WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/CFMC/W/43 
14 October 2008 
 
 (08-4896) 
 Original:   French 
  
 
DIRECTOR-GENERAL'S CONSULTATIVE FRAMEWORK 
MECHANISM ON COTTON 
 
Cotton projects
 
 
Communication from Benin 
 
 
 The following communication, dated 7 October 2008, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Benin. 
 
_______________ 
 
STRENGTHENING OF THE PRODUCT QUALITY CONTROL AND 
TRACEABILITY SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS 
OF PLANT ORIGIN 
 
 
I. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 
CeRPA: Centre Régional pour la Promotion Agricole  (Regional Agriculture 
Promotion Centre) 
CTCDA: Comité Technique de contrôle des denrées alimentaires  (Technical 
Committee for the Control of Food Products)  
CEBENOR: Centre Béninois de Normalisation et de Gestion de la Qualité  (Beninese 
Standardization and Quality Control Centre)  
DANIDA: Danish International Development Agency DPQC: Direction de la Promotion de la Qua lité et du Conditionnement des Produits 
Agricoles  (Directorate for the Promotion of Agricultural Product Quality and 
Packaging) 
FAO: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization HACCP: Hazard analysis and critical control point ISO: International Organization for Standardization  MAEP: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries NICTs: New information and communication technologies 
PADSE: Projet d'Amélioration et de Diversification des Systèmes d'Exploitation  
(Farming System Improvement and Diversification Project) 
SAP: Service d'Analyse des Produits  (Product Analysis Service) 
SCCP: Service Contrôle et Certification des Produits  (Product Control and 
Certification Service) 
SNCQPV: Service Normalisation et Contrôle  Qualité de la Production Végétale  (Plant 
Production Standardization and Quality Control Service) 
TCP: Technical cooperation programme UNIDO: United Nations Industria l Development Organization 
WAEMU: West African Economic and Monetary Union WTO: World Trade Organization WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 2  
 
  II. FOREWORD 
1. At the Beninese Government's request, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 
United Nations (FAO) has been providing technical  cooperation through TCP/BEN/2902(A) to help 
set up a quality management and assurance system  in the various subsectors of the country's 
agriculture.  The aim is to enhance product qualit y in order to gain access to domestic, regional and 
international markets. 
2. The TCP has enlisted participation from a team of international consultants consisting of: 
(a) A senior international consultant on the or ganization of quality controls and a quality 
certification system; 
(b) an international consultant on good agricultural practice; 
(c) an international consultant  on food hygiene and the hazard analysis and critical 
control point (HACCP) system; 
(d) an international consultant on safety analysis for plant food products. 
3. This international team was supported by the following local consultants: 
(a) A national consultant on th e organization of controls; 
(b) a national consultant on good agricultural practice; 
(c) a national consultant on food hygiene and the HACCP system. 
4. The general aim of the TCP is to help Beni n develop agricultural plant production processes 
that comply with regionally and internationa lly recognized safety and quality standards. 
5. The support is expected to help to make Beninese agricultural products more competitive on 
regional and international markets,  and provide conditions to raise farmers' incomes and increase the 
country's export earnings. 
6. The Government has begun work to refurbish the DPQC laboratory and the creation of 
specialized regional laboratories at Parakou, Djou gou and Bohicon.  It has also supplied socio 
administrative materials and some 30 motorbikes. 
7. The activities included in this version of the document are those proposed for inclusion in the 
WTO programme. 
III. INTRODUCTION 
8. The strengthening of rules governing the intern ational market for agricultural products of 
plant origin will have major consequences fo r regional and world trade in such products. 
9. Benin is directly concerned, because the current situation means that it is likely to lose some 
of its existing markets, resulting in a large reduc tion in foreign currency earnings and a substantial 
drop in incomes for several hundred thousand producer s, processors and distributors of agricultural 
products of plant origin.  WT/CFMC/W/43 
 Page 3 
 
 
  10. To address this problem and minimize the consequences for the Beninese economy, this 
document sets out an action strategy for implementi ng a pilot project to set up a quality assurance 
system for the different agricultural subsector s, with technical assistance from the FAO. 
11. The conclusions and recommendations containe d herein were validated by the national 
validation seminar held at Cot onou on 29 and 30 September 2005. 
IV. GENERAL BACKGROUND 
A. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ON BE NIN AND THE TARGETED SUBSECTORS  
12. With a surface area of 112,622 km2 and an estimated population of 6,273,000 in 1999, Benin 
is essentially an agricultural country. 
13. Agriculture employs 80 per cent of the working population.  Cotton growing, the only crop 
that is organized as a subsector, generates 80 per cent of the country's export earnings alone and over 
24 per cent of all government revenues.  None theless, in the framework of its agricultural 
diversification policy, the Governme nt is endeavouring to restore or promote other subsectors because 
of their strategic importance in the national economy. 
14. The cashew nut, pineapple and cassava subsector s, which have been the subject of case 
studies, are among the new subsectors to be target ed for promotion by the Beninese authorities in 
view of their socio economic importance.  These crops are contributing to increased export earnings, 
food security for the population at large, and highe r incomes for economic agents, thus assisting with 
poverty reduction particularly in rural areas, and th e emergence of an incipient industrial fabric. 
B. INTERNATIONAL SETTING OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKET  
15. The international setting of the agricultural prod uct market in which the pilot project has been 
implemented, makes the project extremely importa nt.  Agricultural product quality has now become 
an imperative need because of: 
(a) High expectations among consumers who ha ve become more aware of modes of 
production in the agriculture sector, and th eir consequences for health, enjoyment or 
the environment; 
(b) a backdrop of globalization in agricultural  trade requiring a stronger oversight and 
certification arrangements, in view of the faster circulation of agricultural products 
thanks to the development of communication and transport media; 
(c) a disturbing food security situation owing to a number of crises (bovine spongiform 
encephalopathy, avian influenza, dioxine poi soning, etc.) that have occurred on the 
international market for food produc ts, causing confusion among consumers. 
16. The consequence has been tighter regulati on of the main import markets, reflecting 
implementation of the precautionary principle in the face of potential food safety risks linked to food consumption. 
C. E
XTERNAL SUPPORT SITUATION  
17. Benin has benefited from several assistance project s or programmes in the area of agricultural 
product standardization.  These include: WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 4  
 
