AGROECOLOGY IN BENIN - Part 2
This video was produced by the National Center for Agroecology (CNA) https://centre-national-agroecologie.fr/ as part of the URBANE project https://urbane-project.eu/, funded by the European Union.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union or the Research Executive Agency (REA).
This video was made as part of the URBANE project co-funded by the European Union. Website: https://urbane-project.eu/
The opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA)
{{Transcription |transcription=[music] Well, hello everyone. So I am Well, hello everyone. So I am Well, hello everyone. So I am Antoine 23 uh agronomist so engineer Antoine 23 uh agronomist so engineer Antoine 23 uh agronomist so engineer agronomist and not researcher so I agronomist and not researcher so I agronomist and not researcher so I clarify again uh at CRADE. Uh so I clarify again uh at CRADE. Uh so I clarify again uh at CRADE. Uh so I am not a project manager either but well, not a project manager either but well, not a project manager either but well, I am involved in the Savage project, no I am involved in the Savage project, no I am involved in the Savage project, no problem. problem. problem. Uh and so through this project, we were able Uh and so through this project, we were able Uh and so through this project, we were able to carry out a number of activities to carry out a number of activities to carry out a number of activities including trials in farmer environments for including trials in farmer environments for including trials in farmer environments for the management of nematode galls in the the management of nematode galls in the the management of nematode galls in the cultivation in Benin and in the cultivation in Benin and in the cultivation in Benin and in the cultivation of chili pepper in the south of cultivation of chili pepper in the south of cultivation of chili pepper in the south of Benin. Benin. Benin. I would like to thank the urban project I would like to thank the urban project I would like to thank the urban project already for giving me the floor to already for giving me the floor to already for giving me the floor to present some results. present some results. present some results. Uh first a few words about the SBGE project quickly. So it is a project Uh first a few words about the SBGE project quickly. So it is a project Uh first a few words about the SBGE project quickly. So it is a project in three countries, Benin, Burkina Faso and in three countries, Benin, Burkina Faso and in three countries, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali. Mali. Mali. Uh it is a 5-year project that has been Uh it is a 5-year project that has been Uh it is a 5-year project that has been funded by the European Union and funded by the European Union and funded by the European Union and the Embassy of the Netherlands. So we have the Embassy of the Netherlands. So we have the Embassy of the Netherlands. So we have several partners involved several partners involved several partners involved in this project. So the World Vegetable in this project. So the World Vegetable in this project. So the World Vegetable Center hosting me uh in Benin. Center hosting me uh in Benin. Center hosting me uh in Benin. So we are within the ITA station at Baumcalavi. Uh there are the ITA at Baumcalavi. Uh there are the ITA at Baumcalavi. Uh there are the partners from Wageningen, the partners from Wageningen, the partners from Wageningen, the Dutch, the Sirad and then the the Dutch, the Sirad and then the the Dutch, the Sirad and then the national research partners from the national research partners from the national research partners from the three countries who have contributed three countries who have contributed three countries who have contributed significantly to this project. significantly to this project. significantly to this project. Uh just to Uh just to Uh just to add also so it is a project add also so it is a project add also so it is a project that works both on supply and that works both on supply and that works both on supply and demand. So on the supply side we had demand. So on the supply side we had demand. So on the supply side we had the package 3 that CAD implemented the package 3 that CAD implemented the package 3 that CAD implemented on agricultural practices but on agricultural practices but on agricultural practices but also our colleagues from WorldVeg who also also our colleagues from WorldVeg who also also our colleagues from WorldVeg who also worked on varieties worked on varieties worked on varieties and Wageningen who worked on the and Wageningen who worked on the and Wageningen who worked on the consumption of vegetables. consumption of vegetables. consumption of vegetables. So uh it is a project of different So uh it is a project of different So uh it is a project of different institutions. institutions. institutions. For us, for the work package 3 of the For us, for the work package 3 of the For us, for the work package 3 of the SVET project, so we had uh here work SVET project, so we had uh here work SVET project, so we had uh here work consisting of designing agroecological consisting of designing agroecological consisting of designing agroecological cropping systems in market gardening cropping systems in market gardening cropping systems in market gardening systems. systems. systems. And uh so at the beginning of the project, we And uh so at the beginning of the project, we And uh so at the beginning of the project, we carried out a large diagnostic on the carried out a large diagnostic on the carried out a large diagnostic on the production systems in the three production systems in the three production systems in the three countries. So we were able to reach more than countries. So we were able to reach more than countries. So we were able to reach more than 1200 producers, Benin, Burkina and 1200 producers, Benin, Burkina and 1200 producers, Benin, Burkina and Mali. Mali. Mali. And uh so we surveyed the And uh so we surveyed the And uh so we surveyed the producers’ practices from soil producers’ practices from soil producers’ practices from soil preparation to harvest preparation to harvest preparation to harvest including questions about including questions about including questions about fertilization, crop protection, fertilization, crop protection, fertilization, crop protection, sowing, irrigation. sowing, irrigation. sowing, irrigation. And so we were able to identify the And so we were able to identify the And so we were able to identify the main constraints of market gardening main constraints of market gardening main constraints of market gardening producers related to producers related to producers related to the use of pesticides or mineral the use of pesticides or mineral the use of pesticides or mineral fertilizers. Uh difficulties in fertilizers. Uh difficulties in fertilizers. Uh difficulties in terms of soil fertility and others terms of soil fertility and others terms of soil fertility and others also difficulties in pest also difficulties in pest also difficulties in pest management, particularly nematode management, particularly nematode management, particularly nematode galls but also bacterial galls but also bacterial galls but also bacterial wilt, management of acids which wilt, management of acids which wilt, management of acids which was a major issue was a major issue was a major issue since the invasion of the new pest in since the invasion of the new pest in since the invasion of the new pest in West Africa. We also West Africa. We also West Africa. We also worked on red spider mites on worked on red spider mites on worked on red spider mites on tomato, so the pranicus. tomato, so the pranicus. tomato, so the pranicus. So this diagnosis also allowed uh So this diagnosis also allowed uh So this diagnosis also allowed uh to identify endogenous innovations. to identify endogenous innovations. to identify endogenous innovations. So these are innovations that are So these are innovations that are So these are innovations that are little known to research uh that little known to research uh that little known to research uh deserve to be explored, deepened, deserve to be explored, deepened, deserve to be explored, deepened, uh and improved. And so there are uh and improved. And so there are uh and improved. And so there are a number of controlled or semi-controlled a number of controlled or semi-controlled a number of controlled or semi-controlled trials that have been trials that have been trials that have been set up through the project and set up through the project and set up through the project and partner projects where we were able to partner projects where we were able to partner projects where we were able to test endogenous innovations but test endogenous innovations but test endogenous innovations but also research innovations. also research innovations. also research innovations. What interests us here are What interests us here are What interests us here are rather the trials in farmer rather the trials in farmer rather the trials in farmer environments. environments. environments. So it was important for us to So it was important for us to So it was important for us to finally find and test innovations finally find and test innovations finally find and test innovations that clearly address