Are non-ecological fishing practices in North-Western Benin the result of fishing policies?

Abstract

The sustainable management of fishery resources is a major challenge for Benin. This contribution analyzes the interactions between fishing policies and the unsustainable practices of fishers in Benin, focusing on the Atacora department, particularly the commune of Toucountouna. The methodology combined documentary research, field surveys using questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews with 60 respondents. The data collected were analyzed using bar and frequency histograms, as well as pie charts. The results showed that fishing policies in Benin had evolved since independence toward more sustainable management, with the adoption of legislative texts and management plans. However, challenges persisted, such as a lack of institutional coordination and resources. In Atacora, artisanal fishing (51.67%) and traditional fishing (48.33%) were the dominant methods. The most commonly used techniques were collective recession fishing (53.33%) and traditional dry-season fishing (36.67%). Some practices, such as dam construction, had negative impacts on ecosystems. The main reasons for unsustainable practices were poverty, lack of economic alternatives, and limited access to sustainable technologies. The three quarters of fishers were aware of the negative impacts, but they persisted due to financial necessity. The study highlights the shared responsibility of actors (the State, communities, private sector, NGOs) in the transition toward sustainable fishing. Recommendations are made to strengthen governance, to support research, to promote aquaculture, to diversify economic activities, to raise stakeholder awareness and to establish incentives. In short, despite progress in public policies, major challenges persist in ensuring the sustainability of the fishing sector in Benin. Concrete actions and a multidimensional approach are necessary.