Cassava Mosaic Disease persistence: evidence from farmer adoption patterns of management practices in Benin
Authors: D` ewanou Kant David Ahoyaa,b, * , Ettien Antoine Adj´ ei c , Serge S` etondji Houedjissin b , J´ erˆ ome Anani Houngue b , Martine Zandjanakou-Tachin d , Jacob Afouda Yabi a , Eveline Marie Fulbert Windinmi Sawadogo-Compaoree , Modeste Kan Kouassi c , Fid` ele Tiendr´ eb´ eogo c , Ousmane Ndoye f , Justin Simon Pita c , Corneille Ahanhanzo b
Abstract
Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) remains a major constraint to cassava production in Sub-Saharan Africa despite extensive promotion of management practices. This study investigates the adoption and intensity of adoption of CMD management practices among 305 cassava farmers in southern Benin, using descriptive statistics and a Tobit regression model. Results show low overall adoption: only 9.84 % of farmers fully implemented all three recommended practices—use of certified disease-free cuttings, removal of infected plants, and adherence to optimal planting density. Key factors positively influencing adoption include participation in CMD-related training, disease knowledge, intercropping practices, larger farm size, and farmer age, while larger household size negatively affects adoption intensity. These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions combining farmer training, improved access to certified planting materials, intercropping promotion, and decentralized advisory services. Strengthening farmers’ decision-making capacity and addressing economic constraints are critical for the sustainable management of CMD and the improvement of cassava productivity in Benin.