a problem that clearly address a problem that clearly address a problem of producers. Uh of producers. Uh of producers. Uh uh so we organized participatory uh so we organized participatory uh so we organized participatory multi-stakeholder workshops with multi-stakeholder workshops with multi-stakeholder workshops with producers but not only producers but not only producers but not only also actors in the value chain to also actors in the value chain to also actors in the value chain to discuss innovations to be tested discuss innovations to be tested discuss innovations to be tested taking into account certain taking into account certain taking into account certain economic and social factors. uh you cannot economic and social factors. uh you cannot economic and social factors. uh you cannot test just anything with the test just anything with the test just anything with the producers uh if behind we know producers uh if behind we know producers uh if behind we know that adoption is impossible. that adoption is impossible. that adoption is impossible. That is to say we will make sure That is to say we will make sure That is to say we will make sure that these innovations are financially that these innovations are financially that these innovations are financially accessible uh and that the products accessible uh and that the products accessible uh and that the products for example tested and that for example tested and that for example tested and that we can find or produce them we can find or produce them we can find or produce them locally. So this was done locally. So this was done locally. So this was done through Focus Group workshops, through Focus Group workshops, through Focus Group workshops, video workshops including video workshops including video workshops including one where Romuald one where Romuald one where Romuald was able to participate. was able to participate. was able to participate. And so these trials in farmer And so these trials in farmer And so these trials in farmer environments uh there were several on environments uh there were several on environments uh there were several on nematode management, bacterial nematode management, bacterial nematode management, bacterial wilt management and acid wilt management and acid wilt management and acid management. When these innovations are When these innovations are When these innovations are validated through a participatory validated through a participatory validated through a participatory evaluation with producers, they are then evaluation with producers, they are then evaluation with producers, they are then disseminated through a network of disseminated through a network of disseminated through a network of demonstration plots in farmer demonstration plots in farmer demonstration plots in farmer environments. So in Benin, there were about environments. So in Benin, there were about environments. So in Benin, there were about twenty school farms twenty school farms twenty school farms to disseminate these practices. to disseminate these practices. to disseminate these practices. We realized that this was not We realized that this was not We realized that this was not sufficient and that it was important sufficient and that it was important sufficient and that it was important to strengthen the capacities of to strengthen the capacities of to strengthen the capacities of producers and extension actors on producers and extension actors on producers and extension actors on basic agronomic knowledge basic agronomic knowledge basic agronomic knowledge for example on for example on for example on identification and recognition identification and recognition identification and recognition of pest insects and distinguishing of pest insects and distinguishing of pest insects and distinguishing them from predatory insects them from predatory insects them from predatory insects and beneficial insects. uh training and beneficial insects. uh training and beneficial insects. uh training also on basic techniques also on basic techniques also on basic techniques on the use of synthetic on the use of synthetic on the use of synthetic pesticides because in fact we realize pesticides because in fact we realize pesticides because in fact we realize that everything is done that everything is done that everything is done used not necessarily in the used not necessarily in the used not necessarily in the right way and not necessarily in the right way and not necessarily in the right way and also training on the production also training on the production also training on the production and use of bio-inputs that can and use of bio-inputs that can and use of bio-inputs that can be self-produced. So we carried out be self-produced. So we carried out be self-produced. So we carried out training in farmer environments training in farmer environments training in farmer environments on technical aspects, video on technical aspects, video on technical aspects, video capsules in local language. capsules in local language. capsules in local language. So to come back a bit to our So to come back a bit to our So to come back a bit to our presentation now uh as you presentation now uh as you presentation now uh as you know in Benin and also in know in Benin and also in know in Benin and also in sub-Saharan Africa, the yields and sub-Saharan Africa, the yields and sub-Saharan Africa, the yields and quality of market garden quality of market garden quality of market garden production are well below the production are well below the production are well below the potential. potential. potential. Uh so this can be explained by Uh so this can be explained by Uh so this can be explained by various difficulties in terms of various difficulties in terms of various difficulties in terms of soil fertility, weather soil fertility, weather soil fertility, weather conditions, agronomic conditions, agronomic conditions, agronomic practices and strong pest practices and strong pest practices and strong pest and disease pressure especially in and disease pressure especially in and disease pressure especially in this tropical context with high this tropical context with high this tropical context with high heat and significant humidity. heat and significant humidity. heat and significant humidity. And so phytoparasitic nematodes And so phytoparasitic nematodes And so phytoparasitic nematodes are one of the major problems are one of the major problems are one of the major problems faced by market gardening faced by market gardening faced by market gardening producers. producers. producers. So here on the right, we have the So here on the right, we have the So here on the right, we have the famous nematode galls we famous nematode galls we famous nematode galls we talked about Romuald earlier. Uh talked about Romuald earlier. Uh talked about Romuald earlier. Uh which impacts production uh and which impacts production uh and which impacts production uh and obviously quality obviously quality obviously quality of crops. of crops. of crops. So uh the nematode affects different So uh the nematode affects different So uh the nematode affects different families of market gardening families of market gardening families of market gardening crops. Uh so crops. Uh so crops. Uh so it is a pest that is quite it is a pest that is quite it is a pest that is quite versatile. Uh so it disturbs the versatile. Uh so it disturbs the versatile. Uh so it disturbs the root system by entering root system by entering root system by entering it because its development cycle it because its development cycle it because its development cycle requires uh requires uh requires uh certain tall plants and this will certain tall plants and this will certain tall plants and this will reduce the absorption of reduce the absorption of reduce the absorption of nutrients and water and so it nutrients and water and so it nutrients and water and so it causes growth delay, wilting, a causes growth delay, wilting, a causes growth delay, wilting, a significant yield decrease and a significant yield decrease and a significant yield decrease and a decrease in crop quality. decrease in crop quality. decrease in crop quality. that within the Savage project, we that within the Savage project, we that within the Savage project, we were also able to conduct a study uh on were also able to conduct a study uh on were also able to conduct a study uh on uh these phytoparasitic nematodes uh uh these phytoparasitic nematodes uh uh these phytoparasitic nematodes uh in the south, center and in the in the south, center and in the in the south, center and in the north of Benin. And uh north of Benin. And uh north of Benin. And uh the most widespread genus of phytoparasitic the most widespread genus of phytoparasitic the most widespread genus of phytoparasitic nematode is Meloidogyne nematode is Meloidogyne nematode is Meloidogyne uh which was represented at 80% uh which was represented at 80% uh which was represented at 80% of all samples collected. of all samples collected. of all samples collected. Uh in terms of tall plants, we Uh in terms of tall plants, we Uh in terms of tall plants, we realized that it was on chili realized that it was on chili realized that it was on chili pepper that it was most present. Uh so pepper that it was most present. Uh so pepper that it was most present. Uh with maximum densities