  • The EU/RAF/01/001 project to implement a system of accreditation, standardization 
and quality promotion in the WAEMU countries, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNIDO.  Activities comprise strengthening of the capacities of certain Beninese laboratories by providing supplementary equipment to 
measure concentrations of heavy metals, p esticides and food additives (bisulphides), 
as well as information and support for accreditation. 
• Support provided by DANIDA to the "S tandardization and Quality Control" 
subcomponent of the "Institutional Support fo r the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock 
and Fisheries" component, aimed at stre ngthening national quality control capacities 
for agricultural production generally and the cassava, maize, cashew nut and shea nut subsectors in particular. 
• The Farming System Improvement and Divers ification Project (PADSE), financed by 
the French Development Agency, whic h includes, among other target areas, 
agricultural diversification to promote fo llowing products:  potato, onion, cashew nut 
and groundnuts.  This project has also provided the DPQC laboratory with supplementary equipment for research on aflatoxins in ground nuts. 
18. The main problem, however, is a weak focus on the quality and safety of agricultural 
products, when they form the basis of all ag ricultural and economic development in Benin. 
V. QUALITY PROBLEMS TO BE RESOLVED 
19. There are many problems relating to good agri cultural production practice, good hygiene 
practice at the processing level, and in the orga nization of quality control, certification and the 
promotion of agricultural product packaging. 
A. M
AIN PROBLEMS COMMON TO ALL SECTORS  
20. The fact that economic agents do not operate in  organized subsectors is a major handicap for 
spreading good agricultural and hygiene practices.  This makes it difficult to adopt the technical 
strategies suggested by research;  and it makes to  impossible to establish a code of conduct for all 
operators.  It also prevents operators from re solving common problems such as managing the quality 
of agricultural products and access to inputs and credit. 
21. Simultaneous quantitative and qua litative shortcomings in supe rvision have the practical 
consequence that most producers are unaware of good agricultural and hygiene practices that would 
help guarantee product quality.  This results in a lo ss of export earnings owing to high rejection rates. 
22. The current organizational model for agricu ltural subsectors and quality control and the 
promotion of packaging is that of the cotton sector , which is the only "organized" subsector.  As a 
result, most available inputs are those intended for cotton growing.  Very often these are not suited to 
other sectors and their application has immediate and harmful consequences for agricultural product 
quality.  It also means that, in practice, fa rmers have more knowledge  of quality control and 
packaging in the case of cotton than other crops. 
23. The virtual non-existence of standardized dom estic regulations and lack of knowledge of 
alternative international standards makes exporte rs vulnerable in foreign markets, and exposes 
domestic consumers to produc ts of dubious quality. 
24. In terms of the new international regulator y arrangements for agricultural product quality 
control and packaging, the existing laws and regula tions in Benin are not always up-to-date in some  WT/CFMC/W/43 
 Page 5 
 
 
  cases, or have expired and have not been adapted in  others.  The result is that the legislation in 
question is inapplicable.  In such conditions, ove rsight is non-operational, and professionals have no 
confidence in government services. 
25. Oversight activities are not properly coordinated institutionally, and the CTCDA, established 
by decree, does not provide an effective framewo rk for coordinating agricultural product inspection 
services. 
26. Moreover, confusion reigns as to the attributi ons of services that are a State prerogative and 
services concerned with standardization, because of: 
(a) The lack of an appropriate CEBENOR charter; 
(b) that coordination institution's lack of a vision for the standardization of programmes 
and other related activities. 
B. SPECIFIC PROBLEMS IN THE PRIMARY PRODUCTION SECTOR  
27. There is a lack of technical doc uments dealing specifically with good agricultural practice at a 
popular level, or on the training of economic agents .  This is also true of training centres. 
28. Given the lack of training and information on good agricultural practice, residues remain 
present in pineapples following haphazard applica tion of de-greening processes and pesticides. 
29. Poor maintenance of plantations and the ha rvesting of immature fruit also undermine the 
quality of cashew nuts. 
30. Variety blending, which is a common farming practice, does not make it possible to direct 
cassava production towards precise production goals. 
31. These few examples illustrate the need to correct bad practices to attain products of a quality 
that is acceptable on the market. 
32. Existing technical strategy documents do not d eal with quality issues;  and measures to 
prevent poor quality need to be implemented following the farming production stage. 
C. PROBLEMS SPECIFIC TO THE PROCESSING  
33. The agricultural product processing sector is predominantly small-scale.  This makes quality 
control difficult, because of the informal nature of the sector and a large number of small-scale 
producers mostly with little or no training. 
34. Infrastructure for the maintenance and distri bution of processed products is generally 
underdeveloped.  This sector is characterized by poor  public health conditions generally in terms of 
sanitary installations, drinking water, and the general hygiene of personnel. 
35. This type of environment does not encourage th e high levels of inspection and control needed 
for international trade. 
D. PROBLEMS SPECIFIC TO QUALITY CONTROL AND PROMOTION OF PACKAGING  
36. Activities on the ground in relation to quality c ontrol and the promotion of packaging are few 
and far between.  They essentially reflect the importan ce of the cotton market, and, to a lesser extent, WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 6  
 
