Abstract

In the wetlands of the south of Benin, the fishery occupying nearly 75% of the population depends on the random nature of the climate; Making the majority vulnerable to climate change.
This study analyzes the peasant perception of climate change and aims to support operators of traditional fish holes for the implementation of adaptation strategies in order to cope with climate change. To this end, we investigated 366 producers and 23 resource persons, political and administrative staff and technical staff in the lower Ouémé valley.
The major climatic risks identified are drought, floods, late and violent rains and excessive heat. The most impacted ecosystem resources are soil and water resources. Different strategies have been put in place by producers to address them, but their low adaptive capacity means that they remain vulnerable to climate change. Prioritizing adaptation options suggests that semi-intensive or intensive fish farming should be associated with production before the flood period, then develop hydro-agricultural facilities, and build infrastructure (roads and trails) Improve the standard of living of the population. It should also be noted that the absence of early warning systems constitutes a brake on the development of production.