Use of animal traction techniques in the Kouande and Kerou Districts, Province de l"Atakora, Republique du Benin : a preliminary report

Animal traction techniques are available for plowing, ridging, weeding, harvesting, transport, harrowing, seeding, and drawing water. The author notes, however, that farmers do not always use the tools they purchase for the intended purpose. If plowing can be avoided many farmers do not plow but, instead, plant in ridges. Despite the adaptation of tools, the use of animal traction for weeding is almost nonexistent. Animal traction is used during harvest to pull the carts and also to carry construction materials and fire wood. Farmers continue to purchase plows, ridgers, and peanut lifters; this indicates that, despite the fact that the standard animal traction techniques have been spottily adopted in the survey area, farmers apparently continue to perceive net benefits from animal traction in increasing numbers. The role of the extension agent in Benin is that of educator and facilitator. The apparent haphazard and disjointed penetration of animal traction techniques can be traced to the fact that most farmers had little or no guidance when they started animal traction. The subjective observations in this paper are a prelude to a farm level survey which should provide a comprehensive and reliable data base on the current use of animal traction in the north of Benin. With a reliable information base it will be possible to develop concrete propositions to improve the use of animal traction techniques in Benin and the capacity of national agencies to supply the necessary services.