  the seasonal trade flows of other products.  They also reflect the short-term difficulties faced by the 
decentralized dissemination services of the MAEP, which these agents rely on.  Moreover, depending on intervention zones, the mandates of these fiel d services do not cover all agricultural products 
requiring quality control and certification. 
37. The number of agents is also too small to fulf il all the necessary tasks.  For example, at the 
departmental level, apart from controlling the qualit y of agricultural products, the quality control and 
certification service also monitors quality at the pr imary marketing stage for the purpose of issuing the 
inspection bulletin, and monitors the quality of st ocks during storage by taking samples.  It also 
performs quality control on the means of transport and agricultural products transported, product 
packaging, seed bed inspection, an d seed and seedling quality control. 
38. The unduly limited deployment of the DPQC in the field means that some agents are unaware 
of the existence of this important body. 
39. Restricting quality control to a small num ber of export products, compounded by few 
possibilities for analytic support, fo rce some agents to obtain routine analyses from foreign providers.  
This causes additional delays in delivering results and adds to the cost of the control process. 
40. The lack of basic data on field control perfo rmance indicators, and the weaknesses in the 
quality control actually performed and tests conducted at the DPQC, are the result of insufficient control resources;  but they also reflect the skills  of field agents, which prevents them from making 
field visits.  Inspection agents' initial training ge nerally does not match realities on the ground;  and 
this restricts their field visits, and lim its them to performing pseudo-controls. 
41. The multiplicity of stages, responsibilities and intermediary documents involved in the 
certification process lengthen the duration of the DPQC process.  Lack of financial resources and the 
slowness of payment procedures, making their mobilization almost impossible, undermines the DPQC's intervention capacity and prevents this im portant tool for the promotion of quality and 
packaging of agricultural products for achieving the objectives assigned to it by the Beninese 
Government.  Lastly, equipment and premises suffer from obsolescence and a lack of regular 
calibration and maintenance. 
VI. ACHIEVEMENTS OF TCP/BEN/2902 (A) 
42. Nonetheless, it is worth noting a number of achie vements gained in a p ilot framework through 
TCP/BEN/2902 (A), including the following: 
(a) Preparation of guidelines on good agricultural and food hygiene practices, for the 
three crops covered (cassava, cashew nut and pineapple); 
(b) preparation of land plot monitoring records; 
(c) preparation of technical records on the production and processing of these products; 
(d) training of trainers responsible for supervising producers and processors. 
43. These documents have provided models that effectively address the quality problems of 
agricultural products through technical production strategies: 
• the conception of the "quality assurance appr oach" in the agricultural products chain;  WT/CFMC/W/43 
 Page 7 
 
 
  • preparation of a strategy document on qua lity assurance applied to the different 
agricultural subsectors. 
A. INTERVENTION STRATEGY  
1. General objective 
44. The general objective is to equip Benin to deve lop agricultural plant production processes that 
comply with safety and quality requirements. 
2. Specific objectives 
45. The two specific objectives are: 
(a) To strengthen the official quality control system and make it credible; 
(b) to enhance the quality of agricultural produc ts to ensure their access to domestic, 
regional and international markets. 
3. Expected results 
• The DPQC is provided with permanent legal, organizational, financial and 
operational tools. 
• The DPQC has the technical capacity to implement national legislation and 
regulations on agricultural product quality control and certification. 
• The DPQC specialized laboratory is opera tional, supports inspection and participates 
in comparison activities. 
• Agricultural practices are improved. 
• The hygiene quality of processed ag ricultural products is improved. 
4. Activities 
46. These objectives can be achieved through actions  and sub-activities identified and grouped in 
the following five main components: 
(a) Component 1:  Institutional strengthening of the DPQC 
(i) Administrative coordination 
• Equip the DPQC with means of communication, logistics resources, office supplies, 
computer and information technology mate rials, and office furniture (Annex 2). 
• Produce DPQC promotional material. 
• Promote the DPQC. 
• Find a suitable financing mechanism to promote the agricultural product quality. WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 8  
 
  (ii) Laws and regulations 
• Prepare and/or update legislation, regul ations and standards to rectify the 
shortcomings identified, in conjunctio n with all agricultural stakeholders. 
• Ratify international legislation to stre ngthen and establish official control. 
• Organize normative and regulatory surveillance. 
• Put system in place for to measure indicators of control performance. 
(iii) Workshops and training activities (Annex 3) 
• Organize workshops to inform on, expl ain and disseminate legislation and 
regulations. 
• Organize a workshop on quality assurance. 
• Provide training for the management of control and testing services. 
• Provide training in quality assurance (DESS). 
• Provide training in quality auditing. 
• Provide training in information technology. 
• Provide English-language training. 
(iv) Rehabilitation and construction 
• Finish construction of the DPQC laboratory (taken over by the State as from 2006). 
• Equip the premises of the six departmental services including three local (zone) 
laboratories. 
(b) Component 2:  Technical and material suppor t to develop quality control activities and 
official certification of agricultural products of plant origin. 
(v) Training 
• Provide training/updating in good agricultural practice, good hygiene practice, 
HACCP and agricultural product processing procedures. 
• Provide training in quality control and manage ment of the packaging of agricultural 
products. 
• Prepare and disseminate didactic material (control manuals, disease atlases, posters, 
guides, etc). 
• Provide training in and support implementation of the traceability system for the main 
products. 
  WT/CFMC/W/43 
 Page 9 
 
 
  (vi) Equipment 
• Provide quality control and certification services with technical material and 
equipment (Annex 1). 
(vii) Quality system 
• Accredit agricultural product quality contro l and certification activities for quality 
assurance (ISO 17020). 
• Staff motivation. 
• Introduce performance bonuses for agents with the aim of securing income, avoiding 
over sampling and combating all potential forms of corruption. 
47. Achieving these objectives requires either strengthening the technical capacity of currently 
available staff by upgrading their skills, or the recrui tment of technically qualified quality control staff 
by redeploying existing staff in other State services. 
(c) Component 3:  Technical and material support for the development of activities aimed at 
analysing agricultural products. 
(viii) Training 
• Provide training in good agricultural practice. 
• Provide training in agricultural and food product chemistry. 
• Provide training in food microbiology. 
• Provide training in physical-sensory analysis. 
• Provide training in seed pathology. 
• Further training on seed pathology. 
• Further training on analytical techniques. 
(ix) Equipment 
• Provide laboratories with technical materials and equipment (Annex 1). 
• Strengthen the mycotoxin dosage mechanism. 
(x) Quality system 
• Accredit agricultural product analysis  activities for quality assurance (ISO 17025). 
• Enrol the DPQC laboratory in inter-laboratory testing campaigns. WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 10  
 
