Drought and flood hazards in inland valleys of Benin: severities, adaptation strategies and associated factors across the Sudano-Guinean and Guinean zones

Inland valleys (IVs) are vital socio-ecological systems in Sub-Saharan Africa and are crucial for agriculture and ecosystem services. However, they are susceptible to drought and flooding and require adaptation strategies informed by robust spatiotemporal analyses of hazards. This study (i) assesses the spatial and temporal distribution and severity of drought and wet conditions; (ii) identify key climatic and biophysical factors associated with these events; and (iii) determine the socio-economic and environmental factors associated with farmers adaptation responses in Benin. Biophysical, climate (1991–2021) and socio-economic data were collected in 68 IVs distributed in Benin's Guinean and Sudano-Guinean climate zones. Results showed that the years 2001, 2002, and 2016 were classified as extreme drought years across all IVs, while 2008, 2009, and 2019 experienced extreme wetness. Drought, occurring in 35 % of the total IVs, was more frequent in the Sudano-Guinean zone and mainly characterised by soil organic carbon, standardised precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), and sand content. Wet, affecting 30 % of the total IVs, was more frequent in the Guinean zone and was linked to average annual rainfall, sand content, and SPEI. Farmers responded to drought hazards by adopting organic farming (58 %), implementing irrigation (47 %) and adjusting cropping seasons (85 %). For extreme wet and flood hazards, farmers responded with changes in the cultivation areas (76 %), agroforestry and use of straw and fallow (64 %), and adjustments in cropping seasons and areas (84 %). These adaptation strategies were influenced by market access, access to extension services, and infrastructures. The study underscores the need for enhancing monitoring and early warning systems that integrate climate, soil, and socio-economic factors to better detect and respond to drought and flood risks. • This study investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of drought and flood hazards affecting inland valleys (IVs) in Benin. • 35 % of the studied IVs were prone to drought, while 30 % were susceptible to flooding. • Farmers mostly respond to drought and flooding by adjusting cropping seasons. • Enhanced monitoring and effective early warning systems are essential to reduce drought and flooding hazards occurrences and impacts in IVs.