Perception of the sedentarization of cattle herds by livestock farmers in the Sudanian and Sudano-Guinean zones of northern Benin

Decision-makers want livestock farmers and their animals to settle down in order to prevent or considerably reduce conflicts with crop farmers and to provide them with support for intensive, sustainable livestock production.This study was carried out for ascertaining herders' perceptions of sedentarization in the localities of Tchaourou, Djougou, Matri and Gogounou in northern Benin.Using SPSS version 21 software, a descriptive statistical analysis was carried out to determine the different proportions of herders with regard to sedentarization.Overall, 88.33% of farmers were in favor of sedentary farming.Farmers in the Sudano-Guinean zone (48.54%) were more favorable than those in the Sudano-Guinean zone (39.79%).From the point of view of animal production and health, farmers felt that there would be an increase in cattle size (82.71%),animal weight (81.25%), growth of young cattle (76.25%) and a reduction in the number of abortions (81.67%), mortality of young cattle (78.54%) and the frequency of animal diseases (83.13%).On the social front, herders reported a reduction in the frequency of famine (75.83%), a reduction in the phenomenon of hostage-taking or kidnapping of children driving cattle to pasture (83.13%), and conflicts between crop farmers and herders (76.67%).These results also show that there is a fringe of herders who need to be supported for a sustainable adoption of sedentary herding in North Benin.