Sheep-feeding practices and factors associated with fodder-tree integration in Northern Benin (West Africa)

Abstract Feed availability remains a major factor limiting animal productivity in sheep production systems in West Africa, especially during the dry season. This study analyzed sheep-feeding practices and examined factors associated with herders’ integration of fodder trees into sheep feeding in northern Benin. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 240 herders from six villages across three municipalities of the Borgou Department: N’Dali, Parakou, and Tchaourou. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics, complemented by a binary logistic regression model. Results revealed marked seasonal complementarity in feeding practices: natural pastures were used by more than 93% of herders during the rainy season. Fodder-tree integration was reported by 123 of the 240 herders (51.3%) and differed significantly between municipalities. All herders classified as fodder-tree users reported using these resources during the dry season. The hot dry season was the most frequently reported period of forage shortage. Among fodder-tree users, the most commonly used species were Ficus nymphaeifolia, Mangifera indica, Khaya senegalensis, and Afzelia africana , mainly harvested through pruning and cutting. Herders generally perceived fodder trees as beneficial for animal growth, animal health, and feed-cost reduction, but reported collection distance, limited resource availability, and access difficulties as major constraints. Schooling (OR = 4.560; 95% CI 2.152–9.661), membership in a herder organization (OR = 5.112; 95% CI 1.820–14.360), proximity to a forest (OR = 3.873; 95% CI 1.595–9.434), household size (OR = 1.342; 95% CI 1.100–1.638), and farm area (OR = 1.521; 95% CI 1.165–1.987) were positively associated with fodder-tree integration. These findings highlight the importance of considering herders’ socioeconomic, organizational, farm-level, and spatial characteristics when developing strategies for the sustainable use of fodder-tree resources.