The UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Benin have signed a US $13.11-million loan agreement for the country’s Roots and Tubers Development Programme, IFAD said on Tuesday.
The programme, which aims to diversify government export earnings, will concentrate on identifying commercial outlets for cassava. It also aims to help alleviate rural povery, improve the food security of rural households and reduce the marginalisation of small farmers, particularly women, IFAD said. Cassava, yam and sweet potato are staples of household food security. The country’s production of roots and tubers, which acounts for two-thirds of all food produced annually, is concentrated in small farming sectors.
The IFAD-initiated programme, which cost some US $19.28 million, will be co-financed by the West African Development Bank, the Benin government and beneficiaries.
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