Controlling banana bunchy top disease in Benin: crop protection strategies with socioeconomic perspectives

Banana and plantain are critical for food security and income generation in West Africa, particularly for smallholder farmers in countries such as Benin. However, banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) poses a major threat to sustainable production. This study integrates high-resolution remote sensing, field epidemiology, mathematical modelling, and socioeconomic analysis to improve understanding of the spread of BBTV and to evaluate the effectiveness of different disease control strategies. The overarching objective is to generate evidence-based insights and actionable guidance for improving BBTV management and policy at both local and national scales. Our findings reveal that BBTV risk is highest in southern Benin, where socioeconomic vulnerability is also greatest. Low disease awareness, limited adoption of effective control methods, and informal exchange and reuse of planting material exacerbate this risk. By identifying priority areas and strategies tailored to local social, economic, and agroecological contexts, this research offers a roadmap for designing targeted, sustainable BBTV management programs. These insights can support smallholder resilience, reduce disease burden, and safeguard banana-based livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa.