![]() Nevertheless, authors reported that it is labour-intensive ( 10– 12), thus contributing to increased employment and income generation. Their consumption has numerous health benefits, including preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. It is very rich in protein ( 7), essential vitamins and minerals, β-carotene ( 8), and fibre ( 9). Among those abandoned are snap beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Fabales: Fabaceae), an important vegetable crop ( 6) grown for its tender pods and green beans. However, due to the challenge in the cropping systems, many market gardeners need to move on to certain crops with high market and nutritional values. Vegetables and fruits are highly recommended because of their nutritional importance and numerous health benefits ( 5). Moreover, in the perspective of structural transformations in the national economy, the Benin Government, in its 2016–2021 Action Program and the 2025 strategic plan for agricultural sector development (PSDSA-2025), has placed the vegetable sector as one of the main vectors of wealth creation and employment ( 4). National statistics from 2007 indicate that vegetable production has the potential to contribute to the country’s economic growth through income generation via exports to regional and international markets ( 3). It represents an important income-generating activity and employment opportunity for youth ( 2). In Benin, vegetable production is more intense in southern Benin’s urban and peri-urban areas. These make vegetable production attractive, especially to young people and women. ![]() It is often carried out on small plots but results in high productivity within a relatively short period. Vegetable production stimulates rural and urban economies and generates employment and income in developing countries ( 1). Women are heavily involved in marketing but cannot expand their business due to low production and high importation.ĭiscussion: The study recommends that integrated pest management (IPM) and new varieties with tolerance to major pests and diseases be developed to address market demand and producers trained in agronomic practices. The leading causes of the decline were pests and diseases that affected the crops’ yield and quality, causing the local produce to be less valued than the imported ones. Only 13% of the beans traded are locally produced. As a consequence, Benin gets supplied through importations, with the highest importation flow coming from Togo (51%), followed by Burkina Faso (25%), and Ghana (12%). Results: The study found a drastic decline in the production of snap beans, with more than 60% abandonment over the last decade. Methods: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 602 bean producers and traders, randomly selected from 12 major vegetable-producing areas across Benin. This paper assessed the production system, market value, marketing channels, seed systems, and the constraints associated with Benin’s snap bean production from a gender lens. In Benin, snap beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are the most consumed leguminous vegetables however, their production is declining, driving the need to understand the current status of its industry to propose solutions for the revival of the sector. Among those, leguminous vegetables are more important, for low-income countries, because of their protein, mineral contents and potential to increase food security and income. 3International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenyaīackground: Vegetables and fruits are highly recommended in diets because of their nutritional importance.2International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Kigali, Rwanda.1Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.Eric Etchikinto Agoyi 1, Symphorien Essèdjo Ahomondji 1, Louis Butare 2, Eileen Bogweh Nchanji 3 *, Sergino Ayi 1, Achille Assogbadjo 1 and Brice Augustin Sinsin 1 ![]()
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