Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Cassava Production in Benin: Adoption Rates and Crop Loss Reduction

Cassava is a critical staple crop in Benin, facing significant pest pressure that threatens yields and food security. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews was employed to assess farmer participation and IPM strategy effectiveness. Amongst surveyed farmers, 60% adopted at least one IPM practice. Crop loss reductions ranged from 15-30%, indicating a promising effect of IPM strategies on reducing pest damage. The findings suggest that integrating farmer participation into IPM programmes could significantly enhance the effectiveness in mitigating pest threats to cassava crops. Future interventions should focus on scaling up IPM adoption through targeted training and resource provision, particularly among smallholder farmers. Cassava, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Benin, farmer participation, crop loss reduction The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.