Intro: A pressing challenge for Benin’s dairy sector
In Benin’s drylands, climate pressures are reshaping how farmers feed and sustain around six million grazing animals. The country’s vast, hot landscapes—covering roughly 70% of its land area—pose daily challenges for herders and dairy producers. A new study highlights a potentially powerful, nature-based solution: leveraging native tree species to bolster climate resilience in dairy farming.
Why Indigenous trees matter in a warming Sahelian context
Indigenous trees, adapted to Benin’s harsh conditions, offer more than shade. They can improve pasture quality, stabilize soils, and support microbial life that enriches water retention. For dairy systems, the immediate benefits are tangible: increased fodder diversity, reduced forage gaps during dry spells, and improved animal welfare through cooler microclimates. The study emphasizes that these trees are not exotic add-ons but integral parts of the landscape that can be managed to strengthen the whole farming system.
Mechanisms: how trees support dairy resilience
- Fodder and fodder trees: Leaf and pod-rich trees provide supplementary browse, helping herders sustain lactating cows when grasses dry up.
- Shade and heat stress reduction: Canopies create cooler resting areas, reducing heat load and potentially improving milk yield and quality.
- Soil and moisture conservation: Tree roots enhance soil structure, reduce erosion, and boost soil moisture, supporting pastures over longer seasons.
- Biodiversity and resilience: A diverse tree canopy supports insect-pivotal pollinators and soil microbes, contributing to healthier grazing lands.
From research to practice: what farmers can do
The study points to practical, scalable steps for communities and policymakers. First, map and restore a mix of native tree species that are both drought-tolerant and suitable for fodder. Second, integrate trees with grazing plans—designing layouts that optimize shade for high-milk-output periods while preserving feed availability. Third, invest in extension services and knowledge-sharing platforms so smallholders can access guidance on pruning, coppicing, and water management around trees. Finally, develop incentives that recognize the long-term value trees provide, including carbon credits where applicable.
A regional opportunity with local roots
Benin’s experience is emblematic of a broader Sahelian shift toward agroforestry-based resilience. The approach aligns with sustainable development goals by supporting farm income, improving animal welfare, and protecting ecosystems. It also offers a hedge against climate volatility—droughts, heat waves, and erratic rainfall—that disrupt milk production cycles and threaten rural livelihoods. For farmers who have long stewarded this land, indigenous trees represent a natural ally in the quest for productive, climate-resilient dairy farming.
Looking ahead: research, policy, and practice
Researchers advocate for more field trials to identify the best combinations of tree species and grazing schedules tailored to local conditions. Policymakers are called to create enabling environments—credit lines for agroforestry, access to planting materials, and training programs—that translate knowledge into actionable farm-level changes. With continued investment, the native trees that have long shaded Benin’s plains could become central to a dairy sector that is both productive and resilient in the face of climate change.
