Agricultural services on the demand and supply for improving agricultural productivity in Benin

Abstract

The Beninese government has undertaken far-reaching reforms in the agricultural service supply in Benin since 2016. The objective of the article was to assess the level of satisfaction of the agricultural services supply and demand and to analyze the determinants of the level of satisfaction of agricultural services in Benin. The primary data used was provided from entire national territory by taking into account all agricultural areas from a representative sample of 4,880 farmers using the seven Territorial Agencies for Agricultural Development (ATDA). Descriptive statistics and the ordered logit predictive model were the methods of analysis. The results showed an overall satisfaction rate of 18.9%. These results reflect a low level of satisfaction of farmers in Benin. The main determinants of satisfaction with the agricultural services supply were gender, proportion of income from agriculture, contact with an agricultural advice agent, use of chemical fertilizer, use of motorized traction and access to improved seeds/planting materials/suckers. As a result, efforts remain to be made to meet the demand of farmers in providing agricultural service by a better coverage of agricultural services to improve farmers’ income and contribute to food and nutritional security and improved living conditions. Key words: Agriculture, satisfaction, agricultural service, food security, Benin Republic.