Small Ruminant Farming in Benin: Characterization, Knowledge and Practices of Breeders Facing Peste des Petits Ruminants

Abstract

A study was conducted across the Benin territory to assess the knowledge of small ruminant farmers about the Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) disease. The study involved 1381 farmers from 45 communes across all departments using a structured questionnaire to understand socio-economic characteristics, the genotype of farmers, and knowledge and practices in case of suspicion of PPR. Three distinct and homogeneous groups (G1, G2 and G3) were formed, with a chi-square test to compare the calculated frequencies. The majority of the farmers were young men (93.8%) and small animal handlers (< 20 ovins and caprins). The Djallonké ovines and caprins were the most used by the G1 and G2 farmers due to their availability and affordable price. In the G3 group, animals were mainly confined to wood-based habitats (32.84%), and zootechnic performance was the main criteria for their choice. Local and occasional food availability was the main source of food for the three groups, resulting in a low to average knowledge of the disease signs and practices. The G3 farmers had a very good knowledge of the disease, practising the recommended measures (vaccination: 56.37%) and quarantine.