  (xi) Staff motivation 
• Introduce performance bonuses for agents with  the aim of strengthening incomes, 
avoiding over-sampling and combating all potential forms of corruption. 
48. Achieving these objectives requires either strengthening the technical capacity of currently 
available staff by upgrading their skills, or the recrui tment of technically qualified quality control staff 
by redeploying existing staff in other State services. 
49. Setting up a benchmark analytical laboratory for agricultural products is crucial for Benin;  
and the DPQC laboratory needs to obtain accreditati on for chemical and physico-sensory analyses and 
participate in an inter-laboratory testi ng network, to enhance its credibility. 
50. Accreditation would demonstrate that the la boratory operates a quality system and is 
technically competent and capable of producing techni cally sound results.  Participation in an inter 
laboratory testing network would enable it to measur e its analytical skills in relation to a group of 
laboratories that receive the same working samples. 
(d) Component 4:  Specific technical support for the sector involved in primary production of 
quality agricultural products 
(xii) Training 
• Prepare and publish didactic support in both French and local languages. 
• Replicating training actions in good agri cultural practice for production zones. 
• Organize visits and trips to exchange experiences on good agricultural practice. 
• Provide initial training and further training for trainers. 
• Produce and disseminate audiovisual materials. 
(xiii) Equipment 
• Provide agents with appropriate material  and equipment to supervise producers 
(Annex 4). 
• Provide support in terms of equipment for producers. 
(xiv) Training 
• Extend training in hygiene and the HACCP system to processing units (including 
water treatment, drafting and compliance w ith contractual conditions and minimum 
installation, equipment and operating standards for processing workshops). 
• Organize visits to exchange experiences. 
• Train agents on traceability. 
51. All of these components are presented in a logical framework of project actions, providing 
objectively verifiable indicators and a number of important assumptions, without which the project 
would not be viable.  WT/CFMC/W/43 
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  (xv) Quality promotion 
• Set up agricultural quality labelling and voluntary certification. 
• Coordinate the preparation of good practice guides, codes of use and other tools for 
enhancing the quality of agricultural products of plant origin. 
(e) Component 5:  Technical support for private enterprises processing quality agricultural 
products 
(xvi) Technical organization of productive agents 
• Census and recording of the leading produ cers and processors of agricultural export 
products. 
• Evaluation of potential risks by types of production, and preparation of a control plan 
for monitored production units and processors. 
(xvii)  Traceability of agricultural products of plant origin 
• Update the document on the traceability of agricultural products of plant origin. 
• Help private agents implement primary databanks on traceability. 
• Provide training on managing traceability systems. 
(xviii)  Authorization and accreditation 
• Obtain authorization from importing countries for the leading agricultural exports of 
plant origin. 
• Support the accreditation of monitored producer and exporting enterprises by 
importing countries, to enable them to export their products.  
  WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 12 TABLE 1:  LOGICAL FRAMEWORK OF ACTIVITIES 
 
Resources Cost 
Description Objectively verifiable 
indicators Sources of 
verification Important 
assumptions Components Unit costs 
(CFA) (CFAF) 
PURPOSE 
Obtain better access to local, regional and 
international markets for agricultural products 
originating in Benin, by strengthening capacities to 
implement good agricultural practice, improve 
hygiene conditions in production, processing and marketing, and develop a permanent quality control, 
certification and traceability system.  
Benin is implementing health 
controls considered at least 
equivalent to those defined in 
international regulations  
Official Journal 
(Journal Officiel ) 
of the Republic 
of Benin 
- DPQC activity report 
-CeRPA activity 
report  
Benin affirms its 
political support 
for quality 
control and 
certification    
GLOBAL OBJECTIVE 
Help Benin develop agricultural production processes 
that comply with recognized safety and quality 
standards   
- Agricultural export 
volume grows by x% 
- Domestic production of agricultural products 
increases by x% per year in 
volume terms  
Exporters, 
DPQC, national 
statistics      
SPECIFIC PROJEC T OBJECTIVES 
1. Strengthen and develop a permanent quality 
control and certification system.  
International recognition 
under at least one equivalence 
agreement  
MAEP 
DPQC     
2. Improve the quality of agricultural products 
originating in Benin, to ensure their access to 
domestic, regional and international markets. - Rejection rate on 
exported agricultural products 
below 5% 
- Absence of market alert DPQC 
National statistics     
OUTCOMES 
1.1 The DPQC is provided with permanent legal, 
organizational, financial and operational tools.  
- The DPQC has a 
functional organizational structure  
- Official Journal 
- DPQC     
1.2 The DPQC has technical capacity to implement 
national and international legislation and regulations 
on agricultural product sanitary control and certification.       
1.3 The DPQC laboratory is functional, and 
supports inspection.       
2.1 Agricultural practices are improved.       
2.2 The hygiene quality of agricultural processes is 
improved.        
   WT/CFMC/W/43
 Page 13 
Resources Cost 
Description Objectively verifiable 
indicators Sources of 
verification Important 
assumptions Components Unit costs 
(CFA) (CFAF) 
ACTIVITIES  
 