reaching with maximum densities reaching with maximum densities reaching 200 to 2150 200 to 2150 200 to 2150 per gram of root. Uh so here we see per gram of root. Uh so here we see per gram of root. Uh so here we see that it affects both the that it affects both the that it affects both the solanaceae, it can also affect uh solanaceae, it can also affect uh solanaceae, it can also affect uh other other crop families. other other crop families. other other crop families. So it is not specific to a single So it is not specific to a single So it is not specific to a single family. So nematodes look like family. So nematodes look like family. So nematodes look like this. So very small not visible this. So very small not visible this. So very small not visible to the naked eye. to the naked eye. to the naked eye. And so faced with these And so faced with these And so faced with these problems, producers use a certain problems, producers use a certain problems, producers use a certain number of chemical inputs, pesticides number of chemical inputs, pesticides number of chemical inputs, pesticides uh which are not necessarily uh which are not necessarily uh which are not necessarily adapted. As we can see here uh through adapted. As we can see here uh through adapted. As we can see here uh through this graph. Uh among the 379 this graph. Uh among the 379 this graph. Uh among the 379 surveyed producers, only 52% surveyed producers, only 52% surveyed producers, only 52% use nematicides to uh use nematicides to uh use nematicides to uh combat soil nematodes. combat soil nematodes. combat soil nematodes. Others use insecticides, others use insecticides, others use insecticides, fungicides and acaricides. So we see fungicides and acaricides. So we see fungicides and acaricides. So we see clearly a problem in terms of clearly a problem in terms of clearly a problem in terms of pesticide use. And pesticide use. And pesticide use. And among these nematicides, among these nematicides, among these nematicides, we find nemacur in we find nemacur in we find nemacur in majority but also use majority but also use majority but also use carbofuran, so furadan carbofuran, so furadan carbofuran, so furadan which is a banned product, which is a banned product, which is a banned product, highly dangerous according to WHO due highly dangerous according to WHO due highly dangerous according to WHO due to its toxicity to human health and to its toxicity to human health and to its toxicity to human health and to the environment. to the environment. to the environment. And also And also And also to add that none of these to add that none of these to add that none of these uh products are registered in Benin or in uh products are registered in Benin or in uh products are registered in Benin or in West Africa. So we clearly see West Africa. So we clearly see West Africa. So we clearly see the abusive or unreasoned use the abusive or unreasoned use the abusive or unreasoned use of these pesticides without real of these pesticides without real of these pesticides without real effectiveness on the ground because effectiveness on the ground because effectiveness on the ground because nematodes develop resistance nematodes develop resistance nematodes develop resistance to these inputs. So to these inputs. So to these inputs. So the idea of this trial in farmer the idea of this trial in farmer the idea of this trial in farmer environment was to evaluate agroecological environment was to evaluate agroecological environment was to evaluate agroecological alternatives for the management of alternatives for the management of alternatives for the management of nematode galls on chili pepper. nematode galls on chili pepper. nematode galls on chili pepper. So these are the innovations tested. So these are the innovations tested. So these are the innovations tested. As I said earlier, it was As I said earlier, it was As I said earlier, it was selected through a participatory selected through a participatory selected through a participatory approach involving producers approach involving producers approach involving producers in the reflections. in the reflections. in the reflections. And so the idea was both And so the idea was both And so the idea was both to bring innovations from research to bring innovations from research to bring innovations from research and endogenous innovations. and endogenous innovations. and endogenous innovations. So in red are the research So in red are the research So in red are the research innovations. So the first is innovations. So the first is innovations. So the first is the use of crotalaria the use of crotalaria the use of crotalaria which is a legume which is also a which is a legume which is also a which is a legume which is also a nitrogen-fixing plant nitrogen-fixing plant nitrogen-fixing plant known to produce bioactive known to produce bioactive known to produce bioactive compounds which have nematicidal compounds which have nematicidal compounds which have nematicidal activity. activity. activity. Uh ossimum gratissimum which is Uh ossimum gratissimum which is Uh ossimum gratissimum which is the chayo or African basil the chayo or African basil the chayo or African basil which unlike crotalaria which unlike crotalaria which unlike crotalaria which is not a commercial is not a commercial is not a commercial plant, the the the African basil plant, the the the African basil plant, the African basil is consumed in Benin. African basil is consumed in Benin. African basil is consumed in Benin. So it is a marketable plant. So it is a marketable plant. So it is a marketable plant. Uh it is integrated into crop rotations Uh it is integrated into crop rotations Uh it is integrated into crop rotations by producers to reduce by producers to reduce by producers to reduce precisely nematode pressure. precisely nematode pressure. precisely nematode pressure. So these are elements that were So these are elements that were So these are elements that were identified in the diagnosis. identified in the diagnosis. identified in the diagnosis. Uh Uh Uh and uh it is a plant recognized and uh it is a plant recognized and uh it is a plant recognized for its bioactive compounds and for its bioactive compounds and for its bioactive compounds and endowed with repellent endowed with repellent endowed with repellent properties, but it is not properties, but it is not properties, but it is not really known if there is an effect really known if there is an effect really known if there is an effect on nematodes to calm on nematodes to calm on nematodes to calm lesions. lesions. lesions. Uh the third innovation tested, Uh the third innovation tested, Uh the third innovation tested, are beneficial indigenous are beneficial indigenous are beneficial indigenous microorganisms. microorganisms. microorganisms. So it is uh so it is a so it is uh so it is a product from the fermentation product from the fermentation product from the fermentation of forest litter, milk, carbon source of forest litter, milk, carbon source of forest litter, milk, carbon source which can be rice bran or which can be rice bran or which can be rice bran or wood chips uh or wood chips uh or wood chips uh or wood chips. water, sugar or molasses water, sugar or molasses water, sugar or molasses are added and there are two are added and there are two are added and there are two aerobic and anaerobic aerobic and anaerobic aerobic and anaerobic fermentations to obtain these fermentations to obtain these fermentations to obtain these famous MABS. So uh famous MABS. So uh famous MABS. So uh they enrich the they enrich the they enrich the local microbial communities in local microbial communities in local microbial communities in lactobacilli, acobacteria and and many lactobacilli, acobacteria and and many lactobacilli, acobacteria and and many others. So it is a cocktail of others. So it is a cocktail of others. So it is a cocktail of microorganisms applied microorganisms applied microorganisms applied directly to the soil. So this directly to the soil. So this directly to the soil. So this strengthens soil health, resilience strengthens soil health, resilience strengthens soil health, resilience and can also play a role in and can also play a role in and can also play a role in biological control of some pests biological control of some pests biological control of some pests and pathogens. So here, we tested and pathogens. So here, we tested and pathogens. So here, we tested if there were effects on if there were effects on if there were effects on nematode galls. Uh 4th innovation nematode galls. Uh 4th innovation nematode galls. Uh 4th innovation tested are fermented fruit tested are fermented fruit tested are fermented fruit solutions. So this is a solutions. So this is a solutions. So this is a truly endogenous innovation truly endogenous innovation truly endogenous innovation little known to research. So in little known to research. So in little known to research. So in fact in northern Benin, we found fact in northern Benin, we found fact in northern Benin, we found that a number of producers that a number of producers that a number of producers make biostimulants make biostimulants make biostimulants based on orange juice, based on orange juice, based on orange juice, pineapple juice and coconut water pineapple juice and coconut water