Benin: Restoring old plantations to strengthen the value chain of cocoa Benin is taking steps to restore old cocoa plantations in order to reinforce the value chain of cocoa. This initiative aims to enhance the quality and sustainability of cocoa production, ensuring economic benefits for local farmers and contributing to the global cocoa supply chain. The government is investing in the revitalization of these plantations, which were once the backbone of the country's economy, to ensure a steady supply of high-quality cocoa beans. This effort also includes training programs for farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices, thereby improving productivity and sustainability. The restoration project is expected to create jobs and boost the local economy, while also addressing environmental concerns associated with cocoa farming.

Source: worldbank.org Shea tree nurseries in Savé, central Benin. Photo: worldbank.org The sound of chainsaws breaks the quiet of Mr. Donné Houangni’s shea plantation in Soclogbo, within the Dassa-Zoumé commune, about 275 km from Cotonou. Professional chainsaw operator Pierre Hounhoulo meticulously fells large shea trees, skillfully removing trunks and branches with a 29 kg iron axe, much to the satisfaction of the plantation owner. According to this farmer, this is an activity to restore shea trees to improve the yield of the grove. Along with Pierre, hundreds of other chainsaw operators are participating in the restoration of shea plantations and increasing the yield of Benin’s second most important agricultural export. They work within private service provider units (PSP), also known as “mobile teams.” Project to boost agricultural competitiveness This activity is part of the Project to Strengthen Agricultural Export Competitiveness and Diversification Capacity (PACOFIDE) ...