Component 1 :  Institutional strengthening of the 
DPQC  
 
1.1 Project coordination 
- Equip the DPQC with communications media 
 
- Equip the DPQC with logistics media 
 - Equip the DPQC with office supplies 
 
- Equip the DPQC with information technology materials 
 
- Equip the DPQC in office furniture  
- Prepare DPQC promotional material 
- Promote the DPQC - Find a suitable financing mechanism to enhance 
agricultural product quality  
  
 
 1 batch of equipment 
 
1 batch of equipment 
 
1 batch of equipment  
1 batch of equipment and 
consumables  
1 batch of furniture 
- x materials  
- x campaigns 
- 1 study report  
  
 
 DPQC 
Delivery note  
  
 
 Adequate 
financial 
resources  
  
 
 - 1 fax machine 
- 1 Internet 
- 7 digital cameras 
- 3 4x4 vehicles 
- 4 light vehicles - 1 electrical 
generator 
- 1 photocopier - 14 calculators 
- 10 complete 
computers - x software 
- 1 batch of 
equipment - x materials 
- x annual 
campaigns - 1 study    
1.2 Rules and regulations 
- Prepare and/or update legislation and regulations 
to correct the shortcomings identified, in conjunction 
with all agricultural sector stakeholders 
- Ratify laws to strengthen and establish official control 
- Organize normative and regulatory surveillance 
- Set up a system to measure control performance indicators  
- Draft text 
- Summary record of 
meetings 
Legislation ratified  
Annual updating 
 At least x indicators under 
control  
Official 
Journal 
DPQC-MAEP   
Pm 
 
Pm 
 Various 
subscriptions 
1 Internet site  
- 1 study    
  WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 14 Resources Cost 
Description Objectively verifiable 
indicators Sources of 
verification Important 
assumptions Components Unit costs 
(CFA) (CFAF) 
1.3 Workshops and training actions 
- Organize workshops for information, explanation 
and dissemination of legislation and regulations 
- Organize a quality assurance workshop 
 - Provide training in management of control 
services 
 - Provide training on quality assurance 
 
- Provide training on information technology  
- Provide English-language training 
 - Provide training on quality audits  
x workshop reports x agents trained  
DPQC MAEP   
3 sessions/ 2 days/ 
30 participants 
 1 session/ 
3 days/ 
40 participants  
1 session/ 
2 months/ 1 participant 
 
1 session/ 10-12 months/ 
1 participant 
 
1 session/ 
2 months/ 18 participants 
 
1 session 12 months/ 
16 participants 
1 session/ 1 month/ 
1 participant   
1.4 Rehabilitation and construction 
- Finish construction of the DPQC laboratory 
 
- Equip premises for the six departmental services, 
including local (zone) laboratories  
Laboratory operational  
Premises operational  
DPQC   
Laboratory construction works 
- Refurbishing of 
departmental service premises 
- Refurbishing of 
two local (zone) laboratories    
   WT/CFMC/W/43
 Page 15Resources Cost 
Description Objectively verifiable 
indicators Sources of 
verification Important 
assumptions Components Unit costs 
(CFA) (CFAF) 
Component 2 :  Technical and material support for 
the development of quality  control and official 
certification activities. 
 
2.1 Training 
Training:  Further training in good agricultural 
practice, good hygiene pr actice and HACCP, as well 
as agricultural processing procedures.  
- Provide training in quality control and the 
management of agricultural product packaging - Prepare and disseminate didactic material 
- Train and support implementation of the 
traceability system for the leading products  
  
 
 X trainers trained per year 
including X teachers from 
agricultural schools  
X personnel trained per year 
Guide, posters, atlas  
Databank set up  
  
 
 Training 
reports 
Certificate  
Study report 
DPQC activity report  
  
 
 2 sessions/ 
5 days/ 
30 participants  
1 session/ 
6 months/ 1 participant 
200 atlas 
200 posters 500 guides for  
7 products 
1 session/ 
5 days/30 agents   
2.2 Equipment 
Provide quality control and certification services with 
technical materials and equipment  
X batches of equipment available  
DPQC Services 
equipped 
Delivery note  
X batches of equipment    
2.3 Quality system 
- Accredit control and ce rtification activities for 
quality assurance (ISO 17020)  
- Audit report 
- Accreditation certificate  
DPQC  
  
 
 One technically 
qualified quality 
control staff member is 
available 
 
1 technical 
assistance mission    
1.2.4 Staff motivation  
- Introduce performance bonuses  
Decree on performance bonuses  
Book-keeping vouchers  
Collection of taxes  
Bonuses  
Pm  
Pm  
  WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 16 Resources Cost 
Description Objectively verifiable 
indicators Sources of 
verification Important 
assumptions Components Unit costs 
(CFA) (CFAF) 
Component 3 :  Technical support for the 
development of activities aimed at analysing agricultural products 
 
3.1 Training 
- Provide training in good laboratory practice 
 
- Provide training in agri cultural and food product 
chemistry 
 
- Provide training in food microbiology  
- Provide training in sensory analysis 
 - Provide training in seed pathology 
 
- Further training on seed pathology 
 
- Further training on analytical techniques  
  
 
x agents trained  
x agents trained 
  
x agents trained 
 x agents trained 
 
x agents trained  
x agents trained  
  
 
Training reports  
  
 
1 session/3 days/ 10 participants 
1 session/ 
10 months/ 1 participant 
 
1 session/ 10 months/1 
participant 
 1 session/1 month/
1 participant 
 
1 session/4 
months/ 1 participant 
1 session/4 weeks/
2 participants 1 session/4 weeks/
2 participants   
3.2 Equipment 
- Provide laboratories with technical materials and 
equipment  
X batches of material and equipment  
DPQC Delivery note - One 
technically qualified 
analyst is 
available  
 
  
 
- The DPQC subcontracts the 
analysis of 
chemical pollutants 
(pesticides, 
heavy metal) 
 