pineapple juice and coconut water and sugar that ferment and and sugar that ferment and and sugar that ferment and are applied to stimulate are applied to stimulate are applied to stimulate plant growth, mitigate plant growth, mitigate plant growth, mitigate also the effects of disease especially also the effects of disease especially also the effects of disease especially in the coastal strip of Benin. in the coastal strip of Benin. in the coastal strip of Benin. So we also think that these So we also think that these So we also think that these biostimulants can contribute and biostimulants can contribute and biostimulants can contribute and enrich local microbial enrich local microbial enrich local microbial communities. communities. communities. Uh so the setup was like this. Uh so the setup was like this. Uh so the setup was like this. So there were two cropping So there were two cropping So there were two cropping cycles established. Uh so on the cycles established. Uh so on the cycles established. Uh so on the left, we have the left, we have the left, we have the cycle 1 with the different cycle 1 with the different cycle 1 with the different modalities uh and the control. modalities uh and the control. modalities uh and the control. Uh so we had four Uh so we had four Uh so we had four replications on each site. Uh and in replications on each site. Uh and in replications on each site. Uh and cycle 2, we established chili cycle 2, we established chili cycle 2, we established chili everywhere. everywhere. everywhere. Uh so five modalities and it was Uh so five modalities and it was Uh so five modalities and it was repeated with five different repeated with five different repeated with five different producers in three locations producers in three locations producers in three locations in southern Benin on the sandy in southern Benin on the sandy in southern Benin on the sandy belt at Hida, POJI and belt at Hida, POJI and belt at Hida, POJI and then Grand Popo. then Grand Popo. then Grand Popo. So at the bottom left, we see the So at the bottom left, we see the So at the bottom left, we see the setup with the famous crotalaria setup with the famous crotalaria setup with the famous crotalaria and other modalities next to it. and other modalities next to it. and other modalities next to it. Uh, we carried out soil Uh, we carried out soil Uh, we carried out soil and root sampling to assess and root sampling to assess and root sampling to assess nematode density at nematode density at nematode density at cycle 1 and cycle 2. So at cycle 1 and cycle 2. So at cycle 1 and cycle 2. So at P0 beginning of cycle 1 P1 end of cycle 1, P2 beginning of cycle 1 P1 end of cycle 1, P2 beginning of cycle 1 P1 end of cycle 1, P2 beginning of cycle 2 and P3 end of cycle 2. Uh so these collections, cycle 2. Uh so these collections, cycle 2. Uh so these collections, counts, identification, were counts, identification, were counts, identification, were carried out by our partner FSA. carried out by our partner FSA. carried out by our partner FSA. from Abomey-Calavi University and from Abomey-Calavi University and from Abomey-Calavi University and the nematology laboratory of Dr. the nematology laboratory of Dr. the nematology laboratory of Dr. Faucon whom I greet here. Faucon whom I greet here. Faucon whom I greet here. Uh and so as a result, I will not Uh and so as a result, I will not Uh and so as a result, I will not present everything but some. Uh present everything but some. Uh present everything but some. Uh so here we have two graphs that so here we have two graphs that so here we have two graphs that show the dynamics of nematode show the dynamics of nematode show the dynamics of nematode populations of gall nematodes populations of gall nematodes populations of gall nematodes at different at different at different cycles. at cycle 1, in light cycles. at cycle 1, in light cycles. at cycle 1, in light color, it is at the beginning color, it is at the beginning color, it is at the beginning of cycle 1 and in dark of cycle 1 and in dark of cycle 1 and in dark color at the end of cycle 1. Uh color at the end of cycle 1. Uh color at the end of cycle 1. Uh so, we observe a significant so, we observe a significant so, we observe a significant increase for all treatments increase for all treatments increase for all treatments in nematode gall density in in nematode gall density in in nematode gall density in the soil, except for treatment T1 the soil, except for treatment T1 the soil, except for treatment T1 which is the treatment uh which is the treatment uh which is the treatment uh with crotalaria. with crotalaria. with crotalaria. Uh so we see that there is a Uh so we see that there is a Uh so we see that there is a suppressive effect uh of crotalaria suppressive effect uh of crotalaria suppressive effect uh of crotalaria on nematode gall density. On cycle 2, we observe on nematode gall density. On cycle 2, we observe on nematode gall density. On cycle 2, we observe however an increase uh in however an increase uh in however an increase uh in nematode densities uh in nematode densities uh in nematode densities uh in all treatments, even on all treatments, even on all treatments, even on T1. T1. T1. HH HH HH sorry. sorry. sorry. Here, we have another graph uh which Here, we have another graph uh which Here, we have another graph uh which shows that compares nematode shows that compares nematode shows that compares nematode gall densities between different gall densities between different gall densities between different treatments at different times. So treatments at different times. So treatments at different times. So on the left, we have nematode on the left, we have nematode on the left, we have nematode densities uh at the beginning of densities uh at the beginning of densities uh at the beginning of cycle 1. So, cycle 1. So, cycle 1. So, we observe no significant we observe no significant we observe no significant difference in density, which difference in density, which difference in density, which is quite normal before is quite normal before is quite normal before application of practices and application of practices and application of practices and innovations. innovations. innovations. At T1 sorry at the end of cycle 1, At T1 sorry at the end of cycle 1, At T1 sorry at the end of cycle 1, we observe that T1 has the lowest we observe that T1 has the lowest we observe that T1 has the lowest nematode density followed by T2. nematode density followed by T2. nematode density followed by T2. So T1 was the use of crotalaria, So T1 was the use of crotalaria, So T1 was the use of crotalaria, T2 was the use of crotalaria, T2 was the use of crotalaria, T2 was the use of crotalaria, T2 the use of African basil T2 the use of African basil T2 the use of African basil also even big man. also even big man. also even big man. Uh then we have the use of Uh then we have the use of Uh then we have the use of microorganisms uh liquid biostimulants microorganisms uh liquid biostimulants microorganisms uh liquid biostimulants for T3 and T4. And finally for for T3 and T4. And finally for for T3 and T4. And finally for t0, we have the highest t0, we have the highest t0, we have the highest nematode density. nematode density. nematode density. Uh Uh Uh so the graph on the right is at so the graph on the right is at so the graph on the right is at the end of cycle 2. So here the end of cycle 2. So here the end of cycle 2. So here paradoxically we observe that paradoxically we observe that paradoxically we observe that the T0 plot has a nematode the T0 plot has a nematode the T0 plot has a nematode density significantly density significantly density significantly different from the other different from the other different from the other treatments. Quite surprising. treatments. Quite surprising. treatments. Quite surprising. So we clearly see So we clearly see So we clearly see that crotalaria, crotalaria has a that crotalaria, crotalaria has a that crotalaria, crotalaria has a suppressive effect on nematodes suppressive effect on nematodes suppressive effect on nematodes but it decreases over time. This but it decreases over time. This but it decreases over time. This is what other researchers have is what other researchers have is what other researchers have is highlighted, that about 70 highlighted, that about 70 highlighted, that about 70 days after incorporation of crotalaria days after incorporation of crotalaria days after incorporation of crotalaria into the soil, nematode densities into the soil, nematode densities into the soil, nematode densities return to normal. return to normal. return to normal. That’s it. That’s it. That’s it. Uh and also to specify uh so the Uh and also to specify uh so the Uh and also to specify uh so the life cycle of Meloidogyne at 30°, life cycle of Meloidogyne at 30°, life cycle of Meloidogyne at 30°, is between 15 and 20 days to show is between 15 and 20 days to show is between 15 and 20 days to show you a bit the speed of the you a bit the speed of the you a bit the speed of the cycles and that a female can produce cycles and that a female can produce cycles and that a female can produce up to 140 nematodes up to 140 nematodes up to 140 nematodes at the second juvenile stage in at the second juvenile stage in at the second juvenile stage in just one week. So we see a just