Agroecology in Benin: Les Jardins de l’Espoir promotes quality assurance and financial sustainability

To ensure the quality of agroecological products from production to consumption, Les Jardins de l’Espoir, with financial support from the Agroecology Fund, launched the project "Quality Assurance and Financial Management of Agroecological Farming Systems" (AQSAEP). This project was presented during a workshop in Abomey-Calavi, attended by key stakeholders in agroecology in Benin.

Raoudath Bouraima, President of Les Jardins de l’Espoir, explained that the project's objective is to guarantee both consumers and producers a healthy and sustainable production and consumption process. "The aim is to add more value to agroecological products in the market by ensuring their quality," she emphasized.

During the workshop, participants discussed the need for a mapping of best practices and key actors in agroecology in Benin, based on a diagnostic study. They also worked on developing the essential components of the AQSAEP certification requirements and explored ways to revitalize local farmers' markets to facilitate access to these ecological products.

The AQSAEP project encompasses several aspects: the development of agroecological infrastructure, the creation of a demonstration farm, the distribution of inputs to producers, the establishment of technical pathways tailored to agroecological systems, an economic profitability study of these practices, and the creation of a model market showcasing the principles of the new certification. The initiative also includes experimenting with new production systems, the results of which will be validated by stakeholders in the agroecological sector.

AQSAEP Certification to Strengthen Consumer Confidence

"This project will lead to the certification of agroecological products," emphasized the president of Les Jardins de l’Espoir. The goal is to ensure that producers use transparent tools and practices, thereby reassuring consumers about the quality of the agroecological products available in the market.

The AQSAEP certification, central to the project, aims to provide a high-quality guarantee for agroecological products, a point supported by Noël Obognon, the project coordinator. Monkoun Jaurès, director of CeVAD and member of FAEB, welcomed this initiative, calling it "very relevant." He stated that this certification will open up new opportunities for agroecological producers by reinforcing consumer trust and strengthening their market position.

The AQSAEP project, spearheaded by Les Jardins de l’Espoir with support from the Agroecology Fund, promises to sustainably transform the agroecological sector in Benin by focusing on sound practices.

Abalo Towanou