Policy and Institutional Landscape for EcologicalOrganic Agriculture in Benin
African Technology Policy Studies Network(ATPS) Technopolicy Brief No. 59
Dr. Nicholas Ozor
Mr. Alfred Nyambane

Policy and Institutional Landscape for
Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benin

Dr. Nicholas Ozor
Mr. Alfred Nyambane
African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is atransdisciplinary network of researchers, policymakers, private
sector actors and the civil society promoting the generation,dissemination, use and mastery of Science, Technology andInnovations (STI) for African development, environmental
sustainability and global inclusion. In collaboration with like-minded
institutions, ATPS provides platforms for regional and international
research and knowledge sharing in order to build Africa’s capabilities
in STI policy research, policymaking and implementation forsustainable development.

Published by the African Technology Policy Studies
Network (ATPS)
P. O. Box 10081, 00100- GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
2021
ISBN: 978-9966-124-81-4

Table of Contents
About the Mainstreaming Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative................ ii
About the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) ....................... iii
Acknowledgement ........................................................................................ iv
Key Messages ................................................................................................ v
1. Introduction ............................................................................................. 1
2. Rationale for Ecological Organic Agriculture ............................................ 2
3. Methodology ........................................................................................... 3
4. Major Findings ......................................................................................... 3
4.1 National Policies, Strategies and Plans that support EOA development .... 3
4.2 Institutional Framework for EOA development in Benin ........................... 6
5. Conclusion ............................................................................................... 7
6. Policy Recommendations ......................................................................... 8
References ................................................................................................... 11
ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief Series .................................................................... 12

i |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in BeninAbout the Mainstreaming Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative
The Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I) 1 is a continental initiativethat holds promise for increasing the productivity of Africa’s smallholder farms,
with consequent positive impacts on food security. Garnering support andlegitimacy for programs and initiatives run in Africa from continental bodies suchas the African Union Commission (AUC), the New Partnership for Africa’s
Development (NEPAD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa(UNECA), the Regional Economic Commissions (RECs) as well as the relevant
National governments could undoubtedly lead to ownership, high visibility,
success, and sustainability of such programs and initiative. However, the processof engaging with these high-level bodies and governments is notstraightforward. It requires strong champions who have establishedlongstanding relationships both formal and informal with these bodies andgovernments to achieve the desired objectives. The African Technology Policy
Studies Network (ATPS) 2 is one rare organization in Africa that has establishedworking relationships and goodwill with these aforementioned bodies andgovernments for over 30 years. In most cases, ATPS provides human resource
supports to these bodies in a win-win situation that has led to the developmentof trust and high integrity between ATPS and the continental bodies andgovernments. The EOA-I aims to transform and create sustainable food systems
through promoting ecologically sound strategies and practices among diverse
stakeholders in production, processing, marketing and policymaking, tosafeguard the environment, improve livelihoods, alleviate poverty andguarantee food security. The overall goal of the initiative is to mainstream EOA
into national agricultural production systems by 2025 in order to improve
agricultural productivity, food security, access to markets and sustainable
development in Africa.

12

https://biovisionafricatrust.org/eoa-initiative/
https://atpsnet.org/about-atps/

ii |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in BeninAbout the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a trans-disciplinary
network of researchers, policymakers, private sector actors and the civil society
actors that promote the generation, dissemination, use and mastery of Science,
Technology and Innovations (STI) for African development, environmental
sustainability and global inclusion. ATPS has over 5000 network members and
3,000 stakeholders in over 51 countries in 5 continents with institutional
partnerships worldwide. We implement our programs through members innational chapters established in 30 countries (27 in Africa and 3 Diaspora
chapters in Australia, United States of America and the United Kingdom). In
collaboration with like-minded institutions, ATPS provides platforms for regional
and international research and knowledge sharing in order to build Africa’s
capabilities in STI policy research, policymaking and implementation forsustainable development.

