Diversity of Gudali cattle husbandry practices in Benin

Abstract

Livestock rearing practices are important to sustainable agricultural systems and rural livelihoods as they provide income and food security. This study of 5,144 Gudali cattle on 120 farms in Malanville and Tchaourou (Benin) analyzes traditional breeding practices to optimize productivity. Researchers collected quantitative and qualitative data through a semi structured field survey and analyzed it using R, performing descriptive statistics, factorial correspondence analysis, hierarchical clustering, and multinomial logistic regression model. Four distinct Gudali cattle farming system groups were identified based on livestock management practices and herd composition. The first system comprises large sedentary purebred herds with an average of 74.50 ± 9.74 heads, mainly managed by Fulani Haoussa breeders with no formal schooling. The second system comprises large transhumant purebred herds averaging 90.11 ± 30.84 heads, often inherited and managed by unschooled and untrained herders. The third, about 34.17% of farmers, includes sedentary herds of mixed breed Gudali with an average of 24.27 ± 3.63 heads. The fourth is smaller transhumant herds averaging 23.68 ± 5.05 heads, dominated by illiterate Fulani Haoussa breeders (92.5%). Multinomial logistic regression showed that breeder ethnicity, education level, herd origin and herd composition significantly influenced system choice. For example, Fulani Haoussa and Zerma breeders favored sedentary pure-breeding or mixed transhumant systems, whereas technical training increased and Koranic schooling decreased the likelihood of sedentary pure-breeding. Similarly, herds inherited from family legacy strongly favored pure-breeding while herds acquired by purchase or containing multiple breeds and bulls were more often managed as mixed or transhumant systems. Overall, the results highlight the diversity of Gudali breeding practices and socio-economic characteristics. These typologies and determinants can guide the design of sustainable community-based cattle breeding programs and livestock policy in Benin’s dairy and beef sectors.