1 batch of material   
3.3 Quality system  
- Accredit activities aimed at analysing agricultural 
products for quality assurance (ISO 17025) - Enrol the DPQC laboratory in inter-laboratory 
testing campaigns  
1 audit report 
 Analysis reports  
DPQC   
1 technical 
assistance mission 1 annual 
subscription   
3.4 Staff motivation 
- Introduce productivity bonuses  
Decree on performance bonuses  
Book-keeping vouchers  
Taxes actually collected  
Awards  
Pm  
Pm  
   WT/CFMC/W/43
 Page 17Resources Cost 
Description Objectively verifiable 
indicators Sources of 
verification Important 
assumptions Components Unit costs 
(CFA) (CFAF) 
Component 4 :  Support for the sector involved in 
primary production of quality agricultural products 
 
4.1 Training 
- Produce and publish didactic material in both 
French and local languages 
 
- Replication of training on good agricultural practice for production zones 
 
- Organize visits and trips for the exchange of experience on good agricultural practice 
 
- Provide training and further training for trainers  
 
 
 
 - Produce and disseminate audiovisual materials  
  
 
50% of trainers have didactic material 
 
200 producer groups trained per trainer 
 
  
 
Number of participants Number of visits/year 
 
50% of trainers receive 
updated training 
  
Number of topics 
disseminated Number of publications 
made  
  
 
DPQC report CeRPA report 
Operator 
grouping report  
Training 
reports  
 
  
 
Training 
reports 
  
 
Documentaries DPQC reports  
  
 
Grouping structures 
(cooperatives)  
  
 
- 350 good agricultural 
practice guides 
- 180 land plot monitoring record 
forms 
1 session/5 days/ 40 participants 
(cassava) 
1 session/5 days/ 40 participants 
(cashew nut) 
1 session/5 days/ 
40 participants 
(pineapple) - 5 internal visits/ 
40 participants /2 
days  
- 1 inter-State trip/
10 people/5 working days 
2 sessions/3 days/ 
50 participants  
1 quarterly 
publication  
  
 
Pm 
 
Pm  
  
 
Pm 
 
Pm 
4.2 Equipment 
- Provide agents with suitable material and 
equipment for supervising producers  
80% of agents operational   
DPQC report 
Delivery notes 
Agents Delivery notes   
150 motorbikes 
 
 X batches     
  WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 18 Resources Cost 
Description Objectively verifiable 
indicators Sources of 
verification Important 
assumptions Components Unit costs 
(CFA) (CFAF) 
Component 5 :  Technical support for private 
enterprises to produce and process quality agricultural products of plant origin 
- Census and registration of the leading cash crop 
producers.  
 
  
 
 - Evaluation of potential health and quality risks by 
type of product and production zone, and preparation 
of control plans  
  
• List of producers 
available • All community registers 
implemented 
• National register implemented 
 
Zone maps available  
List of potential risk factors 
for each zone  
• Annual control plan 
models  
  
CeRPA report 
 DPQC report 
 
  
 
  
Risk 
assessment reports 
 
Expert report 
CeRPA and 
INRAB  
  
• Common 
information technology 
materials and 
programs available 
• Main products 
chosen  
 
Technical assistance (1) in 
risk assessment  
  
- National survey 
by permanent staff  
- Computerized 
treatment  
 
 • Training of 
evaluators 
• Technical studies   
5.2 Traceability of agricultural products of 
plant origin 
- Update the document on the traceability system 
for agricultural products of plant origin  
- Help agents implement primary data banks on 
traceability  
- Train private agents  to manage traceability 
systems   
 
Document updated 
  
Number of producers 
  
 
All registered producers informed  
 
Report 
  
CeRPA report 
  
 
 Report  
 
DPQC agents 
trained  
Motivation of 
producers to enter into 
contact with 
exporters  
1 external 
technical support activity  
 
1 national 
workshop  
 
Visits to production units    
   WT/CFMC/W/43
 Page 19Resources Cost 
Description Objectively verifiable 
indicators Sources of 
verification Important 
assumptions Components Unit costs 
(CFA) (CFAF) 
5.3 Authorization and accreditation 
- Obtain authorization from importing countries for 
the leading export crops. 
 
  
 
- Support the accreditation of monitored producer or exporter enterprises by importing countries, to enable 
them to export their products   
Number of products authorized 
 
Percentage of exported products not rejected 
 
Number of enterprises accepted by importing 
countries  
Letter indicating 
acceptance of 
products by countries 
requiring this. 
 Acceptance 
document  
Involvement of embassies 
 
  
 
 Involvement of 
embassies    
5.4 Quality enhancement 
- Institute agricultural quality labelling 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
- Coordinate the preparation of good practice guides, 
codes of use and other tools to enhance the quality of agricultural products of plant origin.  
Decree establishing agricultural quality labelling 
 
Implementing decree  
Personnel trained 
(2 individuals) 
 
Agents made aware of labelling 
Support for the Commission 
and Secretariat  
Publicity material designed 
and disseminated  
Publicity material designed 
and disseminated  
Survey of the Council of 
Ministers 
  
 
 
Activity report 
DPQC  
Government involvement 
 
Take account of the specific 
nature of the 
agriculture 
sector in actions 
by voluntary certification 
agencies. 
  