iii |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in BeninAcknowledgement
This Policy Brief was produced by the African Technology Policy Studies Network(ATPS). The ATPS takes this opportunity to thank all the ATPS National Chapter
Coordinators in the study countries, the lead researchers and facilitators who
sacrificed amid the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that this study was
successfully conducted. ATPS thanks the respondents from the study countries
for their inputs. Special thanks go to the Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) team fortheir support and cooperation throughout this first phase of our project
implementation under the EOA-I. ATPS also thanks the Swiss Agency for
Development and Cooperation (SDC) for providing the funds used for thisresearch.

iv |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in BeninKey Messages
 The lack of policies and laws restricting the use of chemical inputs inagricultural production in Benin continues to predispose the country
to plant, animal, soil and human health challenges and calls for actions
to reverse this trend. The Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA)
development offers a good option for sustainable agriculturaldevelopment in the country.
 The Beninese Organization for the Promotion of Organic Agriculture(OBEPAB) has been playing a critical role in the development of
Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) in Benin by developing capacity inenvironment-friendly farming systems, building self-sufficient andsustainable organic supply chains, promoting action research inenvironmental health, food safety and farm family health, training
extension agents, consumers, farmers, processors, researchers,
students and decision-makers and facilitating access to information forvarious stakeholders on pesticides and its alternatives.
 Establishing local control and certification system for ecologically
produced organic products is critical to earning stakeholders’confidence and subsequently the international market and visibility.
 There is need for increased public awareness and government
participation in EOA development in the Republic of Benin to ensure
full understanding of its benefits to environment and human health aswell as its contribution to the national economy.

v |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benin

1. Introduction
Sustainable agriculture integrates the goals of environmental and human health,economic profitability, and social and economic equity according to the United
Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific [ESCAP](ESCAP, 2009). Looking forward, the continued global population growth andchanging demographic patterns, coupled with income growth will put increased
pressure on food supplies and already scarce natural resources (Fan, 2010). In
the Benin Republic, the contribution of agriculture to the economy is not
negligible as it employs 70% of the active population and 47% of the country's
employment (Dayou et al., 2020). Agriculture contribution to the gross domestic
product (GDP) decreased from 33.1% in 1995 to 32.6% in 2005 and 25% in 2016
(World Bank, 2017). In order to improve the low productivity in agriculture, theagricultural modernization plan targeted changes in the cropping system in
Benin such as the widespread use of machines and fertilizers and the large-scale
exploitation of farmland among others (Ministry of Agriculture, Animal
Husbandry and Fisheries [MAEP], 2017). However, these practices have had
severe negative impacts on the environment and the health of humans andother living things and it has become imperative for changes in the farming
systems that are less destructive to the environment and humans while at thesame time realizing increased productivity.
Organic farming has been touted to be the best option for enhancing agricultural
sustainability and has been advocated by African leaders (Biovision Africa Trust,2015). There have been various global and regional initiatives and strategies thathave targeted to promote the agriculture sector aiming for increasing foodproduction with little or limited destruction on the environment. These
initiatives include the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), International
Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD),
Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the Paris
agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) among others.
The Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I) is one of the initiatives inAfrica that aim to transform and create sustainable food systems throughpromoting ecologically sound strategies and practices among diverse
stakeholders in production, processing, marketing and policymaking in order tosafeguard the environment, improve livelihoods, alleviate poverty andguarantee food security. With the overall goal of mainstreaming the EOA
initiative into the national, regional and continental agricultural production
systems by 2025, the Initiative intends to improve agricultural productivity, foodsecurity, access to markets and sustainable development in Africa.
1 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benin

