The Benin government's efforts to address the decline in cultivable land have gained momentum. According to Antoine Houedji, adviser to the Minister of Agriculture on land matters, the country's cultivable land has decreased from 43% in 2021 to 41% in 2023, representing a 2% loss in just two years. This decline is largely attributed to rapid urbanization.
To combat this trend, the government has launched initiatives aimed at securing agricultural land. At a workshop held in Abomey on November 13, 2026, Houedji emphasized the need for collective action to address the issue. The government's strategy, "Bénin Vert 2033," aims to identify and secure a reserve of several hectares in each commune for agricultural purposes.
The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Decentralization have taken the lead in these efforts, bringing together all prefects to discuss the protection of rural land for agriculture. Minister Adin Yéton Bloukounon Goubalan announced plans to implement the "Une commune, un poumon vert" initiative, which seeks to create a green lung in each commune.
Prefects have been tasked with playing a key role in intensifying efforts to mobilize and secure agricultural land reserves. Prefect of Zou, Laurent Zomaï, stressed that their role is decisive in this process. The government aims to create a cadastre operation on the entire territory, mapping lands, identifying rightful owners, and recording land transactions sustainably.
The World Bank's representative, Karine Bachongy, has outlined the objectives of the TERRA BÉNIN and PPMEC II projects, which were officially launched on November 6, 2026, in Cotonou. These projects aim to improve the e-Foncier platform and achieve the above-mentioned goals. Minister of Decentralization, Janvier Yahouedehou, emphasized that protecting agricultural land is a collective responsibility that requires the preservation of food sovereignty.
The decline in cultivable land has significant implications for Benin's agricultural sector and food security. With the country's population projected to continue growing, the government faces a pressing challenge in ensuring that agricultural production can meet the demands of a growing population. The initiatives launched by the government aim to address this challenge.
The success of these initiatives will depend on effective collaboration between the government, prefects, and local communities. The government's commitment to securing agricultural land and promoting sustainable land management practices is a step in the right direction.
Key points
- The Benin government has launched initiatives to secure agricultural land and prevent further decline in cultivable land, which has decreased from 43% to 41% in two years.
