Workshop to launch the project “Support to the agroecological transition of the pineapple sector in Benin”

On 23 February, COLEACP organised a workshop in Cotonou to launch the project “Support to the agroecological transition of the pineapple sector in Benin”, within the framework of the DEFIA Programme (Development of Entrepreneurship in the Pineapple Sector) managed and financed by Enabel, the Belgian development agency. This 18-month project aims to enable operators in the pineapple value chain in Benin to begin a gradual transition to agroecology, while meeting the requirements of local, regional and international markets.

The workshop, which brought together some 60 actors from different entities (companies, producer groups, professional organisations, public services, support organisations, consulting firms, etc.), provided an opportunity to inform and raise awareness among participants about the basic principles and opportunities of agroecology.

During the implementation of the project, COLEACP will facilitate reflection on and initiation of a process of agroecological transition of the sustainable production system for Benin’s pineapple sector. This will be achieved through coaching and providing Beninese operators with qualified experts in the following key areas: agroecological practices, water management, soil fertility preservation and restoration, organic matter production and management (e.g. composting techniques), water management and sanitation, and the use of pesticides.

This project launch was held in the wider context of a workshop on the development of a sustainable agriculture and rural development programme in the region, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

This activity was organised within the framework of the project “Support to the agroecological transition of the pineapple sector in Benin” implemented by COLEACP and financed by Enabel through its DEFIA programme.