Benin is seeking to become an emerging economy by 2025. To achieve this, itneeds to manage the environment more efficiently in order to overcome theenvironmental challenges facing it, facilitate sustainable development, andreduce poverty in the country (Banque, 2010). This requires significant changes
in policy as well as institutional frameworks in the agricultural sector as well as
in other related sectors such as land, industry, trade, and environment among
others.
2. Rationale for Ecological Organic Agriculture
Benin highly depends on the agriculture sector for its economic development.
However, the sector earnings have been declining steadily over the years due tounsustainable agricultural practices. There has been increased deforestation
caused by the demand for new land for farming, building needs and timber
harvesting, and collection of non-tuber forest products as well as erosion causedby poor farming systems. These practices and technologies impact on the
productivity of the natural resources and purchased inputs used by farmers(MAEP, 2016). Depending on the management and productivity of agriculture’s
use of resources and inputs this will affect the rate of depletion and degradationof soils and water; the flows of harmful emissions into soils, water, air and theatmosphere and the quantity and quality of plant and animal resources andlandscape features. Agricultural production derives its existence from the use ofland. Without productive land resources, no meaningful agricultural activity cantake off. However, land use in Benin remains a huge challenge for thegovernment (Ekpodessi and Nakamura, 2018).
Organic agriculture is a good option for ensuring food and nutrition security
equal or better than most conventional systems and more likely to besustainable in the longer term (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP]
and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development [UNCTAD], 2008). A
shift towards organic production systems has an enduring impact, as it builds up
to levels of natural, human, social, financial and physical capital in farming
communities. Evidence by a United Nations (UN) report reveals that smallholder
farmers can double food production within 3-10 years, in critical regions when
ecologically based improved methods of farming are applied3. Given that Beninhas largely small-scale farmers, ecological organic production systems canensure and sustain local food and nutrition security and sovereignty, ecosystem
3

https://newsarchive.ohchr.org/CH/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=10819&LangID=E

