Diversity in Smallholder Citrus Orchards and Cultivation Bottlenecks: Research Avenues for Improved Production in Benin, West Africa

Abstract

SUMMARYDespite tremendous efforts made in agricultural sectors in sub-Saharan Africa in the last two decades, fruits production and consumption to reduce malnutrition and chronic diseases remain low and have received less attention. Moreover, our knowledge of the current production situation and options for improvement are still limited. In this study, we investigated citrus farming systems and production bottlenecks to identify leverage points for intensification of smallholder citrus farming systems in Benin. We provided a typology of citrus orchards based on 17 quantitative and qualitative variables using Factor Analysis of Mixed Data combined with Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. The typology revealed four categories of citrus farms based on biophysical resources, socioeconomic resources and system management practices. Categories 1 and 2 included farms characterised by less diversified cropping systems with non-recommended management practices. Orchard categories 3 and 4 included farms with high varietal diversity and improved management practices. However, farmers of category 4 neglected staking and digging practices. The inadequate farming practices explained some of the production bottlenecks, which were orchard-type dependent. We discussed the implications of our findings and suggested a number of policy and strategic decisions as well as research and development actions for improving citrus production in Benin.

Citrus in Benin Republic: past, present, and future challenges

“…Sweet orange is the main grown cultivar with Valencia and Pineapple orange the overlooking (Akohoue et al, 2018). The sweet orange harvested area increases over the years from 1,410 ha in 1961 to 6,375 ha in 2017 while the yield decreased from 7,262.4 kg ha -1 in 1961 to 2,317.4 kg ha -1 in 2017 ( Figure 3) (FAO, 2018).…”

“…Moreover, in respect of the climates (monthly average rain, daily average temperature, daily length, relative humidity (RH)) and soils parameters (pH, altitude, structure, texture) of West African region, Benin Republic is most suitable for citrus cultivation compare to non-coastal West-African countries such as Niger, Mali, and Burkina-Faso. Beninese sweet oranges are exported to Niger and Togo and, sweet orange and Orlando tangelo to Nigeria (Akohoue et al, 2018;Gnimadi, 2008;Lokossou et al, 2009;Praloran, 1972). The creation of the value chain and prospects of new markets may add value to citrus fruits in the country.…”

“…to plastic pots where they stay until been purchased by farmers. Later, the grafted citrus are transferred to the open field (rainfall-dependent) at the rate of 260 to 271 trees per hectare (Akohoue et al, 2018). In hot and humid areas like the Benin Republic, priority should be given to a planting rate ranging from 156 to 204 plants.…”

“…Climate change, which affects the entire country, may negatively affect citrus production in upcoming years. Yet, Akohoue et al (2018) pointed out climate variability as the third most important crucial constraint for citrus cultivation in the Benin Republic. It may directly or/ and indirectly affect citrus phenology, and the crop interactions of the crop with various pests, pathogens, and soil microbial communities.…”

“…In commercials orchards, smallholder farmers use to manage soil fertility with crop residues (Akohoue et al, 2018) and animal wastes. Some farmers mix chemical and organic fertilizer while others exclusively use Urea (46% N) or compound fertilizers derive from a diversion of those designed for cotton (14N-23P 2 O 5 -14K 2 O-5S-1BO 3 ) and vegetable cultivation (15N-15P 2 O 5 -15K 2 O) due to the lack of specific mineral fertilizer of citrus in the country (Akohoue et al, 2018;Massokonon, 2015). Some magnesium and Zinc deficiency cases and, manganese excess have been reported on citrus trees across the southern part of the country (Cassin, 1974;Lokossou et al, 2009;Montagut, 1974).…”