Crop production remains one of the pillars of Benin’s economic growth, making a major contribution to the national GDP and food security.
Yet several local crops rich in plant-based proteins and oilseed content _such as doyi , voandzou (Bambara groundnut), cowpea, groundnut, sesame and egusi seeds_ which are essential to community diets, remain underutilized and contribute only modestly to the economic growth of the municipalities where they are produced.
These crops, however, play three key roles in:
-household food and nutrition,
-the resilience of agricultural systems,
-the diversification of rural incomes.
Given the persistent challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, and dependence on imported food products, promoting these value chains represents a strategic opportunity.
The national program for the promotion of plant-based proteins and oilseeds aims to strengthen the production, processing, and marketing of these local resources. Its objectives align with four major pillars: (1) improving crop productivity, (2) reducing post-harvest losses, (3) supporting local processing, and (4) creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Investing in plant-based proteins and oilseeds means investing in healthier diets, more inclusive agriculture, and economic development driven by the country’s endogenous resources.
The formulation mission of the national program for the promotion of plant-based protein and oilseed value chains (PNPF-PVO) was led by Professor Enoch Gbetoho Achigan – Dako from the Genetics Biotechnology and Seed Science Unit, with financial support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAEP) of the Republic of Benin and the Support Project for the development of protein value Chains (PADéFIP)
For more information about the program and to access the full document and annexes, please consult the national library of Benin, legal deposit nᵒ. 17699, ISBN 978-99982-3-141-2.
