Farmers’ and Herders’ Perceptions on Rangeland Management in Two Agroecological Zones of Benin

The sustainable use of rangelands in pastoral areas requires the inclusion all stakeholders to develop sound management strategies. However, role these actors natural resources is still poorly understood. present study aims (i) assess perception farmers and herders risks opportunities transhumance on rangeland resource management, (ii) generate useful knowledge for design implementation policies that favor coexistence reduce competition over Benin. To this end, interviews were conducted with 240 crop using a semi-structured questionnaire two contrasting agroecological zones northern (Kandi) southern (Kétou) part country. Among respondents, 64% North agro-pastoralists (owning 10.6 ha land 10.7 cattle) 36% (keeping 45.8 cattle cultivating about 3.7 land). They perceived communal entirely degraded. In South, respondents (with 0.3 farming 4 land) (raising 45.3 0.9 only). Of herders, 50% kept more than 20 years, while had no previous experience herding. Cultivation practices among farmers, such as high mineral fertilization (23.8%) bush fires clearing (22.5%), reported Kandi (North) Kétou (South) factors might contribute degradation. threat resources. contrast, an opportunity valorize unused increase availability manure cropland. prevalent negative attitude regarding transhumant increases vulnerability herding both regions. There urgent need raising awareness concerning mutual benefits provided by promote participative This may towards coping current challenges food insecurity increasing climate variability well reducing recurrent conflicts region.