Diversity of Geese (Anser spp.) Farming Systems in Northern Benin, West Africa
Diversity of Geese (Anser spp.) Farming Systems in Northern Benin, West Africa
M. Azalou1,3*, C. C. Kpomasse1, A. S. Assani3,4, I. T. Alkoiret3,4, Wéré Pitala1,2
ABSTRACT
Goose farming is less developed in Benin compared to chicken and guinea fowl. The objective of this study was to characterize goose farms in northern Benin through the socio-demographic profile of the goose farmers, the modes of operation of the farms, and their constraints. Data were collected through a retrospective survey from 102 farms in four agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of northern Benin: the far northern zone of Benin (FNZB), the cotton zone of northern Benin (CZNB), the food-producing zone of southern Borgou (FZSB), and the West Atacora zone (WAZ). Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and ascending hierarchical clustering (AHC) identified three groups of goose farmers. Group 1 was composed of primary and secondary level goose farmers whose main activity was trade (56.1%); group 2 was composed of secondary level herders whose main activity was agriculture (59.38%); and group 3 included public servants (27.59%) with university-level education. As for the feeding of the geese, Group 3 fed more feed than Groups 1 and 2, where the majority of farmers used cereals, agro-industrial by-products, and food waste (p<0.05). The farming method and the total number of birds varied between rearing groups (p<0.05). The identification of these animals through their size and silhouette was more noticeable in Group 3 (58.62%) than in Groups 1 (46.34%) and 2 (50%). The production objective of all farmers was the production of meat for consumption. All geese farmers face almost the same difficulties, such as diseases, mortality, theft, and predators. Goose farming in northern Benin was therefore family-based, with a diversity in the activities of the goose farmers, the type of farming, and the diet. The results of this study will contribute to the implementation of programs to improve goose farming in Benin.
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