Impact of Land and Environmental Dynamics on Food-producing Farming and Food Security in the Djakotomey and Aplahoue Communities, Southwest Benin

Abstract

Land tenure and environmental dynamics have a highly negative impact on agricultural production and food security in the municipalities of Djakotomey and Aplahoué. This research addresses the impacts of land and environmental dynamics on subsistence farming and food security in these municipalities. Observations, individual interviews, direct interviews, focus groups, and Rapid Rural Appraisal are the main techniques employed during field investigations. A total of 440 people have been individually interviewed during the field investigations. Climatological, agricultural, and economic data have been analysed with appropriate statistical tools (index and ratio). The data have been processed using SPSS 17.0 and ArcView 3.2 software. The results showed that land dispute rates vary from 34% to 52%, with a growth rate of 52.90% between 1990 and 2024. Land tenure insecurity is relatively high in the municipalities of Aplahoué and Djakotomey. Also, rainfall indices range from -2.05 to 3.72 over the study period (1961-2023). Urban expansion often encroaches on agricultural land. Furthermore, plot fragmentation rates rose from 32% in 1990 to 81% in 2024, with a growth rate of 153.12%. The areas are highly vulnerable to flooding (57%). Thus, the study area is vulnerable to flooding and water erosion. The loss of corn per farm is 310.54 kg. Peanuts recorded a loss of less than 100 kg per farm and per total area planted. Land and environmental dynamics lead to worsening food availability (41% of respondents), unequal access and increased vulnerability (36%), and shorter storage periods (23%). Family stocks diminish more quickly, extending the lean season. The study concluded that flooded land in the municipalities of Djakotomey and Aplahoue remains impassable for extended periods, disrupting the agricultural cycle and preventing timely sowing, which shortens the growing season and exposes crops to other hazards (late droughts). Environmental and land dynamics result in reduced food availability, unequal access, increased vulnerability, and shorter storage periods.