Benin
Mono, Atacora,
Borgou and Atlantique
Departments
9
local
partners
7,183
direct beneficiaries
in 2023
Benin, a coastal country in West Africa, boasts a magnificent diversity of landscapes. Its forest ecosystems hide great riches, as does its subsoil. Although it has significant mineral resources, the country is still relatively untouched by mining. But the wealth of this nation lies above all in its immense cultural heritage, made up of the traditions of the very many ethnic groups (around forty) that make up its population. In particular, it is known as the homeland of voodoo.
Benin is one of the poorest countries on the planet. 20% of its population lives with less than 2 euros per day.
Concerning health:
- 1.1 million children, or 3 out of 10, suffer from chronic malnutrition.
- 30% of children under the age of 5 are stunted.
- The maternal mortality rate is one of the highest in the world: 397 mothers die for every 100,000 live births (2018).
- 8% of the population has health insurance.
In terms of employment, the country's main source of income is agriculture:
- 70% of the working population is employed in the agricultural sector.
- Only 35% of women are literate, so they are under-represented in decision-making positions.
Natural resources:
- Benin's forests are very valuable and vital for the population.
- Between 2005 and 2015, they lost 20% of their surface area (7.6 to 6 million hectares).
- The rate of deforestation remains very high, at 2.2% per year.
Our actions
Agroecology
Our goal is to develop sustainable and equitable food and agricultural systems through an integrated approach that combines ecological and social principles to optimize interactions among plants, animals, humans, and the environment.
To achieve this, in collaboration with our local partners, we offer farmers training in agricultural techniques and management. We also provide advice on the best way to market what they produce. This involves technical support (processing tools, storage spaces, etc.) as well as improving access to rural financing and markets.
The use of the TAPE Tool (Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation) implemented by the FAO allows us to assess the state of agroecological transition on farms and monitor the environmental, economic, and social performance of farmers.
We also promote agroecological practices and train farmers in sustainable management of environmental resources.
Partner: GEL Sud Bénin
Entrepreneurship
Our objective is to support entrepreneurial initiatives or entrepreneurial dynamics and the structuring of cooperatives, through the support of a non-financial business development structure or mechanism, in order to improve household incomes and well-being.
To achieve this, in collaboration with our local partners, we foster an organizational culture and enhance the technical and managerial skills of economic initiative holders, particularly through non-financial services and advice. We also support public-private consultation dynamics and facilitate access for producers to markets and financing.
Furthermore, we assist in the structuring and good governance of agricultural product transformation cooperatives.
In general, we promote social, sustainable, and inclusive entrepreneurship, particularly towards women, through initiatives such as functional literacy and a rights-based approach.
Partners: GEL Sud Bénin, GROPERE
Natural resources
Our objective is to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly mangrove areas, by working to protect biodiversity, safeguard ecosystem services and promote socio-ecological resilience, with the involvement of local authorities and communities.
To achieve this, we work with our local partners to inform local communities about mangrove ecosystem management. This involves training and awareness-raising activities on the issues involved in the sustainable management of these resources.
We carry out reforestation activities and raise awareness among the various actors involved about regulatory texts, management plans and water body restoration operations.
We take part in consultation frameworks involved in ecosystem management and support the mangrove ecosystem governance authority in its mission.
We combat the destruction of mangroves by developing sustainable economic sectors, energy production alternatives and nature-based adaptation solutions, while at the same time carrying out environmental restoration and conservation actions.
Partners : ACTION PLUS, ECO BENIN
Social Protection
Our objective is to facilitate access to quality healthcare for rural populations and the informal sector, by developing the mutualist movement and social protection at the community, regional, and national levels, in order to protect individuals against social risks that may push them into poverty.
To achieve this, in collaboration with our local partners, we support the national platforms of the Beninese mutualist movement, to ensure they harmonize their practices. We also advocate for the inclusion of the mutualist movement in the Universal Health Coverage scheme implemented by the government.
We also work with Health Mutual Unions to improve their technical capacities (including digitization and the use of information and communication technologies) and management in supporting their member mutuals. These actions also aim to improve the quality of care in accredited health centres.
At a more local level, we support community health mutuals in their general operation, as well as in awareness-raising activities. These structures are effective tools for preventing noncontagious diseases such as diabetes, as well as breast and cervical cancers. They also play a role in providing women with information on sexual and reproductive health.
We also ensure that the work carried out by health mutuals is coordinated with local Social and Solidarity Economy Initiatives.
Partners: FHV, REMUSA, UMUSOP, CONSAMUS, and FENAMUS
Some results in 2023
115 hectares are dedicated to agroecological production.
6,965 beneficiaries
mutual health insurance.
80% of literate learners are now able to read and write in the local language.
11 hectares
of restored mangroves.
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