2 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Beninservices for rural welfare and biodiversity conservation (Biovision Africa Trust,2015). It is acknowledged that small-scale farmers already produce 70% of theworld’s food and that following agroecological and organic principles andpractices African small-scale farmers can produce adequate food to feed thecontinent sustainably, provided they have secure access to land, water,
seeds/breeds and other natural resources (Ibid).
3. Methodology
This Policy Brief was developed from a study that was conducted in Benin wheremixed approaches were used. First, a comprehensive desk study was conducted
where literature on existing policies, strategies and institutional frameworks
relevant to EOA in Benin were reviewed. Secondly, Key Informant Interviews(KIIs) were conducted with 15 identified EOA stakeholders at the national leveltargeting policymakers, researchers, non-governmental bodies, private sector,
traders and individual actors among others. Finally, a Focus Group Discussion(FGDs) involving 8-12 people was conducted with selected stakeholders totriangulate data and information already obtained around EOA-related policies,
strategies and institutional frameworks in the country.
4. Major Findings
4.1 National Policies, Strategies and Plans that support EOA development
The Republic of Benin highly depends on the agricultural sector in transforming
its economy. It has therefore developed various policies and strategies totransform the sector. Those that specifically support the EOA subsector are
highlighted below:a) National Long-term Vision- “Benin Alafia 2025”: This vision supports the
agriculture sector by encouraging agricultural research and thedevelopment and dissemination of proven innovations. Agriculturaldevelopment strategies are given priority in the realization of a strong andsustainable economy. The Vision is relevant to EOA since it advocates forenvironmental protection and the use of traditional knowledge to achievesustainability in economic development.
b) Benin’s Strategic Plan for the Development of the Agricultural Sector[PSDSA] (2017-2025): This plan was adopted in 2017 and outlines thesector’s strategic objectives aimed at strengthening the growth of the
3 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Beninagricultural sector, food sovereignty and the food and nutritional securityof the population, through efficient production and sustainable
management of farms. The plan has a strong orientation on theadaptation to climate change and takes into account the sustainable
management of the resources and the resilience of the populations. These
include the promotion of climate-resilient agriculture and thedevelopment of value chains for maize, cashew and shea among othercrops. Climate-resilient agriculture is part of EOA development.
c) The National Plan for Agricultural Investments and Food and Nutritional
Security [PNIASAN] (2017-2021): The Plan aims to increase theproduction and productivity of agricultural value chains; improve
markets, trade and value chains; increase the resilience of livelihoods andsystems; and strengthen the governance of the existing natural resources.
Although this plan does not explicitly recognize organic farming, it
promotes climate-smart agriculture as well as protection andconservation of the existing environment and natural resources, hence
supporting EOA development.
d) Benin’s Strategy for Low Carbon Development and Climate Change
Resilience (2016-2025): The development of this strategy is based on theassessment of both vulnerability and the greenhouse gas mitigation
potential of the main sectors of the Benin economy including agriculture.
The objectives of this strategy are to strengthen the resilience of local
communities and economic production systems, reduce anthropogenic
greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen community protection,
particularly those most vulnerable to natural disasters. This strategy
supports environmental protection and conservation in all productionand economic undertakings thus expressing its support for ecologicallysound agricultural practices.
e) Benin’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions [INDCs] (20152030): Benin INDCs put forward action plans for both climate change
mitigation and adaptation to align with the country’s medium-term
development agenda. Through the INDCs, Benin commits to implement
adaptation action in three priority economic sectors: agriculture, water
resources and forestry. Within these sectors, Benin aims to reduce thevulnerability of communities and ecosystems to climate change using
appropriate measures, thus supporting eco-friendly agriculture
development in the country.
4 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Beninf) Benin’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan [NBSAP] (20112020): This strategy was adopted in 2010 by the Ministry of Environment
to renew the commitment of the preceding NBSAP which was adopted in
2002. It promotes improved management of biodiversity and ecosystems
to contribute to sustainable development in the country and to reducepoverty. In line with the previous strategy, it focusses on adopting aparticipatory approach to ensure that every citizen and sector of theeconomy contributes to promoting and protecting biodiversity across thecountry. The strategy aims to reduce pressures on biodiversity, restore
ecosystems and use natural resources sustainably and fairly thus
supporting ecological friendly agriculture.
g) Benin’s National Adaptation Programme of Action [NAPA], 2008: The
Plan has five key strategic areas of focus: agriculture and food security,
energy, water, health and coastal development. With regard to
agriculture and food security, this programme aims to establish early
warning systems on climate risks to enhance food security in various
agroecological areas perceived to be vulnerable to climate change. This
will help stabilize and increase food production in those areas thereby,
indirectly supporting EOA in the country.
h) National Programme for Adaptation to Climate Change (PANA) of 2008:
The PANA aimed at identifying the urgent and immediate needs in termsof adaptation in order to reduce the vulnerability of fragile ecosystems
and populations already subjected to poverty in the face of adverse andperverse effects of climate change and extreme weather phenomena. It
works in line with other national development strategies to ensure that
the Republic of Benin goes "green" by promoting policy measures aimed
at integrating the environment into related plans, programs and projects,
hence ensuring the sustainability of the key production sectors such as
agriculture, and thus supporting ecologically-sound agriculture.
Despite the number of decrees promulgated and the efforts made by competentinstitutions in the country, the pollution resulting from the mismanagement ofplant protection measures persist as evidenced in the presence of chemical
substances in foods and food products. This has severely affected the efforts ofpromoting the EOA subsector in the country. Special attention should be paid inlight of minimizing or removing the potential risks of certain chemical inputs
used in agricultural production through awareness creation and advocacy inorder to remain sustainable.
5 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benin

