Effect of climate change adaptation strategies on the profitability of agricultural farms in the Commune of Materi in North-Western Bénin

Abstract

Climate change threatens all sectors of socio-economic life in most countries around the world. The Beninese agricultural sector is already suffering from its adverse effects, which adaptation strategies help to mitigate. The present research aims to determine the effect of adaptation strategies on the economic profitability of agricultural farms in the Commune of Matéri, which is located in Northwestern Bénin. Data collection was conducted with a sample of 383 agricultural operators. Descriptive statistics, farm accounts, cost-benefit analysis, and a regression model estimated using the Ordinary Least Squares method based on the COBB-DOUGLAS production function were used in the data analysis. All producers adopted at least one of the 17 measures divided into five strategies to adapt to climate change. Agricultural production remained a profitable activity in Matéri despite climate change, as it generated a profit ranging between 150,165 F CFA/ha and 88,010 F CFA/ha depended on the type of adopted strategy. As for the cost-benefit ratio, it ranges between 0.79 and 1.48. The strategy that calls for sustainable land management is the most beneficial and the most adopted in the area. In terms of profit determinants, the cultivated area, experience in agriculture, access to education, and Sustainable Land Management are the variables on which farmers must focus their intervention.