Rice production systems in northern Benin face persistent challenges related to soil fertility, dependence on external inputs and long-term sustainability. Applying the FAO Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), researchers from the University of Parakou assessed agroecological transition and farm performance across 438 rice farms in five municipalities: Gogounou, Malanville, Nikki, Parakou and Tanguiéta. The study, based on data collected in October and November 2024, compared three production systems: irrigated, rainfed and lowland rice.

The assessment identified significant differences in agroecological transition among the three systems. Irrigated rice farms recorded the highest median Characterization of Agroecological Transition (CAET) score (50.94), with particularly strong results for diversity (75%), recycling (60%), efficiency (60%) and synergies (55%). Rainfed rice systems had an intermediate median score of 40.65, while lowland rice systems scored 38.75. However, the difference between rainfed and lowland systems was not statistically significant, reflecting substantial variability among farms.

The multidimensional performance assessment revealed a more complex picture. Irrigated systems also recorded the highest median Performance Index (2), compared with 1 for rainfed systems and 0 for lowland systems. Across the full sample, productivity and added value were comparatively strong, whereas income, agricultural biodiversity and soil health were major areas of concern. Despite their higher transition scores, irrigated farms remained heavily dependent on mineral fertilizers and chemical pest control. The findings demonstrate the value of TAPE for identifying context-specific strengths and constraints, supporting more targeted interventions to improve soil health, strengthen ecological processes and reduce reliance on external inputs. The authors highlight the need for continued monitoring to understand how these farming systems evolve over time.