Farmers' Perceptions of the Influence of Wildlife Biodiversity on Crop Yield in Dargué, Niger

Abstract

Background: Wildlife biodiversity in agricultural fields can provide ecological functions that support crop production, while some species may also damage crops. This study assessed farmers' perceptions of the influence of wildlife biodiversity on crop yield in Dargué, Niger. Methods: Data were collected from 200 participants, comprising 176 men and 24 women, through individual surveys and focus-group discussions. Descriptive analysis was used to summarise reported wildlife diversity and perceived effects on crops. Results: Farmers reported 74 wildlife species, including 29 bird, 26 insect, 9 mammal, 7 reptile, and 3 amphibian species. Wildlife was perceived as having both beneficial and harmful effects. Varanus exanthematicus and several bird species were regarded as beneficial mainly because of predation on crop-damaging insects. By contrast, Quelea quelea, Erythrocebus patas, Oedaleus senegalensis, toads, and mice were perceived as harmful at different stages of crop development. Farmers also associated the presence of plant species in fields with the return and maintenance of wildlife biodiversity. Conclusion: The findings indicate that farmers perceive wildlife biodiversity as a combination of ecosystem services and crop-related disservices rather than as uniformly beneficial or harmful. Management approaches should therefore seek to retain beneficial wildlife functions while reducing damage from species perceived as crop pests. The study provides a local basis for further assessment of wildlife–crop interactions in the wider region.