PROJECT 3: SUPPORT PROJECT FOR THE CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL OF BENIN RICE FARMERS (CCR-B) TO PROVIDE ECONOMIC SERVICES TO ITS MEMBERS (2010-2012)

Location: all departments of Benin

Activities: seed production and provision, provision of fertilizers, summary development of lowlands, strengthening of production and management capacities, training in production technical routes, connecting farmers with MFIs, establishment and support of rice processing units, construction and management of rice storage facilities, business plan development, marketing, lobbying, promotion of Beninese rice, strengthening of project management capacities of POs.

Resources involved: 3 ETD executives, 1 CIDR technical advisor and 7 CCR-B executives 4 support staff

Amount: € 1,281,602

Beneficiaries: 40 000 rice farmers and their organizations

Partners: Institutional (CIDR, CCR-B,), Financial (EU, Agence Française de Développement / French Development Agency), Technical (INRAB, CeRPA)

References: Nicolas BEROFF, Former President of CIDR, nicolas.beroff@cidr.org; Laurent Grolleau, EAFM Department Director at CIDR, France – laurent.grolleau@cidr.org

The CBRC is recognized as a key player in the rice sector in Benin with public authorities and institutions involved in the sector;

The number of farmers paying their dues to the CCRB is progressing significantly;

3000 new farmers have joined the rice industry and are members of the CRRB