Rice pests in the Republic of Benin: farmers’ perceptions, knowledge and management practices

International audienceBACKGROUND: Rice (Oryza spp) is one of the most consumed cereals in the Republic of Benin. However, rice production is threatened by various pests, which lead to important yield losses. For the development of integrated management strategies responding to the farmers’ realities, it is important to document their perceptions, knowledge, and management of rice pests. Surveys involving 418 rice farmers to 21 ethnic groups through 39 villages were performed using rural appraisal tools. RESULTS: Farmers perceived birds, specifically weavers as the most important rice pests. The surveyed farmers also identified the variegated grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus L. and rice brown leaf spots (Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijn) as the main pests in the northern region, while it is the pink stem borer, Sesamia calamistis Hampson and rice blast (Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr) in the southern region, and Z. variegatus and rice yellow mottle virus (genus Sobemovirus) in central Benin. The most important rice storage constraint was the rodent attacks and the surveyed farmers proposed thirteen key solutions to minimize constraints related to rice storage. Among various pest control methods recorded, farmers used mainly synthetic chemical pesticides. However, the Beninese National Pesticide Management Committee (CNGP) does not recommend for the rice protection (prohibited pesticides or intended for the protection of other crops) most of pesticides used by farmers. Farming experience, family size, region, and number of observed pests have significantly influenced farmers’ decision to use pesticides. CONCLUSION: The rice pests perceived by farmers as important vary significantly across regions. These results suggest that IPM programs that target rice pests accounting for these regional differences will be more effective. The identified variables that influence the use of pesticides must be taken in account in the development of strategies to encourage farmers to use eco-friendly pest management