. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/CFMC/W/9 
11 April 2008 
 
 (08-1682) 
 Original:   French 
  
DIRECTOR-GENERAL'S CONSULTATIVE FRAMEWORK 
MECHANISM ON COTTON 
 
Cotton Projects
1 
 
Communication from Benin 
 
 
 The following communication, dated 22 November 2004, is being circulated at the request of 
the delegation of Benin.  
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PROJECT N° 9 - DEVELOPMENT OF TARGETED APPLICATION MANAGEMENT 
(LUTTE ÉTAGÉE CIBLÉE – LEC ) AS A METHOD OF PHYTOSANITARY PROTECTION 
IN COTTON FARMING WHICH HELPS TO REDUCE COSTS AND IMPROVE 
PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY WHILE AT THE SAME TIME 
ALLEVIATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 
 
A. J
USTIFICATION  
1. The experiment conducted in the framework of the Projet d'Amélioration et de 
Diversification des Systèmes d'Exploitation (PADSE)  showed that LEC is a phytosanitary protection 
method that could reduce the cost of treating crops while at the same time improving productivity and 
quality.  It also helps to alleviate the environm ental impact of such protection by reducing the 
amounts of active substances applied.  Conseque ntly, it is a key instrument in improving the 
sustainability of cotton production as well as its profitability and image with consumers abroad. 
B. OBJECTIVES  
2. To apply LEC to at least one quarter of the area under cotton over a period of four years as a 
means of improving the profita bility of the cotton sub-sector. 
C. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES  
(a) Creation and management of a working capital fund by producers with respect to the 
products to be used; 
(b) training of the technicians needed to help  the farmers and the "observer" farmers; 
(c) continuation of research to improve the pe rformance of this method, particularly by 
reducing the costs of the first phase, which represents 60 per cent of the cost of the basic LEC protection; 
                                                     
 
1 This project was distributed amongst the Development Community by e-mail on 18 August 2005. WT/CFMC/W/9 
Page 2  
 
  (d) conducting of a study on the influence of  LEC on the evolution of insecticide 
resistance phenomena; 
(e) conducting of a study on the influence of LEC on the quality of the cotton produced; 
(f) conducting of a study to determine the imp act of phytosanitary practices in cotton 
growing on the environment;  and 
(g) monitoring of bollworm populations by means of a trapping network to prevent 
possible accidental outbreaks. 
D. E
XPECTED RESULTS  
(a) Dissemination of LEC over an area of 100,00 0 hectares.  Increased profitability of 
production and of the sub-sector thanks to  improved productivity, better quality and a 
reduction in the cost of inputs; 
(b) in particular, resolution of the problem of stickiness and seed coat fragments; 
(c) reduced impact of cotton growing on the environment; 
(d) resolution of the problem posed by the shift from "cotton" products to other crops; 
(e) positive impact on human health;  and 
(f) assumption by cotton of its leading role in favouring the development of other areas 
of farming. 
E. COST:  CFA Francs 2,250 billion. 
F. DURATION :   5 years. 
G. LOCATION :  Benin. 
H. PROSPECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS :  INRAB,  CRA-CF,  AIC,  FUPRO,  CARDER,  
DIFOV,  DPQC,  CIRAD,  DAGRIS. 
 
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