4.2 Institutional Framework for EOA development in Benin
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (MAEP) is the main national
governmental body regulating all agricultural activities in Benin. Through Decree
No. 2016-681 (November 7, 2016) on the institutional framework of agriculturaldevelopment, Benin has opted for the planning of agricultural development withthe creation of seven (7) Poles of Agricultural Development (PAD) administeredby Territorial Agencies of Agricultural Development (ATDA) whose role is toensure the promotion of priority agricultural sectors by ensuring a better
combination of the sector approach and the territorial approach as well as theapplication of instruments and related procedures. The Pole of Agricultural
Development Plan (PADP) serves as a compass for ATDA interventions on theirterritory. It is developed under the technical coordination of the ATDA andserves as a basis for the development of the Sector Development Plans. This
framework can also be used to anchor EOA in Benin within the establishedstructures.
Organic certified agriculture in Benin started in 1996 under the leadership of the
Beninese Organization for the Promotion of Organic Agriculture (OBEPAB). The
initiative was centred on cotton and involved a range of transnational NGOs
including PAN Trust/UK, Agro Eco, Solidaridad, and PAN Africa among others.
The bilateral Sustainable Development Agreement (SDA) between thegovernments of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Benin was
also key in the development of the organic cotton initiative. The not-for-profit
Organisation OBEPAB was founded to contribute to the reduction of pesticide
use in agriculture. Much of the annual ill-health and fatalities in rural areas in
Benin are caused by pesticides. OBEPAB’s objectives include promoting organic
agriculture and developing capacity in environment-friendly farming systems;
building self-sufficient and sustainable organic supply chains, which areprofitable and socially just; promoting action research in environmental health,food safety and farm family health; training extension agents, consumers,
farmers, processors, researchers, students and decision-makers on pesticide
hazard issues; improving farmers confidence and capacity; and facilitating
access to information for various stakeholders on pesticides and alternatives.
OBEPAB’s approach is to put people at the centre, via participatory approaches
which value local knowledge and build the capacity of farmer groups for selfhelp.
Created by decree no. 92-182 of July 6, 1992, the National Institute ofAgricultural Research of Benin (INRAB) falls under MAEP with headquarters in
Cotonou, operates three regional centres in the Center, North, and South and6 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benintwo commodity-based centres focusing on cotton and other fibre crops andother perennial plants. In recent years, it has undergone profound reforms
leading to the issuance of decree No. 2019-202 of July 24, 2019, approving its
status. The INRAB responds, with the various actors in the agricultural sector, on
the national and international challenges of agriculture and development.
INRAB’s scientists conduct research on crops, livestock, postharvest
technologies, socioeconomics, forestry, agricultural engineering, and natural
resources. This, therefore, places Benin on a good slate for promoting EOA
research and development of the subsector.
Benin’s higher education sector plays an important role in national agricultural
Research and Development (R&D). Seven units under the University of AbomeyCalavi (UAC) are actively engaged in agricultural R&D, the largest of which is theFaculty of Agricultural Sciences. The Faculty of Agronomy of the University of
Parakou is the only non–UAC higher education agency that conducts agricultural
R&D. Some other non-governmental organizations also conduct agricultural
R&D largely focusing on research related to socioeconomics, but also concerning
agricultural issues. Agricultural research conducted by the private for-profit
sector in Benin is negligible.
5. Conclusion
This Policy Brief has evaluated Benin's current agricultural policies, strategies,
plans and institutional frameworks and how they impact on EOA subsector
development in the country. It is evident the Government of Benin aims atincreasing agricultural production through the expanding of cultivation areasand improving yields of most food and cash crops. This involved setting up andusing techniques and equipment that sometimes did not respect theenvironment (Dayou et al., 2020). Various policy documents have beendeveloped to revamp the economy through agriculture. Some of the provisionsof these policies and strategy documents are not pro-organic or environmentallyfriendly. Thus, to achieve the goal of increasing agricultural production for foodsecurity without affecting the environment, strict provisions in policy and law
must be made and enforced, this is despite having management plans andenvironmental assessments often included in projects. The Government support
for agricultural R&D and of course in EOA has been low because most of thepolicymakers lack appreciation of its importance to sustainable agricultural
productivity and economic development. Since some of the organic inputs may
not be affordable to many farmers, the government should consider subsidizingorganic inputs and make them available to farmers. Consultations need to beformally established where all actors can actively be involved to promote EOA
