The Renovation of Farming Systems to Reduce the Pressures of Climate-Related Damage

Abstract

The analysis in this article is based on the observation that several measures are being implemented to reduce the pressure exerted by climate-related damage on family agriculture. These measures include the incorporation of leguminous plants such as Mucuna sp , Cajanus cajan and Gyricidia sepum into farms. This article studies the mechanisms and processes that facilitate the emergence of new agricultural production systems based on agro-ecology. To achieve this, semi-structured interviews were conducted among thirty-two family farmers in three villages of the commune of Agbangnizoun in central Benin. The interview guide used focused on three points: a description of experience in using leguminous plants, how new production systems based on agroecology have been set up, and future prospects. The interviews were supplemented by participant observations carried out on ten farms, the drawing up of plot plans, and analysis of forty-two documents. The results show that the mechanisms challenged on farms are not only adaptive, as several previous studies have emphasized. Other mechanisms, namely substitution and correction, help us understand the changes at work, thus extending the repertoire of categories of farm resilience measures to climate events. Findings show that these mechanisms, supported by local beliefs and knowledge, allow farmers to regenerate soil fertility and maintain production despite climatic pressures. The analysis highlights the importance of incorporating these mechanisms into policy development to mitigate the impacts of damage caused by climate change in Benin, and other parts of the world.