The cotton industry still offers the best opportunities for trade provided international market prices remain level. The agriculture sector is presently being restructured in order to promote diversification. Surveys show prospects exist for cassava flour, grain, fruit and vegetable production. The agricultural reform program makes provisions for widespread privatization, for increases in credits to farmers, and for improvement in rural living conditions. The CFA devaluation has strongly encouraged the consumption of local products and should help stimulate the agricultural sector.
Deforestation remains an alarming problem.
Fishing activities are conducted on a small scale, and the sector is dominated by individual fishermen who practice traditional fishing techniques. Fish represents a large portion of the Beninese diet. For the past thirty years, industrial development has been limited and principally geared toward light industry, although important investment has recently been made in heavy industrial units. Major manufactured products include textiles, cement, soap, beverages and food products. Competition from neighboring Nigeria is strong.