7 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benindevelopment and implementation. National organic markets should be createdto allow free trade of organic products. Additionally, local production of organic
inputs is crucial to ensure the production of zone-specific inputs that are
affordable to the people. Moreover, a local control and certification systemshould be put in place for ecologically produced organic products. It is also
paramount to promote entrepreneurship to add value to organic products in the
country. For EOA to gain impetus and match the conventional farming system in
Benin, the private sector among other actors should be fully engaged in all
activities regarding EOA. NGOs have been actively involved in raising awarenessof EOA practices and capacity building thus increasing its adoption. For the EOA
initiative to gain full operationalization and implementation in Benin, EOA
should be included in all agricultural policies and strategic plans. There is alsoneed to popularize to the general public the benefits and importance of EOA
over conventional farming.
6. Policy Recommendations
From the study, the following policy recommendations are proffered to ensure
the growth and development of EOA in Benin.
Recommendation 1: Review the existing agriculture policies or enact astandalone National EOA policy:
Whereas there are strong agricultural policies in Benin, they do not strongly
entrench provisions directly supporting EOA. The review of these policies orenactment of a stand-alone EOA policy will give a clear guideline for supporting
the development of the subsector in the country. Participation in the policy andstrategy processes should be inclusive and involve public-private partnerships
to ensure sustainability. This will offer even the farmers a good opportunity tocontribute to the process and ensure success in the implementation of thepolicies and subsequent programmes. A cross-sectoral coordination and support
mechanism is very critical in bringing together key actors as it will form a strong
basis for sustainability.
Recommendation 2: Awareness creation and advocacy in support of EOA
policies and programs:
There is need to mount a concerted effort in sensitization to increase publicawareness about EOA, its benefits in terms of health and income generation as
well as in the sustainability of the environment in general. Advocacy campaigns
that will build on the findings of this research should also be mounted across the
EOA value chains in the country thereby leading to mainstreaming of EOA in
8 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Beningovernment policies, plans and strategies. All efforts should be inclusive andpeople-centred to ensure the acceptance and sustainability of EOA programmes
in the country.
Recommendation 3: Capacity building across all levels of EOA value chain:
There is need to build the capacity of all actors along the EOA value chain toensure effective and efficient delivery of goods and services in the subsector. All
actors including producers, processors, middlemen, marketers, productcertifiers, policymakers, researchers, civil society and the media need tounderstand what their roles are and how to play these roles for a sustainable
EOA development in Benin. Most importantly, regular training should bedesigned for EOA producers, processors and consumers through the extension
service delivery system to enable them to adopt good practices that will attract
good profits for their products as well as maintain standards in the subsector.
Recommendation 4: Establish effective markets for EOA products as well asorganic standards:
For effective marketing of organic products to happen at local and international
levels, it will require the involvement of all stakeholders in Benin, especiallythrough a public-private partnership to design the value chain that will beeffective. It will also require the development of organic standards that can beeasily implemented given the local circumstances and mirroring the regional andinternational standards. This will offer producers an opportunity to apply themin their specific contexts considering the climatic and agroecological conditions.
Organic certification in the domestic market offers quality assurance toconsumers by knowing that the products are produced in adherence to strictproduction procedures and standards of EOA.
Recommendation 5: Increase funding for EOA research through increased
collaboration with development partners and the private sector:
There is need to increase support for research and development on EOA in
Benin. This can be through increased funding by the government and/or
development partners. The research findings should continuously be sharedthrough conferences and workshops to increase the awareness, knowledge
exchange and learning on EOA thereby boosting its adoption. It is also importantto create functional and reliable national and regional networks for betterinteraction and networking among stakeholders in EOA. The government isurged to increase its allocation to agriculture in line with the AU’s Maputo
Declaration of 2003 that requests African countries to allocate 10% of their
public expenditure to agriculture. This will boost further research, capacity
9 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Beninbuilding, market access and overall development along the EOA value chain withthe government’s goodwill and hence help to realize a transformative change inthe subsector.

