In northern Benin, where farming see-saws between unpredictable heavy rains and dry spells due to climate change, self-reliance in vegetables has deteriorated over the years.

Women farmers in Niaro, in the Sinendé commune, said they have had to contend with irregular rainfall, soil depletion and unseasonal pests and diseases - which have resulted in low yields of certain crops, such as cabbage and carrots.

This once food-sufficient region has in recent times been forced to rely on food from other municipalities.

To confront these challenges of climate change, the non-governmental organisation Tonkouro, in partnership with the Elite Atacora organisation, organised a practical training session for these women vegetable farmers as part of celebrations of the International Women’s Day.

The goal of the initiative was to empower rural women by improving their capacity for sustainable production and their resilience to the effects of climate change.

Among other things, the initiative helped strengthen their skills in agroecological practices and trained them in new techniques for efficient land management to maximize yields, even on small pieces of land.

The two organisations subsequently reinforced concepts related to promoting local production of underutilized crops such as cabbage and carrots, using adapted techniques.

The same meeting allowed participants to consolidate their knowledge and practical techniques regarding hygiene and sanitation in the areas used for their vegetable farming activities.

At the end, these women received material support to sustain their activities.

The next such event is planned for Guessou Bani. To this end, the Tonkouro NGO and the Elite Atacora NGO have already launched their fundraising and donation drives.