 
  
 
  
Stakeholder 
involvement (public, NGOs 
and projects)  
• Training on the content of 
legislation 
• Establishment of the National 
Commission on 
Labelling and the 
Technical 
Secretariat for Agricultural 
Quality Labelling 
• Notice on management of the 
agricultural labels 
system  
Extension sessions   WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 20  
 
  TABLE 2:  ESTIMATED COST (CFAF) 
 
 
Component 1 Institutional strengthening of the DPQC, de-concentrated 
quality control services and implementation of a labelling 
and certification system  367,950,000 
Component 2  Technical and material support for the development of 
quality control activities  118,500,000 
Component 3 Technical and material support for the development of 
activities aimed at analysing agricultural products 372,000,000 
Component 4 Technical support for sector producing quality agricultural 
products (quality assurance, traceability) 146,500,000 
Component 5 Technical support for sectors processing quality 
agricultural products (quality assurance, traceability)  117,000,000 
 TOTAL 1,121,950,000 
 
VII. CONCLUSION 
52. This strategy, which results from the di agnostic assessment made in project 
TCP/BEN/2902 (A), covers activities likely to genera te results and achieve objectives that are fully 
consistent with the expectations of the Beninese authorities. 
53. Technically, the project makes it possible to provide Benin with skilled human resources and 
new control and certification materials to accurate ly perform the numerous controls imposed by 
international regulations. 
54. Socio economically, it makes it possible to incr ease agricultural output.  Substantial amounts 
of foreign exchange will be earned from exports, wh ich will make it possible to create new jobs, thus 
generating additional income. 
55. A major positive effect is expected in terms of domestic hygiene and pub lic health thanks to 
an increase in the capacity to cont rol marketed agricultural products, thus ensuring the country a 
supply of healthy food. 
  
   WT/CFMC/W/43
 Page 21TABLE 3:  BREAKDOWN OF ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS BY COMPONENT 
 
Component 1:  Institutional strengthening of the DPQC 
 
Activities Sub-activities  Resources Quantity Unit costs 
(CFAF) Cost 
(CFAF) 
Fax machine 2 500,000 1,000,000 
Internet 7 100,000 100,000 1.1.1 Provide the DPQC with communications media  
Digital cameras  7 200,000 1,400,000 
4 x 4 vehicles  3 25,000,000 75,000,000 
Light vehicles  4 12,000,000 48,000,000 
Maintenance (batch) 1 27,000,000 27,000,000 
Fuel and lubricants (batch) 1 15,000,000 15,000,000 1.1.2 Equip the DPQC with logistics resources  
Electricity generator 1 25,500,000 25,500,000 
Photocopiers 1 3,500,000 3,500,000 
Calculators 14 50,000 700,000 1.1.3 Equip the DPQC with office supplies 
Consumables (batch) 1 2,000,000 2,000,000 
Complete computers 10 2,500,000 25,000,000 1.1.4 Equip the DPQC with computer materials 
Consumables (batch) 1 2,000,000 2,000,000  
1.1.5 Equip the DPQC with office furniture      
Promotional material (batch) 1 1.1.6 Promote the DPQC 
Promotion campaign and study x 2,500,000 2,500,000 1.1 Coordination of 
project, MAEP 
decentralized 
services, and implementation of 
the agricultural 
quality labelling system and 
certification 
1.1.7 Secure the other services needed to implement 
the project Other services x 20,000,000 20,000,000 
1.2.1 Prepare and/or update texts, make standards 
mandatory Texts and standards  Pm Pm 0 1.2 Rules and 
regulations  
1.2.2 Acquire domestic (CEBENOR) and 
international standards   3,000,000 3,000,000 
1.2.3 Ratify international legislation      
1.2.4 Organize normative and regulatory 
surveillance  Various subscriptions  x 2,500,000 2,500,000  
1.2.4 Establish a system to measure control 
performance indicators  Study  1 3,500,000 3,500,000 
1.3.1 Organize workshops to provide information 
on, explain and disseminate laws and regulations  3-day session for 30 people  3 2,500,000 7,500,000 
1.3.2 Organize a workshop on agricultural product 
quality assurance  3-day session for 40 people 1 4,000,000 4,000,000 
1.3.3 Provide training for the management of 
control services   2-month session for one person in France  1 5,000,000 5,000,000 1.3 Workshops and 
training activities 
1.3.4 Provide training in quality assurance applied 
to agricultural subsectors 10-12-month session for one person in France 1 12,000,000 12,000,000  
  WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 22 Activities Sub-activities  Resources Quantity Unit costs 
(CFAF) Cost 
(CFAF) 
1.3.5 Training in information technology  2-month session for 18 people in Benin  1 750,000 750,000 
1.3.6 English-language training  12-month session for 16 people in Benin  1 3,000,000 3,000,000  
1.3.7 Training in quality auditing applied to plant 
subsectors  1-month session for one person in France  1 2,000,000 2,000,000 
1.4.1 Finish the construction of the DPQC 
laboratory Construction works (batch) 1  Pm 
1.4.2 Equip the premises of the six departmental 
services, including two local (zone) laboratories  Works to equip departmental service 
premises (1 batch) 1  Pm 1.4 Rehabilitation 
and construction  
 Works to equip three local (zone) laboratories 
(batch)  1 65,000,000 65,000,000 
TOTAL COST OF COMPONENT 1 367,950,000 
 
Component 2:  Technical and material support for the development of quality control activities 
 
Activities Sub-activities  Resources Quantity Unit costs 
(CFAF) Cost 
(CFAF) 
2.1.1 Provide training/further training in good 
agricultural practice, g ood hygiene practice and 
HACCP, and agricultural product processing technology 5-day sessions for 30 people  2 3,000,000 6,000,000 
2.1.2 Provide training in quality control and 
management of the packaging of agricultural 
products in France 6-month sessions for one person in France  1 6,000,000 6,000,000 
2.1.3  Prepare and disseminate didactic material Atlas, posters, guide (batch)  1 3,500,000 3,500,000 2.1 – Training  
2.1.4 Train and support implementation of the 
traceability system for the main agricultural 
products 5-day session for 30 people  1 30,000,000 30,000,000 
2.2 Equipment  2.2.1 Provide technical materials and equipment 
for the 150 quality control and certification posts  Technical equipment (batch 1 66,000,000 66,000,000 
2.3 Quality system 2.3.1 Accredit control and certification 
activities for quality assurance (ISO 17020)  Technical assistance mission  1 10,000,000 10,000,000 
2.4 Staff motivation 2.4.1 Introduce performance bonuses  Bonuses  x Pm 0 
 Organize inspection missions   120 200,000 24,000,000 
TOTAL COST OF COMPONENT 2 118,5000,000 
  