10 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in BeninReferences
Biovision Africa Trust, [BvAT], (2015). The Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA)
Initiative in Africa Action Plan 2015-2020. The EOA Continental Steering
Committee (CSC).
Dayou E.D., B. Zokpodo, M. Montcho, E.A. Ajav, I. A. Bamgboye and R. L. Kakaï
(2020). Current Agricultural and Environmental Policies in Benin Republic.
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MAEP, (2016). Projet d’Appui à la Diversification Agricole (PADA): Cadre deGestion Environnementale et Sociale (CGES). Version finale.
UNEP-UNCTAD (2008). Organic Agriculture and Food Security in Africa. UNEPUNCTAD Capacity Building Task Force on Trade, Environment andDevelopment (CBTF), United Nations, New York and Geneva.
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11 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in BeninATPS TechnoPolicy Brief Series• Institutional Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture Development in
Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 58)• Policy and Institutional Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in
Senegal (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 57)• Advancing Ecological Organic Agriculture in Nigeria (ATPS TechnoPolicy
Brief No. 56)• Policy and Institutional Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in
Rwanda (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 55)• Bridging Climate Information Gaps to Strengthen Capacities for Climate
Informed Decision (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 54)• Embracing Open Contracting in Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No.53)• The Digital Revolution, Open Science, and Innovation for Open Science
Development in sub-Saharan Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 52)• Nouvelles approaches de financement de la recherché et de L’innovationen Afrique (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 51)• New Approaches for Funding Research and Innovation in Africa (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 50)• Towards Effective Public-Private Partnerships in Research and Innovation:
A perspective for African Science Granting Councils (ATPS TechnoPolicy
Brief No. 49)• Innovative Practices and Policies for Promoting Biodiversity Informatics in
Sub Saharan Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 48)• Improving the Relevance of University Training to Labour Market
Demands in Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No.47)• Developing Policies for Biodiversity Informatics in sub-Saharan Africa(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 46)• ICTs role in Agricultural Development: Prospects of Land Potential
Knowledge System (LandPKS) (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 45)• Mainstreaming Gender in the National Science, Technology andInnovation (STI) Policy of Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 44)• Social Innovation: An untapped Resource for Inclusive Green Growth(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 43)
12 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benin• Policy Axes that can uphold Agricultural Innovations for Climate Change
Adaptation & Food Security in Central Africa: Case of Cameroon,
Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief
No. 42)• Frameworks for Intellectual Property Protection of Traditional Knowledge
in Tanzania (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 41)• Assessment of Possible Intellectual Property Protection Options of
Traditional Knowledge System in Ethiopia (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No.
40)• Towards influencing National Legislation, Policies, Strategies andProgrammes for appropriate Protection and Benefit-Sharing of Traditional
Knowledge (TK) with and by Traditional Herbalists in Uganda. (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No 39)• Traditional Healers and their provision of Mental Health Services in
Cosmopolitan Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. (ATPS TechnoPolicy
Brief No. 38)• Policy Implications for Intellectual Property Systems for Traditional
Healers in Lesotho. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 37)• Incidence of Indigenous and Innovative Climate Change Adaptation
Practices for Smallholder Framers’ Livelihood Security in Chikhwawa
District, Southern Malawi. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No.36)• Machobane Farming System and its Relevance to Climate Change Policyin Lesotho. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 35)

13 |Policy and Institutional Landscape for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benin

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)
is a transdisciplinary network of researchers,
policymakers, private sector actors and the civil society
promoting the generation, dissemination, use andmastery of Science, Technology and Innovations (STI)
for African development, environmental sustainability
and global inclusion. In collaboration with like-minded
institutions, ATPS provides platforms for regional andinternational research and knowledge sharing in orderto build Africa’s capabilities in STI policy research,
policymaking and implementation for sustainable
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Contact Executive Director:
executivedirector@atpsnet.org
8th Floor Chancery Building,Valley Road
P. O. Box 10081-00100, Nairobi
Tel: +254 (020) 2714092
www.atpsnet.org

Science Technology and Innovation
for African Development
ISBN: 978-9966-124-81-4