one week. So we see a just one week. So we see a bit of the explosion bit of the explosion bit of the explosion in terms of nematode in terms of nematode in terms of nematode population that can come in a few population that can come in a few population that can come in a few days only. We also days only. We also days only. We also looked at chili pepper yields. looked at chili pepper yields. looked at chili pepper yields. So here we have the So here we have the So here we have the graph showing chili graph showing chili graph showing chili pepper yields for Grand Popoida pepper yields for Grand Popoida pepper yields for Grand Popoida and Semici. and Semici. and Semici. So it is in grams per meter So it is in grams per meter So it is in grams per meter square. square. square. Uh so we have quite Uh so we have quite Uh so we have quite limited results, limited improvement limited results, limited improvement limited results, limited improvement of practices. Uh no significant of practices. Uh no significant of practices. Uh no significant difference for Grand Popo and we difference for Grand Popo and we difference for Grand Popo and we still observe some higher yields still observe some higher yields still observe some higher yields compared to controls for Grand Popo compared to controls for Grand Popo compared to controls for Grand Popo for Wida also with the for Wida also with the for Wida also with the crotalaria, we observe one of crotalaria, we observe one of crotalaria, we observe one of the best yields but it is not the best yields but it is not the best yields but it is not significantly different only significantly different only significantly different only at its we observe a significant at its we observe a significant at its we observe a significant yield difference. yield difference. yield difference. So we can say that this is a So we can say that this is a So we can say that this is a somewhat limited improvement somewhat limited improvement somewhat limited improvement despite expectations despite expectations despite expectations on the nematicidal and on the nematicidal and on the nematicidal and fertilizing effect of crotalaria. fertilizing effect of crotalaria. fertilizing effect of crotalaria. Uh Uh Uh so there are three factors so there are three factors so there are three factors that can explain this. Uh that can explain this. Uh that can explain this. Uh so as I said earlier, so as I said earlier, so as I said earlier, a very fast life cycle of a very fast life cycle of a very fast life cycle of nematodes. nematodes. nematodes. Uh there may also be a nutritive Uh there may also be a nutritive Uh there may also be a nutritive asynchrony. So in fact the residues asynchrony. So in fact the residues asynchrony. So in fact the residues of crotalaria will release nitrogen but of crotalaria will release nitrogen but of crotalaria will release nitrogen but this release is delayed relative this release is delayed relative this release is delayed relative to the peak demand of chili to the peak demand of chili to the peak demand of chili pepper which is roughly pepper which is roughly pepper which is roughly at flowering, about 9 at flowering, about 9 at flowering, about 9 weeks after incorporation. weeks after incorporation. weeks after incorporation. And there could also potentially And there could also potentially And there could also potentially be an allelopathic effect of be an allelopathic effect of be an allelopathic effect of crotalaria. As I said earlier, crotalaria. As I said earlier, crotalaria. As I said earlier, it produces natural it produces natural it produces natural compounds through its roots compounds through its roots compounds through its roots which may be nematicidal but which may be nematicidal but which may be nematicidal but may also limit the growth may also limit the growth may also limit the growth of peppers and thus cancel out of peppers and thus cancel out of peppers and thus cancel out the benefits on the the suppression the benefits on the the suppression the benefits on the the suppression of nematodes and on soil of nematodes and on soil of nematodes and on soil enrichment. Nevertheless, it is the enrichment. Nevertheless, it is the enrichment. Nevertheless, it is the trial in farmer trial in farmer trial in farmer environments showed several environments showed several environments showed several things. So it allowed producers things. So it allowed producers things. So it allowed producers to have a visual comparison to have a visual comparison to have a visual comparison of these practices. Uh so we observed a reduction of nematode galls of nematode galls of nematode galls in soils uh a reduction of in soils uh a reduction of in soils uh a reduction of symptoms of Ralstonia so bacterial symptoms of Ralstonia so bacterial symptoms of Ralstonia so bacterial wilt shown here at the top right wilt shown here at the top right wilt shown here at the top right in the concé. We tried to understand in the concé. We tried to understand in the concé. We tried to understand if it was really the if it was really the if it was really the nematode causing this. So nematode causing this. So nematode causing this. So it was indeed the Ralstonia wilt it was indeed the Ralstonia wilt it was indeed the Ralstonia wilt present in the plant. Our present in the plant. Our present in the plant. Our hypothesis also is that hypothesis also is that hypothesis also is that nematodes also open roots nematodes also open roots nematodes also open roots so they penetrate roots so they penetrate roots so they penetrate roots and create an opening and create an opening and create an opening that facilitates the bacteria that facilitates the bacteria that facilitates the bacteria Ralstonia and so it can enter Ralstonia and so it can enter Ralstonia and so it can enter the roots more easily and thus the roots more easily and thus the roots more easily and thus reach the plant. reach the plant. reach the plant. We observed better We observed better We observed better vigor of chili peppers. It was vigor of chili peppers. It was vigor of chili peppers. It was a trend, it was not necessarily a trend, it was not necessarily a trend, it was not necessarily the case everywhere. So here the case everywhere. So here the case everywhere. So here at the bottom left, we see at the bottom left, we see at the bottom left, we see chili peppers that benefited chili peppers that benefited chili peppers that benefited from the previous crotalaria and from the previous crotalaria and from the previous crotalaria and on the right the previous control on the right the previous control on the right the previous control plot. plot. plot. Uh so leaving allowed producers Uh so leaving allowed producers Uh so leaving allowed producers to learn by doing so it is to learn by doing so it is to learn by doing so it is testing new testing new testing new practices uh practices uh practices uh but well, did these but well, did these but well, did these practices really get adopted practices really get adopted practices really get adopted later by producers as later by producers as later by producers as explained finally later by producers as explained finally later by producers as explained finally uh first I will present the uh first I will present the uh first I will present the first part. So we saw, first part. So we saw, first part. So we saw, the use of crotalaria is the use of crotalaria is the use of crotalaria is effective but only a few effective but only a few effective but only a few weeks after incorporation weeks after incorporation weeks after incorporation of the residue. So limited of the residue. So limited of the residue. So limited effectiveness over time, even if it is effectiveness over time, even if it is effectiveness over time, even if it is well proven scientifically well proven scientifically well proven scientifically that it is effective. Uh as Romuald said, that it is effective. Uh as Romuald said, that it is effective. Uh as Romuald said, non-marketable crops non-marketable crops non-marketable crops are difficult to implement are difficult to implement are difficult to implement in a market gardening in urban in a market gardening in urban in a market gardening in urban or peri-urban area because in fact or peri-urban area because in fact or peri-urban area because in fact we are on very limited spaces uh we are on very limited spaces uh we are on very limited spaces uh where producers usually where producers usually where producers usually grow high-value grow high-value grow high-value crops where economically you have crops where economically you have crops where economically you have to make a living, there is the cost to make a living, there is the cost to make a living, there is the cost of renting the cost of renting the cost of renting the land of the plot. So well, land of the plot. So well, land of the plot. So well, difficult to do a GHR for several difficult to do a GHR for several difficult to do a GHR for several months without having income months without having income months without having income directly. And in terms of limits, we directly. And in terms of limits, we directly. And in terms of limits, we saw that there was a low saw that there was a low saw that there was a low perception of the fertilizing perception of the fertilizing