Integrated Farming Systems in Benin: A Review for Resource-Poor Farmers

Integrated farming systems have been proposed as a solution to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in resource-poor environments. A comprehensive search strategy was employed using multiple databases and reference lists, with articles screened based on predefined inclusion criteria. A qualitative synthesis approach was used to analyse the data. The analysis revealed that integrated farming systems often integrate crop diversification, livestock integration, and agroforestry practices, contributing positively to soil health and biodiversity in Benin's agricultural landscape. Resource-poor farmers in Benin can benefit from adopting integrated farming systems which have shown promise in improving yields and environmental sustainability while enhancing resilience against climate change impacts. Given the positive findings, it is recommended that policymakers support further research and extension programmes to promote widespread adoption of these systems among resource-poor farmers in Benin. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.