The situation
On 16 March, the first case of Covid-19 was reported in Benin. Farmers' families were quickly affected by the containment measures, as it became difficult to go to the various urban markets in Cotonou to sell their produce. Supplies of certain foodstuffs were also made more difficult by the closure of borders. In the Atacora region, fonio sales have been particularly poor. Stocks are therefore high, and the arrival of the rainy season is likely to damage them. In the south of the country, cassava processing cooperatives are facing a shortage of raw materials. In addition to the poor harvest in 2019, there are the restrictions imposed by Covid-19. Their members are therefore having to use part of their financial reserves to feed their families. In addition, field work has fallen behind schedule, and the slowdown in agricultural and economic activities could lead to a fall in household purchasing power.
OUR ACTIONS
Our Beninese health mutuals have distributed a number of messages and prevention materials against the virus. Fonio processors will receive support to sell their stocks, as will cassava processors to improve access to the raw material.
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