Rice is on the daily menu in Benin. You would expect the local rice farmers to have a good position as a result, but nothing could be further from the truth. The harvests are small, the quality is low and the domestic market is out of reach. Woord en Daad is building a sustainable rice chain together with local partners. We are working on improving the rice sector in three areas: farmers, cooperatives and the local market.
The farmers:
We start in the field, with the farmer. The output of the farmers can be improved significantly. Many farmers live on a day to day basis by necessity. The income from growing rice is relatively low. As a result, many farmers live in poverty. In Benin, on average, one hectare of rice field yields 1,500 to 3,000 kilos of rice. The yields vary, among others, because of different climates and soils. Still, yields can be increased a lot. Yields from 3,000 to 5,000 kilos per hectare are viable. Last year 1,100 rice farmers were trained to increase their output. These farmers (613 men and 489 women) were supervised by advisors throughout the season. Apart from training on growing rice these farmers also got training on business management.
The local market
Every year, Benin imports large quantities of rice, mainly from Asian countries. Locally, there are sufficient possibilities to increase production. Locally grown rice does not only compete prices-wise with imported rice, but also has an advantage in the area of continuity. Fair Rice contributes to food security in Benin. For instance, school cantines in the north of the country can offer their students a nutritious meal thanks to domestically grown rice.
Local partners of Woord en Daad
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