Benin Youth Cooperative Grows Better Vegetables While Protecting Biodiversity
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📰 The quick summary: Young entrepreneurs in Benin are successfully growing traditional and new vegetables using organic methods that protect biodiversity, improve crop yields, and provide healthier food options for local communities.
📈 One key stat: Only 1% of Benin’s total agricultural land is currently dedicated to ecological and organic farming, highlighting the significant growth potential for sustainable agricultural practices in the country.
💬 One key quote: “I used to farm using conventional methods. Now I see that agroecological production is better — for our health and for the health of consumers,” says co-op member Ronaldo Noutaï.
1️⃣ The big picture: A cooperative of young entrepreneurs in southern Benin is pioneering agroecological market gardening as a climate-resilient farming solution. The Agro-Eco Cooperative, launched in 2022, grows traditional vegetables like African eggplant and bitter leaf alongside newer crops like lettuce and carrots using completely organic methods. Their farming techniques include natural pesticides made from neem, garlic, and papaya leaves, plus fertilizers from ash and animal manure. Despite challenges with irrigation, pest control, and market access, their produce is gaining recognition for superior quality, longer freshness, and environmental benefits.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: These farming practices protect biodiversity by avoiding chemical pesticides that harm beneficial insects and birds. Farmers report getting seven to eight harvests per year using organic methods compared to just three with chemical fertilizers. The vegetables produced stay fresh longer and have distinctive qualities that customers recognize and prefer. Agroecological produce contains greater nutritional value free from pesticide residues, potentially strengthening consumers’ immune systems and reducing chronic illness risks. This farming approach also builds resilience against climate change effects, offering a sustainable path forward for Benin’s agricultural sector.
3️⃣ What’s next: The cooperative plans to build a second borehole to address water access challenges. Agricultural experts recommend developing a better-organized value chain and proper certification system to make large-scale adoption more feasible. Supporting more farmers in transitioning to agroecology will be crucial for climate change adaptation and improved food security in Benin.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – Agroecological market gardening: Benin’s climate-resilient farming solution
