Cassava Mosaic Disease persistence: evidence from farmer adoption patterns of management practices in Benin

Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) remains a major constraint to cassava production in Sub-Saharan Africa despite extensive promotion of management practices. This study investigates the adoption and intensity of adoption of CMD management practices among 305 cassava farmers in southern Benin, using descriptive statistics and a Tobit regression model. Results show low overall adoption: only 9.84% of farmers fully implemented all three recommended practices—use of certified disease-free cuttings, removal of infected plants, and adherence to optimal planting density. Key factors positively influencing adoption include participation in CMD-related training, disease knowledge, intercropping practices, larger farm size, and farmer age, while larger household size negatively affects adoption intensity. These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions combining farmer training, improved access to certified planting materials, intercropping promotion, and decentralized advisory services. Strengthening farmers' decision-making capacity and addressing economic constraints are critical for the sustainable management of CMD and the improvement of cassava productivity in Benin. • Adoption of CMD management practices in Benin remains low, with only 9.84% of farmers fully implementing all recommended strategies. • Participation in training and disease knowledge significantly increase adoption intensity among cassava farmers. • Certified disease-free cuttings are the least adopted practice due to high costs and limited accessibility. • Intercropping and larger farm size positively influence CMD management adoption, while larger household size negatively affects adoption intensity. • Integrated interventions combining training, input subsidies, decentralized advisory services, and whiteflies management are critical for sustainable CMD control.