Socioeconomic determinants of organic cotton adoption in Benin, West Africa

Organic cotton relies on ecological processes and the use of natural resources to sustain the production system, unlike conventional cotton, mainly characterized by massive utilization of synthesis chemicals. In West Africa, where rural livelihoods are particularly vulnerable, organic cotton is expected to contribute not only to poverty reduction but also to strengthen households’ resilience. The objective of this study was to assess institutional and socioeconomic factors determining farmers’ decisions to adopt organic cotton. For this purpose, we applied a probit model on empirical data collected from producers of the Centre and the Northern parts of Benin. Overall, we found that organic cotton adoption is mainly determined by farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, the physical distance between farm and house, and contact with extension and advisory services. Organic farming is more attractive to women compared to conventional farming. This because such type of cotton farming enables women to hold a separate cotton farm and thus increase their economic independence, whereas with the conventional system they depend mainly on the farm of the (male) head of the household. Older, less educated and low-income farmers who express environmental concern are more likely to adopt organic cotton. Subsequently, organic cotton should be considered as a prospective policy option to reach the poor and strengthen their livelihoods conditions while contributing to preserve the environment and natural resources. Furthermore, farmers who have their farm near home are more likely to adopt organic farming than those who have the farm far from their home. It also came out that organic farmers have more contacts with advisory and extension services. Finally, the study noted that there is still a need to enhance the extension system by: (1) exploring, designing, and upgrading innovative pedagogic tools such as videos and mobile phone technology to foster learning; and (2) strengthening organic farmer’s organizations and the linkage with agricultural research organizations for technology development

Dosage des métaux lourds dans le sol et les produits maraîchers du site maraîcher de Houéyiho au Bénin

Le maraîchage dans les villes et les localités périurbaines ne sont pas sans conséquence sur la qualité des produits maraîchers qui y sont cultivés. La présente étude vise à évaluer la qualité des produits maraîchers consommés au Bénin afin de mieux appréhender les risques pour la santé humaine. Les métaux lourds (Pb, Cu et Zn) ont été dosés par la spectrophotométrie d’absorption atomique dans le sol et les cultures maraîchères fraîches et cuites. Il ressort de l’étude que le sol des différentes cultures maraîchères est contaminé par les métaux lourds (Pb : 0,028 à 2,235 mg/kg, Cu : 0,037 mg/kg à 0,264 mg/kg, Zn : 0,613 à 3,234 mg/kg) ainsi que le compost utilisé pour son amendement (Pb : 0,224 mg/kg, Cu : 0,419 mg/kg et Zn : 1,717 mg/kg). Les cultures maraîchères analysées sont aussi contaminés par les métaux lourds (Pb : 0,009 à 4,124 mg/kg, Cu : 0,073 mg/kg à 2,146 mg/kg, Zn : 0,573 à 14,12 mg/kg) avec des facteurs de bioconcentration allant à plus de 4 pour le Brassica oleracea et 8 pour le Vernonia amygdalina qui sont les plus contaminés. Toutefois, la cuisson a entraîné une réduction considérable des teneurs en métaux lourds, ce qui réduit le risque sanitaire pour le consommateur. Une vigilance de la population et une variation de l’alimentation sont alors importantes pour garantir une meilleure santé. Il est prévu de continuer les travaux de recherche sur d’autres spéculations maraîchères et polluants chimiques.Mots clés: Éléments métalliques, spéculations maraîchères, influence modes de cuisson.&#x0D; English Title: Determination of heavy metals in soil and vegetable products in BeninMarket gardening in towns and peri-urban localities is not without consequence on the quality of the market garden products which are cultivated there. This study aims to evaluate the quality of market garden produce consumed in Benin in order to better understand the risks to human health. Heavy metals (Pb, Cu and Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in soil and fresh and cooked vegetable crops. The study showed that the soil of the various vegetable crops is contaminated by heavy metals (Pb: 0.028 to 2.235 mg/kg, Cu: 0.037 mg/kg to 0.264 mg/kg, Zn: 0.613 to 3.234 mg/kg) and the compost used for its amendment too (Pb: 0.224 mg/kg, Cu: 0.419 mg/kg and Zn: 1.717 mg/kg). The vegetable crops analyzed are also contaminated by heavy metals (Pb: 0.009 to 4.124 mg/kg, Cu: 0.073 mg/kg to 2.146 mg/kg, Zn: 0.573 to 14.12 mg/kg) with bioconcentration factors ranging from more than 4 for Brassica oleracea and 8 for Vernonia amygdalina which are the most contaminated. However, cooking has resulted in a significant reduction in heavy metal contents, which reduces the health risk for the consumer. A vigilance of the population and a variation of the food are then important to guarantee a better health. It is planned to continue research on other vegetable crops and chemical pollutantsKeywords: Metallic elements, vegetables crops, cooking methods influence.&#x0D;  &#x0D;  </jats:p

