Benin Government Issues Measures to Protect Crops from Bird Attacks

The Benin government has issued a statement urging farmers to take immediate action to protect their crops from attacks by granivorous birds in the commune of Matéri, particularly in the arrondissement of Dassari. The birds, identified as of the genus Quelea, have been threatening rice, sorghum, and millet crops. To mitigate the damage, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries has recommended several measures.

Farmers are advised to maintain a continuous presence in their fields during the day, organized through rotations among producers, to quickly detect the arrival of the birds. Collective scaring methods, including loud noises, hand clapping, whistling, and the use of sound-producing containers and mobile ribbons, are also suggested to scare the birds away. The ministry emphasizes the importance of coordinating these efforts among neighboring farms to prevent the birds from simply moving from one field to another.

In addition to these measures, farmers are encouraged to observe the direction taken by the birds in the late afternoon and report their gathering sites to agricultural agents or local authorities. Any interventions at these sites must be carried out under the supervision of competent services. The government also advises farmers to promptly harvest mature crops, with the assistance of agricultural agents, and store the harvested products safely.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries has stressed that the use of poison, poisoned baits, or bush fires to control the bird population is strictly prohibited. The destruction of trees that serve as bird refuges is also forbidden. Instead, the ministry is counting on solidarity among farmers and close collaboration with technical services to contain the attacks.

Farmers are urged to report any new attacks to the agricultural agents, providing details on the affected village, field location, damaged crops, and extent of the damage. The government has assured its support in containing the situation and mitigating the impact on the crops.

The measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the phenomenon and minimize losses for farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries is working closely with local authorities and farmers to implement these measures and protect the crops.

The Benin government has called on farmers to remain vigilant and take collective action to safeguard their crops. The situation is being closely monitored, and further measures will be taken if necessary to prevent further damage.

Key points

• The Benin government has advised farmers to take collective action against bird attacks that have been threatening rice, sorghum, and millet crops in the commune of Matéri.
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries has recommended several measures to protect the crops, including maintaining a continuous presence in fields and using collective scaring methods.
• The use of poison, poisoned baits, or bush fires to control the bird population is strictly prohibited.