‘A pond with crocodiles never dries up’: a frame analysis of human–crocodile relationships in agro-pastoral dams in Northern Benin

Abstract

Crocodiles, a protected species, share ecosystem services with local communities in agro-pastoral dams in Northern Benin. Using a comparative case study conducted in three villages and a framing perspective, this study aims to elucidate how stakeholders frame the presence of crocodiles, and how they use formal and informal institutions to deal with them. Respondents framed the presence of the crocodiles as problematic because of their negative effects on local livelihoods and people's tranquillity. Both causes and solutions are, however, framed differently in the three communities. Whereas in Nikki and Sakabansi, respondents seek solutions in changing the ecological environment, requiring others (the council, fishermen, and crocodiles) to change their behaviour, Fombawi respondents seek to adapt their own behaviour by respecting and applying traditional and practical rules for sharing their dam. Damage per crocodile is the highest in Nikki and the lowest in Fombawi, suggesting that the crocodiles in Nikki behave more aggressively than those in Fombawi. Further investigation is merited to determine whether or not crocodiles behave less aggressively when dealt with according to specific institutions. Intensive communication among stakeholders in the three villages is recommended to exchange experiences and ideas that may support a peaceful human–crocodile relationship inspired by existing institutional solutions.

Keywords:

• water resources management
• human–crocodile interaction
• framing
• formal and informal rules
• competing claims on natural resources

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the programme Convergence of Sciences – Strengthening Innovation Systems in Benin, Ghana, and Mali for agreeing to host the project and for orienting the research in an inter-disciplinary field. The authors acknowledge the valuable contributions of Latifou Idrissou, Niels Röling, Paul Struik, and Laurens Klerkx. Special thanks to Nikki Council and the local communities of Nikki, Sakanbansi, and Fombawi, who collaborated with us and provided the data and insights necessary for this study.

Funding

This research was funded by the Netherlands Universities Foundation for International Cooperation (NPT/146/NUFFIC).