Assessment of the economic and socio-territorial sustainability of cow milk production systems around coastal cities of West Africa: A case study in Benin

Abstract

Dairy farms are expanding around urban areas in West Africa, driven by rising urban demand for milk and dairy products, but rapid urbanization raises concerns about their long-term sustainability. This study assessed the socio-territorial and economic sustainability of six grazing-based dairy farm types in the peri-urban areas of South Benin, applying the IDEA (Indicateurs de Durabilité des Exploitations Agricoles) framework. Data were collected from 130 farms for socio-territorial assessment and from 30 farms for economic assessment through structured interviews. The questionnaire was designed and sustainability scores, ranging from 0 to 100 points per scale, were calculated according to the IDEA version 3 grid. Results revealed that socio-territorial sustainability scores differed significantly among farm types (p < 0.05). Medium-size taurine herds and large taurine-zebu crossbred herds consistently achieved higher scores in product quality, social involvement, autonomy and the development of local resources, contribution to employment, collective work, animal well-being, and training. In contrast, small and medium zebu herds showed significantly lower performances in these indicators. Economic sustainability scores did not differ significantly across farm types (p > 0.05), with all systems averaging 64 points, indicating comparable levels of economic viability, financial independence, transferability, and efficiency. Overall sustainability score was highest in farms with medium-size taurine herds (66.3 points) and lowest in small- and medium-size zebu herds (59.6 points). Despite generally solid socio-territorial and economic performances, the long-term sustainability of peri-urban dairy farms may be threatened by land pressure and government sedentarisation policies, which could raise production costs and complicate grazing management. • Dairy farming expands in Benin’s peri-urban areas, driven by local milk demand • Peri-urban dairy farm types differ markedly in their socio-territorial sustainability. • Economic sustainability shows limited variation across farm types. • Medium-sized taurine herds achieve the highest overall sustainability scores. • Relocation policies and grazing restrictions threaten their long-term sustainability.