From the constraints observed, transhumance comes first in agroecological zone 5, the lack of specific fertilizer for cassava cultivation in agroecological zone 6, and the decline in soil fertility in agroecological zone 8. Future investigations in soil fertility should focus on the implementation of fertilizer recommendations for cassava cultivation in Benin, and raise awareness on the existence and use of improved varieties.

Key words: Food security, integrated soil fertility management, tubber root crop.