Determinants of women small ruminant farmers’ perceptions of climate change impact in Northern Benin

Context The effectiveness of adaptation strategies employed by women small ruminant farmers to combat climate change depends on the accuracy of their perceptions. However, these women’s perceptions are not well understood and are seldom considered in climate change adaptation policies. Aims The aim of this study is to analyze the perceptions of women herders of small ruminants on the effects of climate change in four communes in northern Benin. Methods A total of 120 women farmers were purposefully selected and surveyed. Sociodemographic parameters and the perception rates of these farmers were analyzed using a multinomial logit model to understand the determinants of climate change perception. Key results All surveyed women perceived the effects of climate change, such as delayed rains (73%), early cessation of rains (70%), floods (87.5%), irregular rainfall (62.5%), poor spatial distribution of rains (98%), increased heat (95%), reduced coolness (61.17%), increased strong winds (81%) and wind direction instability (64%) over the past 20 years. Age, education level, farming experience, family size, extension contact, the number of sheep and the number of goats were factors that contributed to evaluating these women’s perceptions of climate change. Conclusions In conclusion, climate change is making livestock farming highly vulnerable. It leads to a scarcity of pastoral resources and a deterioration in animal health. This study recommends promoting training actions for women pastoralists, so that they could be better prepared for preventing and coping with climatic disasters. Implications Future research should compare the differences in adaptation strategies implemented by men and women herders who are better prepared to prevent and cope with climate-related disasters.