AUTHOR(S)
Alexandre Akouègnon Fassinoua, Yêyinou Laura Estelle Lokoa*, Dassou Aniceta, Toffa Joellea, Dieudonné Gavoedoa, Fidèle Mahoudo Assogbab, and Anges Yadouletonc

ABSTRACT

Maizeis the primary food source for many Beninese people. Unfortunately, insectpests, particularly Spodoptera frugiperda(J.E. Smith), have a heavy impact on its production. Farmers commonly rely on synthetic pesticides, whichpose risks to human health and the environment. Biopesticides offer a saferalternative, yet their adoption remains low among smallholder farmers. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 437farmers across 60 villages to document pest management practices, perceptions,preference criteria, and willingness to pay for biopesticides. The results showed that most farmers rely heavily onsynthetic pesticides (81.7%), with 42 different pesticides recorded. A smallmajority (50.3%) of farmers used plant-based pesticides. Few farmers (48.1%)are knowledgeable about formulated and commercialized biopesticides for pestcontrol. Surveyed farmers identified 8 constraints to biopesticide use,primarily high product costs (37.3%), perceived ineffectiveness (18.2%), andslow action (16.9%). The farmers' criteria for an appropriate botanicalbiopesticide were documented, and they were willing to pay up to 3,000 FCFA($5.33) per litre. Land ownership increased producers' willingness to pay,whereas livestock farming and larger household size reduced it. Increasing biopesticide adoption among Beninesefarmers requires awareness campaigns, economic incentives, and a nationalstrategy addressing socio-economic factors affecting perceptions andwillingness to pay.

Key words:Pesticides,willingness to pay, pest control, maize, determinants.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.57182/jbiopestic.19.1.87-103

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