   WT/CFMC/W/43
 Page 23Component 3:  Technical and material support for the development of agricultural product activities 
 
Activities Sub-activities  Resources Quantity Costs unit 
(FCFA) Cost 
(FCFA) 
3.1.1 Provide training/further training in good laboratory practice 3-day sessions for 10 people  1 2,000,000 2,000,000 
3.1.2 Provide training in agricultural and food 
product chemistry  10-month sessions for one person in France  1 9,000,000 9,000,000 
3.1.3 Provide training in food microbiology 10-month sessions for one person in France 1 9,000,000 9,000,000 
3.1.4 Provide training in sensory analysis  1-month sessions for one person in France 1 4,000,000 4,000,000 
3.1.5 Provide training in seed pathology  4-month sessions for one person in France 1 6,000,000 6,000,000 
3.1.6 Further training in seed pathology  1-month sessions for two people in France 1 7,500,000 7,500,000 3.1 Training  
3.1.2 Further training in analytical techniques  1-month sessions for two people in France 1 7,500,000 7,500,000 
DPQC technical equipm ent (batch) and  1 3.2 Equipment  3.2.1 Provide the DPQC laboratory and the two local 
(zone) laboratories with technical materials and equipment  Technical equipment of the three local 
(zone) laboratories (batch)   1 300,000,000 300,000,000 
2.3.1 Accredit testing activities for quality assurance 
(ISO 17025)  Technical assistance mission 1 10,000,000 10,000,000 3.3 Quality system  
3.3.2 Enrol the DPQC laboratory in inter-laboratory 
analysis campaigns  Annual subscription 1 5,000,000 5,000,000 
3.4 Staff motivation 2.4.1 Introduce performance bonuses  Bonuses x Pm 0 
Support for 
analytical activities  Evaluation of conformity;  assessment of emerging 
risks  - 120 100,000 12,000,000 
TOTAL COST OF COMPONENT 3 372,000,000  
  WT/CFMC/W/43 
Page 24 Component 4:  Specific technical support for sector involved  in the primary production of  quality agricultural products  
 
Activities Sub-activities  Resources Quantity Costs unit 
(CFAF) Cost 
(CFAF) 
Good agricultural practice guides in French (batch of 350)  5,000 1,000 5,000,000 
4.1.1 Produce and publish didactic support material in 
both French and local languages  
Land plot monitoring record forms (batch of 180) 5,000 1,000 5,000,000 
5-day session for 40 people (cassava)  1 3,000,000 3,000,000 
5-day session for 40 people (cashew nuts) 1 3,000,000 3,000,000 4.1.2 Replicate training in good agricultural practice for 
quality production for production zones  
5-day session for 40 people (ground nuts) 1 3,000,000 3,000,000 
2-day visits for 40 producers per year  10 2,000,000 20,000,000 4.1.3 Organize visits to exchange experiences on good 
agricultural practices  Inter-State visits of five days for 30 producers  2 4,000,000 8,000,000 
4.1.4 Provide training and further training for trainers  3-day session for 50 people 2 5,000,000 10,000,000 
Production of documentaries  X 3,500,000 3,500,000 4.1 Training 
4.15 Produce and disseminate audiovisual materials 
Annual publications  X 3,000 3,000 
4.2.1 Provide agents with suitable materials and 
equipment for supervising producers  Motorbikes Pm Pm Pm 4.2 Equipment  
4.2.2 Provide agents with suitable material and 
equipment for supervising producers Demonstration kit  100 300,000 30,000,000 
4.2.3 Replicate training ac tivities on hygiene and the 
HACCP system for processing units (including water 
treatment, preparation of contractual conditions and 
minimum installation, equipment and operating 
standards for processing workshops  5-day session for 40 people (cassava)  5 3,000,000 15,000,000 
Demonstration kit  5 2,000,000 10,000,000 4.2.4  Organize visits for the exchange of experiences  
5-day inter-State visits for 30 producers  2 4,000,000 8,000,000  
4.2.5 Training in traceability for ec onomic agents 5-day session for 40 agents  4 5,000,000 20,000,000 
TOTAL COST OF COMPONENT 4 146,500,000 
  
   WT/CFMC/W/43
 Page 25Component 5:  Technical support for private ent erprises processing quality agricultural products 
 
Activities Sub-activities  Resources Quantity Costs unit 
(FCFA) Cost 
(FCFA) 
 Surveys  7 surveys 1,500,000 10,500,000 
 Census and recording of the main producers of export products 
Creation of records  7 500,000 3,500,000 
 Evaluation of potential health and quality risks by type of 
product and production zone and preparation of control plans Studies and surveys  6 3,000,000 18,000,000 
 Updating of the document on the traceability of agricultural 
products of plant origin Workshop 1 3,000,000 3,000,000 
 Support for agents to implement data on traceability 1,000 fortnightly programs   3,000 3,000,000 
 Training for agents in the management of traceab ility systems 20 trainers   1,000,000 20,000,000 
20 targeted support activities  500,000 10,000,000  5.3 Authorization and accreditation 
Obtain authorization from importing countries for the leading export products  Lobbying (4)  3,000,000 12,000,000 
20 targeted support activities  500,000   Support accreditation by impor ting countries of monitored 
producer enterprises, to enable them to export their products  Lobbying (4)  3,000,000 12,000,000 
Introduce 
agricultural 
quality labelling Awareness raising on the content of the decree on agricultural 
labelling Session of 1 day x 50 5 1,000,000 5,000,000 
 Staff training One month abroad  2 people 5,000,000 10,000,000 
 Support for the labelling commission and secretariat   10,000,000  10,000,000 
TOTAL COST OF COMPONENT 5 117,000,000 
 
__________