A Correspondence Factor Analysis of Famers’ Perceptions of Climate Change Impacts, and Adaptation Strategies in Sorghum production in Bénin

The study assessed the farmer’s perceptions on the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies on sorghum production in Benin. From 2023 to 2024, data on climate impact perception and adaptation strategies were collected from 289 producers using a questionnaire. Data gathered were subjected to calculations of relative frequencies and Correspondence Factor Analysis (CFA). The results showed that producers perceive climate change and its effects on sorghum cultivation differently across agroecological zones. The delay in the first rains (75%), decreases in dew (76%), frequency of rain failures (76%), destruction of seedlings by predators (64%), and decrease in plant tillering rate (47%) were some of the climate impact perceptions mentioned. The Correspondence Factor Analysis revealed that the cotton zone in central Benin was more affected by water constraints leading to a decrease in sorghum yields, while those in northern Benin and Western Atacora were more affected by field attacks by Striga and grain loss at maturity due to intense sunlight. However, adaptation measures aimed at reducing these constraints are being developed. These measures include cropping systems diversification, adjustments of cropping calendar, and changes in crop maintenance practices. In addition, the generalization of certain measures such as reducing cultivation areas and adopting early maturing varieties may over time lead to a loss of sorghum varietal diversity and further weaken sorghum-based cropping systems. In this context, it is important for key stakeholders, to consider a comprehensive review of smart adaptation measures for better resilience of the sorghum cropping systems to climate change in Bénin.