The Benin government has initiated a pilot program aimed at supporting maize farmers through a combination of agricultural production support and social protection. As part of this program, maize farmers have started receiving a campaign allowance of 50,000 Fcfa per hectare. This financial support is being provided directly to the farmers' Mobile Money accounts. The program, which is being implemented in 10 communes in the south of Benin, seeks to improve agricultural productivity and provide social protection to farmers.
The program, which was authorized by the Council of Ministers on September 2, 2026, is being piloted with 2,000 farmers on approximately 3,000 hectares during the short rainy season. It includes access to hybrid seeds, mechanization services, and digital monitoring of farms. In addition to improving yields, the program introduces a social protection component for farmers, including health insurance that can cover up to six people per household. The annual individual premium will be advanced by the program and then gradually reimbursed through a fraction of agricultural production.
A ministerial tour was conducted from September 29 to October 3 to assess the progress of the program in 10 communes in the south of Benin, including Kétou, Adjohoun, and Djidja. During the visit to Kétou on September 29, it was reported that 415 farmers are participating in the program in that area. However, the total number of farmers who have already received the allowance has not been specified. The program aims to test a model that can strengthen productivity, incomes, and social protection for farmers.
The financial support provided to farmers is a complement to the seeds, agricultural inputs, and technical support provided under the program. The program seeks to improve the livelihoods of farmers by providing them with the necessary resources to increase their productivity and incomes. By introducing a social protection component, the government aims to address the vulnerabilities faced by farmers, including limited access to healthcare.
The pilot program is an innovative approach to supporting farmers in Benin. By combining agricultural production support with social protection, the government aims to create a more sustainable and equitable agricultural sector. The program's focus on digital monitoring of farms and mechanization services is also expected to improve the efficiency and productivity of farming.
The program's implementation is being closely monitored by the government, with regular assessments being conducted to evaluate its impact. The government is also engaging with farmers and other stakeholders to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments to the program. This will help ensure that the program is effective in achieving its objectives and that it can be scaled up in the future.
The Benin government's pilot program to support maize farmers is an important initiative aimed at improving agricultural productivity and social protection for farmers. With 2,000 farmers participating in the program, it is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of thousands of people. The program's success will depend on its effective implementation and the government's commitment to supporting farmers.
Key points
- The Benin government has launched a pilot program to support 2,000 maize farmers with 50,000 Fcfa per hectare.
- The program combines agricultural production support with social protection, including health insurance for farmers.
- The program aims to improve agricultural productivity, incomes, and social protection for farmers in Benin.