perception of the fertilizing effect of crotalaria. effect of crotalaria. effect of crotalaria. So adoption was difficult So adoption was difficult So adoption was difficult obviously. Uh and so following that, we obviously. Uh and so following that, we obviously. Uh and so following that, we held a small workshop between held a small workshop between held a small workshop between the pilot producers who set up the the pilot producers who set up the the pilot producers who set up the trials to understand the trials to understand the trials to understand the limits and maybe find the limits and maybe find the limits and maybe find alternatives and how to adapt alternatives and how to adapt alternatives and how to adapt this plant in their cropping this plant in their cropping this plant in their cropping system that can respond to their system that can respond to their system that can respond to their problems, their constraints and problems, their constraints and problems, their constraints and that uh well that that uh well that that uh well that that can directly benefit the producer. can directly benefit the producer. can directly benefit the producer. So the idea was to So the idea was to So the idea was to directly associate directly associate directly associate crotalarias with crotalarias with crotalarias with market gardening crops, often the market gardening crops, often the market gardening crops, often the most infested with nematode galls. most infested with nematode galls. most infested with nematode galls. So here we have on different So here we have on different So here we have on different sites some images. So here we have the sites some images. So here we have the sites some images. So here we have the crotalaria associated crotalaria associated crotalaria associated with boma. Oboma who films with boma. Oboma who films with boma. Oboma who films an African eggplant whose leaves an African eggplant whose leaves an African eggplant whose leaves are consumed. are consumed. are consumed. [growl] Uh here we have the association [growl] Uh here we have the association [growl] Uh here we have the association Crotalaria Chili. Crotalaria Chili. Crotalaria Chili. So here we are at Wikodi in Hida. So here we are at Wikodi in Hida. So here we are at Wikodi in Hida. So the producer So the producer So the producer was initially afraid of competition was initially afraid of competition was initially afraid of competition between the different crops and between the different crops and between the different crops and finally he realized that finally he realized that finally he realized that the biomass of chili peppers was the biomass of chili peppers was the biomass of chili peppers was much more developed when much more developed when much more developed when associated with crotalaria compared associated with crotalaria compared associated with crotalaria compared to plots where to plots where to plots where he had pure chili pepper he had pure chili pepper he had pure chili pepper crops. Uh he was able to reduce also crops. Uh he was able to reduce also crops. Uh he was able to reduce also his watering uh because here we see his watering uh because here we see his watering uh because here we see a bit, there is a crotalaria mulch a bit, there is a crotalaria mulch a bit, there is a crotalaria mulch regularly applied. So when the regularly applied. So when the regularly applied. So when crotalaria takes up too much space, crotalaria takes up too much space, crotalaria takes up too much space, hop, it is removed. and it is introduced hop, it is removed. and it is introduced hop, it is removed. and it is introduced at the foot of the plants. at the foot of the plants. at the foot of the plants. So less watering, uh less So less watering, uh less So less watering, uh less addition also of mineral fertilizers addition also of mineral fertilizers addition also of mineral fertilizers uh and uh so there is less uh and uh so there is less uh and uh so there is less leaching as well leaching as well leaching as well and I think crotalaria also and I think crotalaria also and I think crotalaria also provides some shading for some provides some shading for some provides some shading for some crops and this is not necessarily crops and this is not necessarily crops and this is not necessarily a bad thing in a tropical a bad thing in a tropical a bad thing in a tropical climate. climate. climate. So on the right, we have the So on the right, we have the So on the right, we have the association with So on the right, we have the association with So on the right, we have the association with maranta and crotalaria. maranta and crotalaria. maranta and crotalaria. More surprisingly the peanut More surprisingly the peanut More surprisingly the peanut crotalaria association at a crotalaria association at a crotalaria association at a producer, which is quite producer, which is quite producer, which is quite atypical because we are on atypical because we are on atypical because we are on two legumes. two legumes. two legumes. Uh onion associated with Uh onion associated with Uh onion associated with crotalaria, so here we have crotalaria, so here we have crotalaria, so here we have Simicoji. Simicoji. Simicoji. Other producers uh rather Other producers uh rather Other producers uh rather put crotalaria on the put crotalaria on the put crotalaria on the edges of the plots edges of the plots edges of the plots uh and bring the residues, the uh and bring the residues, the uh and bring the residues, the mulch of these crotalarias mulch of these crotalarias mulch of these crotalarias directly into the crops, so as directly into the crops, so as directly into the crops, so as mulch to both limit mulch to both limit mulch to both limit weeds, limit watering weeds, limit watering weeds, limit watering and to more easily multiply and to more easily multiply and to more easily multiply seeds because when seeds because when seeds because when you introduce it you introduce it you introduce it directly into the crops directly into the crops directly into the crops Uh it is necessary that the it is necessary that the it is necessary that the crotalaria completes its crotalaria completes its crotalaria completes its full cycle so more than 3 full cycle so more than 3 full cycle so more than 3 full cycle months and when associated with months and when associated with months and when associated with short cycle crops, it can be short cycle crops, it can be short cycle crops, it can be a bit more complicated but a bit more complicated but a bit more complicated but it is not impossible. it is not impossible. it is not impossible. Uh so here, we were able to Uh so here, we were able to Uh so here, we were able to observe or observe or observe or producers, we can observe a producers, we can observe a producers, we can observe a greater biodiversity when greater biodiversity when greater biodiversity when crops were associated crops were associated crops were associated with each other with predatory with each other with predatory with each other with predatory insects such as coccinellids. insects such as coccinellids. insects such as coccinellids. We also saw macrolus We also saw macrolus We also saw macrolus coccinellids on several coccinellids on several coccinellids on several crotalaria plants. So uh on crotalaria plants. So uh on crotalaria plants. So these are insects, small these are insects, small these are insects, small bugs that consume both bugs that consume both bugs that consume both whiteflies, I believe whiteflies, I believe whiteflies, I believe it was eggs of Toutar uh it was eggs of Toutar uh it was eggs of Toutar uh and uh red spider mites of and uh red spider mites of and uh red spider mites of tomato, tetramitus. also tomato, tetramitus. also tomato, tetramitus. also many more pollinating many more pollinating many more pollinating insects as it is a melliferous insects as it is a melliferous insects as it is a melliferous plant, there are many bees plant, there are many bees plant, there are many bees and bumblebees that come and and bumblebees that come and and bumblebees that come and collect and at the same time collect and at the same time collect and at the same time pollinate the surrounding pollinate the surrounding pollinate the surrounding crops. crops. crops. Uh so here, we clearly see a Uh so here, we clearly see a Uh so here, we clearly see a plant cover due to the plant cover due to the plant cover due to the fallen leaves on the fallen leaves on the fallen leaves on the soil. we have soil. we have soil. we have insects that will insects that will insects that will degrade this degrade this degrade this organic matter. organic matter. organic matter. Uh so here, we have an Uh so here, we have an Uh so here, we have an association between association between association between chili pepper and crotalaria. chili pepper and crotalaria. chili pepper and crotalaria. Uh we also clearly observe the Uh we also clearly observe the Uh we also clearly observe the famous nodules uh of crotalaria. famous nodules uh of crotalaria. famous nodules uh of crotalaria. So obviously some producers So obviously some producers So obviously some producers were initially afraid. At first, they were initially afraid. At first, they were initially afraid. At first, they thought these At first, they