Drivers of Farmers' Perception of the Environmental Externalities of Cotton Production Practices in Benin: A Tobit Analysis

Abstract

This study has sought to explore farmers' perceptions of the environmental externalities of cotton production in Benin and the factors influencing the level of perception. Data were collected in northern Benin from 387 randomly selected households (189 organics and 198 conventional). The perception index has been modeled using a Tobit model to analysis the factors that determine perception. The findings reveal that organic producers have a better perception of the environmental externalities of cotton production. Decline in soil fertility is the most perceived negative externality. The factors determining perception are male sex, education level, household size, contact with extension, training on production practices, adoption of organic cotton, experience with the negative effect of pesticides, level of soil degradation and fertility. These results highlight the importance of training and awareness programs regarding good production practices.