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Research AbstractFor decades, plant species, particularly those used as non-tree forest products (NTFPs), have been known to play an important role in the livelihood of local populations, particularly in rural Africa. The present study investigated the uses of various parts of Moringa oleifera Lam. in southern Benin. It aimed at capturing indigenous knowledge on the uses of M. oleifera as a preliminary step toward future efforts to devise better management options of this plant species. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in southern Benin (Guineo-Congolese zone) with a sample of 439 informants (201 women and 238 men) belonging to Fon, Waci, Xwla, Sahouè, Djerma, Kotafon, Aïzo, Goun, and Yoruba socio-cultural groups. It was found that M. oleifera is known in South Benin under different local names depending on the socio-cultural group. Leaves were the most used part followed by roots, bark, seeds, and pods. Leaves are eaten as a vegetable and also used for medicinal purposes. They are consumed fresh or dried and reduced to powder. Different parts of M. oleifera are used to treat up to 34 diseases according to the local populations. Leaves are also used as fodder for pigs, sheep, and rabbits. The seeds are used to carry out rites for blessing and attracting customers. The study showed that M. oleifera plays an important role in rural areas of South Benin where it is used as a nutritional and medicinal plant. Local populations could benefit by further adoption of the species in agroforestry systems. ResumeDepuis des décennies, les espèces végétales, particulièrement celles utilisées comme produits forestiers non ligneux (PFNLs) sont connues pour le rôle important qu'elles jouent dans la vie des populations locales. La présente étude a porté sur les utilisations

This study analyzed the ecological factors influencing soil degradation in the Atacora Mountains in northern Benin, which harbor two endemic species, Thunbergia atacorensis and Ipomoea beninensis. Data were collected along line transects from plain to summit within 22 plots of 30 m 3 30 m. Indicators of physical soil degradation (extent of organic layer, color of topsoil, compactness of soil, presence and extent of rills, and occurrence of sheet erosion) and environmental factors (canopy and ground cover, topography, occurrence of flooding, and slope) were assessed. Cluster analysis identified 4 soil degradation classes: light, moderate, high, and extreme. Discriminant and multivariate variance analyses identified canopy and ground cover as the 2 main ecological drivers of soil degradation. Plant, litter, and stone cover were found to decrease as soil degradation increased. The parts of the Atacora Mountains with high elevation and steep slope were found to be less degraded than areas with low slopes, which are easily accessible for human activities. Policies to mitigate soil degradation should prioritize practices with low impact on vegetation cover and promote soil protection practices such as tree planting and mulching.

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Digitalization is an opportunity for African farmers, as it brings several services and innovative technology closer to them. Nowadays, the digital agriculture ecosystem in Africa involves hundreds of start-ups and projects that work toward innovative and sustainable solutions. However, the government policies that need to create a conducive environment do not always keep pace with the digital ecosystems needs. In this article, we review ICT-related policies and their influence on agriculture in thirteen countries from West Africa and six from East Africa. The review was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. We used MCI and EBA ICT index for quantitative analysis on one hand, and on the other hand the content analysis technique Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used. The analysis yielded four main conclusions. First, government policies address mainly the areas of infrastructure development, digital finance and access to credit, and data protection. Second, countries with a dedicated ICT for agriculture strategy are scarce in East and West Africa. Third, in-country actions on e-agriculture are scattered with weak coordination and synergy. Fourth, East Africa is farther ahead than West Africa in terms of digital policy enforcement for agriculture on the continent. The findings have implications for policies that are more adapted to farmers’ context and needs.