thought these At first, they thought these were nematode galls and so were nematode galls and so were nematode galls and so they say "Ah but believe it or they say "Ah but believe it or they say "Ah but believe it or not." So it is important to not." So it is important to not." So it is important to explain what explain what explain what these nodules really are. these nodules really are. these nodules really are. So these are bacteria that fix So these are bacteria that fix So these are bacteria that fix to the roots of legumes and to the roots of legumes and to the roots of legumes and will fix nitrogen from the air will fix nitrogen from the air will fix nitrogen from the air into the soil and thus make into the soil and thus make into the soil and thus make it available to crops. When it is associated it available to crops. When it is associated it available to crops. When it is associated to market gardening crops, it is to market gardening crops, it is to market gardening crops, it is directly uh well uh sent. directly uh well uh sent. directly uh well uh sent. Uh there are uh Uh there are uh Uh there are uh still some difficulties and still some difficulties and still some difficulties and key points to consider in key points to consider in key points to consider in terms of density. So here, we are at SPJ terms of density. So here, we are at SPJ terms of density. So here, we are at SPJ still. still. still. We have a producer who We have a producer who We have a producer who associated crotalaria with his associated crotalaria with his associated crotalaria with his chili pepper. So here, we do not chili pepper. So here, we do not chili pepper. So here, we do not see the chili pepper because see the chili pepper because see the chili pepper because crotalaria took over. So crotalaria took over. So crotalaria took over. So here, obviously the yields here, obviously the yields here, obviously the yields were very poor. So there were were very poor. So there were were very poor. So there are spacings to be spacings to be spacings to be respected. respected. respected. Uh there is also a planting of Uh there is also a planting of Uh there is also a planting of crotalaria to be respected. On crotalaria to be respected. On crotalaria to be respected. On the right, we have the carrot the right, we have the carrot the right, we have the carrot associated with crotalaria where associated with crotalaria where associated with crotalaria where crotalaria was sown at the crotalaria was sown at the crotalaria was sown at the same time as the carrot. Whereas same time as the carrot. Whereas same time as the carrot. Whereas it is better to wait 3 to 4 it is better to wait 3 to 4 it is better to wait 3 to 4 weeks for the carrot to weeks for the carrot to weeks for the carrot to germinate, grow and then germinate, grow and then germinate, grow and then associate crotalaria. associate crotalaria. associate crotalaria. So well, it does not always So well, it does not always So well, it does not always work the first time, but uh work the first time, but uh work the first time, but uh when it works uh the results when it works uh the results when it works uh the results are quite noticeable. are quite noticeable. are quite noticeable. Uh and there is also a difficulty Uh and there is also a difficulty Uh and there is also a difficulty in managing seed stocks. in managing seed stocks. in managing seed stocks. As I said earlier, you can As I said earlier, you can As I said earlier, you can associate it with crops, but if associate it with crops, but if associate it with crops, but if you pull it out before it reaches you pull it out before it reaches you pull it out before it reaches its seed multiplication cycle, its seed multiplication cycle, its seed multiplication cycle, you can quickly run out of you can quickly run out of you can quickly run out of seed. So it is important to seed. So it is important to seed. So it is important to associate it with long associate it with long associate it with long cycle crops in some places or cycle crops in some places or cycle crops in some places or put it on the edges to put it on the edges to put it on the edges to maintain its nodules. maintain its nodules. maintain its nodules. Uh so here, we have some Uh so here, we have some Uh so here, we have some visual results from a producer in visual results from a producer in visual results from a producer in Aida who associated so put his Aida who associated so put his Aida who associated so put his carrot in pure carrot in pure carrot in pure culture, applied his fertilization culture, applied his fertilization culture, applied his fertilization as mineral fertilizer as mineral fertilizer as mineral fertilizer and poultry manure. So we and poultry manure. So we and poultry manure. So we clearly observe the clearly observe the clearly observe the famous nematode galls famous nematode galls famous nematode galls and on the right we have the carrot and on the right we have the carrot and on the right we have the carrot associated with crotalaria and also associated with crotalaria and also associated with crotalaria and also fertilized with bokashi. fertilized with bokashi. fertilized with bokashi. So boka is a balanced So boka is a balanced So boka is a balanced organic fertilizer, quite rich and organic fertilizer, quite rich and organic fertilizer, quite rich and also enriched with microorganisms. also enriched with microorganisms. also enriched with microorganisms. So in its production, yeast So in its production, yeast So in its production, yeast are added. are added. are added. Unfortunately, we could not Unfortunately, we could not Unfortunately, we could not finally the producer did not finally the producer did not finally the producer did not weigh to compare weigh to compare weigh to compare yields, but at least in yields, but at least in yields, but at least in terms of sales quality, he was able terms of sales quality, he was able terms of sales quality, he was able to sell at a better price obviously to sell at a better price obviously to sell at a better price obviously his beautiful carrots, even if his beautiful carrots, even if his beautiful carrots, even if there are still some nematode galls there are still some nematode galls there are still some nematode galls but much less than on the but much less than on the but much less than on the control plot. control plot. control plot. Uh Uh Uh and uh here we are at Sempoji. So and uh here we are at Sempoji. So and uh here we are at Sempoji. So it was last week uh a it was last week uh a it was last week uh a female producer sent me these female producer sent me these female producer sent me these images. images. images. She was able to weigh her She was able to weigh her She was able to weigh her carrots. So here we are on carrots. So here we are on carrots. So here we are on pure carrot fertilization, pure carrot fertilization, pure carrot fertilization, sorry, carrot in pure culture, sorry, carrot in pure culture, sorry, carrot in pure culture, mineral fertilization and mineral fertilization and mineral fertilization and poultry manure. And she was able poultry manure. And she was able poultry manure. And she was able to harvest about 2 kg per to harvest about 2 kg per to harvest about 2 kg per plot uh on these plots with plot uh on these plots with plot uh on these plots with agroecological practices agroecological practices agroecological practices associated, so crotalaria associated, so crotalaria associated, so crotalaria and use of organic fertilization. and use of organic fertilization. and use of organic fertilization. So here it was vermicompost. So here it was vermicompost. So here it was vermicompost. We were at yields four times We were at yields four times We were at yields four times higher higher higher uh uh uh and uh and uh and uh well, I I had something else well, I I had something else well, I I had something else to say but I forgot. to say but I forgot. to say but I forgot. Uh yes, so what I wanted to say Uh yes, so what I wanted to say Uh yes, so what I wanted to say also is so it is good to see also is so it is good to see also is so it is good to see yields, to see the quality yields, to see the quality yields, to see the quality of production, but now the work of production, but now the work of production, but now the work remaining to be done is to see remaining to be done is to see remaining to be done is to see economically by bringing in economically by bringing in economically by bringing in inputs what the producer inputs what the producer inputs what the producer gains gains gains because there is also a cost because there is also a cost because there is also a cost behind the purchase of these behind the purchase of these behind the purchase of these vermicomposts. Well, the advantage vermicomposts. Well, the advantage vermicomposts. Well, the advantage of crotalaria is that when of crotalaria is that when of crotalaria is that when you have the seed, you can multiply. you have the seed, you can multiply. you have the seed, you can multiply. So it is a crop that does not So it is a crop that does not So it is a crop that does not require financial require financial require financial investment. investment. investment. Uh but well, in any case these are Uh but well, in any case these are Uh but well, in