The WFP Centre of Excellence against Hunger in Brazil is preparing two technical missions to Benin in October, strengthening international cooperation on food and nutrition security and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
The first mission is part of the Beyond Cotton Project, carried out by the Centre of Excellence in conjunction with the WFP in Benin, with the support of the Benin government and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC). The project seeks to integrate family farming into school feeding programmes and promote alternative sources of income for cotton producers.
Between 13 and 18 October, Brazilian and Beninese experts will participate in workshops, field visits and training activities on nutrition and sustainable agriculture, involving schools, local cooperatives, school committees and government technicians. The activities and results of the cooperation will be recorded for a documentary on the Beyond Cotton Project in Benin.
The second mission is part of the partnership between Brazil and France and will take place from 13 to 23 October. The focus is on the implementation of clean energy technologies applied to school meals, such as biodigesters and eco-friendly stoves, in this initiative carried out by the Centre of Excellence with support from the Benin government, the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and the WFP office in the country.
Practical training and a national seminar on local purchasing for the National Integrated School Feeding Programme (PNASI) are also planned, strengthening the link between family farmers and school canteens.
The two missions combine nutrition, family farming, clean energy and the environment in integrated solutions. The expectation is that the actions will contribute to the expansion of more nutritious and culturally appropriate menus, while strengthening local production and reducing pressure on natural resources.
“Our goal is to support Benin in developing sustainable public policies that guarantee quality school meals, value family farming and increase the resilience of communities,” said Albaneide Peixinho, who coordinates the Beyond Cotton Project for the Centre of Excellence.
This project has already carried out actions with farmers in Tanzania and Mozambique, and is now in its final phase in Benin, with activities that strengthen cotton farmers, training them to use cotton by-products and promoting intercropping, contributing to the communities’ economy.