Determinants of the adoption of the gravity irrigation system by rice farmers in the Commune of Malanville in Northwestern Bénin

Irrigation makes it possible to satisfy many needs, especially in agricultural production. The objective of the study was to analyze the socio-economic factors determining the adoption of the gravity irrigation system by rice farmers in the Commune of Malanville in Northwestern Bénin. The data was collected from 160 farmers chosen at random at the level of the two irrigated perimeters of the commune. Information on socio-demographic and economic characteristics, fees for irrigated perimeter operators, membership of an association and contact with an extension service were collected. The analysis of the data collected was done using a binomial logit under the STATA software. The results revealed that the training received by the producer on irrigation systems, the practice of a secondary activity, the net operating income, the membership of the producer in a group or association and the contact of the producer with an extension service positively determine the adoption of the gravity irrigation system. The total area of rice sown by the producer negatively influences the adoption of the gravity irrigation system. These results challenge support organizations for rice farmers to train them on the process of the gravity irrigation system in the irrigated perimeter of Malanville.