Benin: IDB disburses CFAF 12 billion to improve agricultural value chains

Nearly 12 billion FCFA for the benefit of Benin’s agricultural sector. This is the funding provided by the Islamic Development Bank Group (IDB) for the improvement of agricultural value chains (rice and maize). The agreement was signed on the margins of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. This was between Benin’s Minister of State, Minister of the Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadagni, on 15 October in Washington DC (USA).

This funding of US$18.40 million, equivalent to about CFAF 12 billion, will contribute to the implementation of the Integrated Value Chain Development Project (PDICDVA), according to the Beninese government. The PDICDVA aims to stimulate a viable integrated rice and maize sub-sector to promote economic diversification, food security, sustainable employment opportunities and improved livelihoods.

The amount will allow the implementation of various activities, including the development and rehabilitation of new lowlands with adequate irrigation schemes;
access to improved seeds for rice and maize;
In addition, the rehabilitation of access roads and water tanks;
Improving access to modern agricultural and pre-harvest equipment and building and equipping storage warehouses, rice parboiling complexes, drying areas, are also concerned.

The project area covers almost 70% of the country’s agricultural potential and includes three agricultural development poles. These are pole 1 (Niger Valley, which includes the towns of Karimama and Malanville), pole 2 (Southern Alibori and Northern Borgou) and the southern part of pole 4. It covers 16 communes, namely: Banikoara, Bantè, Bèmbèrèkè, Dassa, Glazoué, Kalalé, Kandi, Karimama, Malanville, N’dali, Nikki, Savalou, Savè, Sinendé and Tchaourou.
As part of the implementation of the Government’s Action Program (PAG 2021-2026), this project reinforces the Government’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production).

Through these actions, Benin is becoming an agricultural power on the African continent.