Support project for agro-ecological transition/DEFIA: training of Beninese relay experts

As part of the project to support the agro-ecological transition of the pineapple sector in Benin, COLEACP organised a training for trainers’ session from 27 June to 9 July 2022 in Cotonou.

Sixteen experts took part in the session, which is the second of a three-phase training cycle aiming to strengthen the skills of relay experts on technical and pedagogical subjects so that they can subsequently support DEFIA’s partner groups in their agro-ecological transition projects.

This second session aimed to build participants’ capacity on the concept of agro-ecology, and to show them the key processes that can be fostered in order to initiate change in one or more directions; then, through the analysis of concrete examples, to enable them to understand how this knowledge can be used to design production systems/technical itineraries that meet the objectives of sustainable development and the main principles of agro-ecology as defined by the FAO, CIDSE and IPES FOOD.

Through the project, COLEACP intends to facilitate reflection and initiate a process of agro-ecological transition of the sustainable production system for the pineapple sector in Benin, by providing Beninese operators with qualified service providers in key areas such as agro-ecological practices, preservation and restoration of soil fertility, crop associations, etc.

This activity was organised within the framework of the “Support project for the agro-ecological transition of the pineapple sector in Benin”, financed by ENABEL through its programme Development of Entrepreneurship in Agricultural Sectors (DEFIA) and implemented by COLEACP.