A new program has been introduced by Better Cotton, the multinational cotton sustainability project, to assist in the development of more sustainably produced cotton in West Africa.
In order to improve livelihoods, integrate sustainable agricultural techniques, and assist smallholder cotton farmers in Benin in adapting to the consequences of climate change, the program seeks to involve over 200,000 farmers.
Lena Staafgard, COO of Better Cotton, stated, “We’ll work with partners new and old to leverage that incredible appetite for change on the continent.”
The new program has the Interprofessional Cotton Association of Benin (AIC) as a strategic partner. In addition to overseeing farming and cotton ginning organizations, the AIC also generally fosters relationships with industry participants throughout Benin.
The AIC president, Eustache Kotingan, signed the agreement formally today in Cotonou during a meeting with representatives from both organizations and the cotton industry nationwide.
“By implementing more sustainable production practices, the implementation of this program will help our valiant producers strengthen their resilience,” Kotingan stated.
After Mali, Benin is the second-largest cotton-producing nation in Africa. Government statistics show that during the 2022–2023 growing season, it produced and exported over 580,000 metric tons (MT) of cotton.
Additionally included in Better Cotton’s African initiatives are those in Mozambique, Egypt, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire.
