The Benin government has announced measures to mitigate the impact of bird attacks on agricultural crops in Dassari, a commune in the Matéri department of Atacora. The attacks, carried out by birds of the Quelea genus, have targeted several farms in northern Benin, particularly those with maturing rice, sorghum, and millet crops. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, the damage is concentrated in controlled occupation zones of the Pendjari park, specifically in Pouri and Dassari-centre.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries reported on November 8, 2026, that the bird attacks have caused significant damage to crops in the region. The government has since mobilized technical services to protect the crops and minimize losses. The birds, described as migratory granivores, are attracted to maturing cereals. Their unusual presence in Benin is attributed to agricultural conditions in neighboring Sahelian countries, where early harvests have left them without a food source.
The birds have moved to Benin's nearby fields in search of food, causing damage to several hectares of crops. To limit their impact, the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment are exploring several control methods. These include using products to eliminate the birds and deploying nets to capture colonies in their tree-roosted habitats. The government is working actively to minimize the impact on production, according to Wilfried Houngbédji, government spokesperson.
Houngbédji explained that the early harvests in neighboring countries have led to the birds' migration to Benin. He noted that the birds are now targeting Benin's maturing crops, resulting in significant damage. The government is committed to finding a solution to this problem, which affects the livelihoods of local farmers.
The government is also considering examining the losses suffered by farmers and potentially providing support to those affected. However, any decision on compensation will require a thorough evaluation of the damage. The Ministry of Agriculture is working closely with local authorities to assess the situation and develop effective strategies to mitigate the impact of the bird attacks.
The bird attacks have raised concerns among local farmers, who rely heavily on their crops for income. The government's response aims to alleviate these concerns and ensure that farmers can continue to cultivate their land without significant losses. By exploring various control methods and engaging with local communities, the government hopes to find a sustainable solution to this problem.
The situation in Dassari and surrounding areas remains a priority for the Benin government, which is committed to supporting local farmers and protecting the country's agricultural production. Further updates on the government's response to the bird attacks are expected in the coming days.
Key points
- The Benin government is working to mitigate the impact of bird attacks on crops in Dassari, commune of Matéri, Atacora department.
- The attacks are caused by migratory birds of the Quelea genus, attracted to maturing cereals in the region.
- The government is exploring control methods, including using products to eliminate the birds and deploying nets to capture colonies.
