From 06 to 14 June 2018, a delegation from the World Bank conducted a mission in Benin in order to prepare a study on the strategic positioning of the horticulture sector in Benin. The results of this study should serve as a basis for the preparation of a new World Bank operation to support the Government’s efforts to improve the competitiveness of Beninese agriculture. This mission targeted the main institutions of the State namely the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIC), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and many others.
It is on Friday, June 8, that the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences had the honor of receiving the delegation of the World Bank. On their arrival, the World Bank delegation led by Mr Eric Abiala and Mr Blair Edward Lapres, met with the decanal authorities under the leadership of the Dean. The delegation was then introduced into the meeting room prepared for the occasion and where faculty teachers were waiting. After the Dean’s welcome and introductions, visitors re-explain the purpose of their visit. As a response to the visitors’ grievances, the faculty offered a presentation of some of the results of the research carried out in the field of horticulture. After a short presentation of the history of the Faculty by Vice Dean Prof Bonaventure Ahohuendo, it was Dr. Charlotte Adjé of the Genetics, Horticulture and Seed Science Laboratory that returned the honor of presenting the Faculty guests. A presentation articulated in four essential points namely the mission and vision of the FSA, research activities in Horticulture, startups for the valorization of research results and finally the perspectives of the FSA.
The presentation followed an interactive debate focused on how to recruit startups, the challenges they face, but also the measures needed to support them in an efficient manner.
A descent was then conducted on the site of the Horticulture and Seed Science Genetics laboratory based on the campus of the Abomey Calavi University in order to allow the members of the delegation to immerse themselves in the production activities of the laboratory.
