Land use change and food security: has introduction of rice production in cotton zone in Benin met optimal allocation of resources by households?

Haroll Kokoye, University of Giessen and University of Parakou
Silvere Tovignan, University of Parakou

The introduction of rice production even in cotton production zone becomes an alternative for diversifying agriculture in order to face food security issue and soil degradation problem. Re-change the land use becomes one possibility and the farmers cultivates several crops in the year which enter in competition in terms of resources use. This study carried out in Benin, analyses the rationality of farmers in the management of his farm and finds out the allocation of resources that allow him to maximise his profit. The model built showed that rice is the most profitable crop while cotton gross margin is low. It reduces then the area of cotton for about 56% in current situation and allows its cultivation with more than 1378kg/ha. It allows the production of maize, sorghum, peanut and the soy bean for ensuring the food security of the household whereas rice and the bean have an economic importance.