Assessment of heavy metal’s in Atlantic sea fish sold in Benin

Marine space is constantly threatened by various sources of pollution that may reduce its economic potential and have negative repercussions on human health. This study aims to assess heavy metals contamination of eight fish species and their impact on human health. Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, copper and zinc were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in fresh, cooked and fried fish. The results found in fresh fish (cadmium: 0.002 to 0.005 mg / kg, lead: 0 to 0.031 mg / kg, copper: 0.0045 to 0.305 mg / kg, zinc: 0.1245 to 0.6195 mg / kg), in cooked fish (cadmium: 0.0035 to 0.005 mg / kg, lead: 0 to 0.01 mg / kg, copper: 0 to 0.021 mg / kg, zinc: 0.171 to 0.327 mg / kg) and in fried fish (cadmium: 0.004 mg / kg, lead: 0 to 0.007 mg / kg, copper: 0 to 0.016 mg / kg, zinc: 0.0875 to 0.5065 mg / kg) showed that heavy metal levels are all below the standard values accepted by FAO / WHO. The consumption of these fish could therefore have no negative effect on the population’s health. Both types of cooking have both positive and negative effects on the heavy metal reduction in fish species. Although the concentrations of heavy metals are not worrying, the vigilance of the populations and a variation of the diet are important to guarantee a better health.Keywords: Heavy metals, health impact, Atlantic see fish, Cotonou.</jats:p

Vulnerabilities in an economy to extensive pressures on the exchange rate

The article aims at introducing new methodology for recognizing suitable indicators to monitor the potential risk of extensive pressure on the exchange rate (early warning indicators) and for identifying vulnerabilities in an economy to this pressure reflected by simultaneous negative development of the observed early warning indicators. The construction of the empirical model is based on the combination of the signal approach and the binary model of behaviour. This model focuses on both strong and increased pressure on exchange rate and the parameters are adjusted to the Czech environment. The results indicate that the most significant early warning indicator for the Czech economy is the gap between current account deficit and foreign direct investment and further M2 to foreign exchange ratio, GDP growth and export growth. In total the model identified correctly 72 per cent periods of increased vulnerability of the Czech economy to excessive devaluation pressure. At the same time it identified correctly 78 per cent of tranquil periods. This methodology constitutes an innovative approach, which needs a further verification.exchange rate, Central and Eastern Europe, currency crises, early warning, empirical models

Pollution des écosystèmes aquatiques par les produits phytosanitaires : rapport technique de projet de recherche

Le fleuve Ouémé est l’un des plus importants cours d’eau naturel où s’exercent d’importantes activités économiques telles que la pêche, la pisciculture. Il a une longueur de 510 km et couvre une surface 50.000 km2). Il prend sa source au nord du pays (environ de 9°51 NS) dans les massifs de l’Atacora. Il se jette dans l’Océan Atlantique en passant par le lac Nokoué et le chenal de Cotonou. Ses deux principaux affluents sont le Zou (150 km) et l’Okpara (200 km). Il traverse plusieurs zones agricoles situées de part et d’autre du fleuve. La capacité productive des superficies emblavées pour la culture de coton et des produits vivriers est renforcée par une utilisation importante d’engrais chimiques et de pesticides. Les eaux du fleuve Ouémé servent d’irrigation, de transport pour les riverains, et de transport de marchandises entre le Nigéria et le Bénin, il est utilisé comme eau de boisson. Sa biodiversité est remarquablement élevée avec d’importantes variétés de poisson, de mollusques, d’insectes, d’amphibiens, de reptiles et d’oiseaux (Lalèyè 2004). Approximativement 90% des espèces de poissons pêchées dans le fleuve sont destinées à la consommation.The Ouémé river is Benin’s longest fluvial basin (length: 510 km; surface: 50 000 km²). It springs out of the Tanéka hills (about 9°51 NS) in the East of the Atacora mountains and flows into the Atlantic ocean by the Cotonou channel (Fig. 1). Its two important tributaries are the Zou river (150 km) and the Okpara river (200 km). It is one of the most important natural water resources allowing fishing, aquaculture and agriculture. Agricultural lands cover a large part of the river basin with intensive agricultural practice including a high use of chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides for cotton farming and vegetables. The Ouémé river provides drinking water, water for domestic use and water for irrigation. It is also an important means of transportation for the people of the area. It is used for commercial transport and business between the neighbouring country Nigéria and the Republic of Bénin. Its biodiversity is remarkably high, with a large variety of fish species, molluscs, shellfishs, insects, amphibians, reptiles and birds (Lalèyè et al. 2004). Approximately 90% of the fish species from the Ouémé river are used for human consumption