any case these are studies that need to be studies that need to be studies that need to be continued. continued. continued. Uh but we have a real adoption Uh but we have a real adoption Uh but we have a real adoption by producers who see the interest by producers who see the interest by producers who see the interest of these agroecological of these agroecological of these agroecological practices. practices. practices. Just to conclude, uh Just to conclude, uh Just to conclude, uh I will present some I will present some I will present some obstacles to agroecological obstacles to agroecological obstacles to agroecological transition in Benin. So the first transition in Benin. So the first transition in Benin. So the first obstacle is the lack of obstacle is the lack of obstacle is the lack of agronomic knowledge. Uh so we have agronomic knowledge. Uh so we have agronomic knowledge. Uh so we have producers who are not producers who are not producers who are not necessarily trained, who learn necessarily trained, who learn necessarily trained, who learn on the job uh who think on the job uh who think on the job uh that insects on the job uh who think on the job uh that insects are bad. So it is necessary are bad. So it is necessary are bad. So it is necessary to destroy absolutely everything. to destroy absolutely everything. to destroy absolutely everything. We have a producer who We have a producer who We have a producer who removed all her crotalaria removed all her crotalaria removed all her crotalaria because she observed insects because she observed insects because she observed insects on it. So well, it is on it. So well, it is on it. So well, it is necessary to start over. uh so it is necessary to start over. uh so it is necessary to start over. uh so it is important to carry out uh so it is important to carry out uh so it is important to carry out training in farmer training in farmer training in farmer environments obviously in local environments obviously in local environments obviously in local language. uh language. uh language. uh first explain how to first explain how to first explain how to do chemical treatments do chemical treatments do chemical treatments correctly before moving correctly before moving correctly before moving on to more complicated on to more complicated on to more complicated things and obviously train things and obviously train things and obviously train them then on alternatives on them then on alternatives on them then on alternatives on the use of agroecological on the use of agroecological on the use of agroecological practices. practices. practices. Uh labor time and production Uh labor time and production Uh labor time and production costs can in some cases costs can in some cases costs can in some cases increase increase increase in the agroecological in the agroecological in the agroecological transition. time in the agroecological transition. time in the agroecological transition. For example, for those who want For example, for those who want For example, for those who want to make their own bio-inputs to make their own bio-inputs to make their own bio-inputs uh at the treatment level, we are uh at the treatment level, we are uh at the treatment level, we are on much lower residues on much lower residues on much lower residues compared to chemical compared to chemical compared to chemical pesticides. So it is also pesticides. So it is also pesticides. So it is also necessary when making necessary when making necessary when making these bio-inputs yourself to collect these bio-inputs yourself to collect these bio-inputs yourself to collect raw materials. So raw materials. So raw materials. So it takes some time. It takes some time. It takes some time. So as a lever, there is the famous So as a lever, there is the famous So as a lever, there is the famous small-scale mechanization for small-scale mechanization for small-scale mechanization for soil work but not only soil work but not only soil work but not only for the production of bio-inputs for the production of bio-inputs for the production of bio-inputs uh with uh grinders and others. uh with uh grinders and others. uh with uh grinders and others. uh that can be found in uh that can be found in uh that can be found in biofactory units. biofactory units. biofactory units. Uh at the level of production Uh at the level of production Uh at the level of production costs, there is a real costs, there is a real costs, there is a real need for producers to need for producers to need for producers to associate with each other for associate with each other for associate with each other for mutualized production of inputs mutualized production of inputs mutualized production of inputs and uh also interactions with and uh also interactions with and uh also interactions with actors, entrepreneurs who actors, entrepreneurs who actors, entrepreneurs who propose solutions but producers propose solutions but producers propose solutions but do not necessarily know do not necessarily know do not necessarily know the presence and effectiveness. the presence and effectiveness. the presence and effectiveness. One of the uh One of the uh One of the uh most important obstacles is most important obstacles is most important obstacles is border security. So producers border security. So producers border security. So producers have difficulty projecting have difficulty projecting have difficulty projecting themselves uh on their plot because themselves uh on their plot because themselves uh on their plot because the owner can from one day to the the owner can from one day to the the owner can from one day to the next recover their site. So next recover their site. So next recover their site. So investing investing investing in practices to increase in practices to increase in practices to increase organic matter in the soil. organic matter in the soil. organic matter in the soil. If the producer has to leave If the producer has to leave If the producer has to leave the following year, it is not the following year, it is not the following year, it is not interesting. It is a loss of interesting. It is a loss of interesting. It is a loss of money and and so it is a loss of money and and so it is a loss of money and and so it is quite complicated. So a real and so it is quite complicated. So a real and so it is quite complicated. So a real advocacy work to be done advocacy work to be done advocacy work to be done at the transition level. at the transition level. at the transition level. We have seen that when the We have seen that when the We have seen that when the innovation is applied alone, the innovation is applied alone, the innovation is applied alone, the effectiveness is limited. the effectiveness is limited. the effectiveness is limited. So substitution is not So substitution is not So substitution is not enough and it is important enough and it is important enough and it is important to take the to take the to take the time step by step and time step by step and time step by step and to combine as many agroecological to combine as many agroecological to combine as many agroecological practices as possible. We saw practices as possible. We saw practices as possible. We saw that the use of organic that the use of organic that the use of organic fertilizer with the use of crotalaria fertilizer with the use of crotalaria fertilizer with the use of crotalaria is what works best. is what works best. is what works best. Uh and one of the obstacles Uh and one of the obstacles Uh and one of the obstacles also is on the supply also is on the supply also is on the supply side. Uh there is a low side. Uh there is a low side. Uh there is a low demand on the local market or demand on the local market or demand on the local market or at least that is what producers at least that is what producers at least that is what producers perceive. Uh so it is necessary perceive. Uh so it is necessary perceive. Uh so it is necessary to raise awareness among to raise awareness among to raise awareness among consumers or to connect consumers or to connect consumers or to connect sensitized consumers to producers sensitized consumers to producers sensitized consumers to producers who have different who have different who have different practices, who offer practices, who offer practices, who offer quality products and uh hence quality products and uh hence quality products and uh the interest of participatory the interest of participatory the interest of participatory guarantee systems, SPG. So I I take guarantee systems, SPG. So I I take guarantee systems, SPG. So I I take the opportunity to make the transition to Edgar who will present a bit this uh this the opportunity to make the transition to Edgar who will present a bit this uh this the opportunity to make the transition to Edgar who will present a bit this uh this type of marketing label which is in favor type of marketing label which is in favor type of marketing label which is in favor of producers in agroecology. of producers in agroecology. of producers in agroecology. Well, I hope I was not too Well, I hope I was not too Well, I hope I was not too long. In any case, many thanks long. In any case, many thanks long. In any case, many thanks first to the Urban project, first to the Urban project, first to the Urban project, to the whole team here present, to the whole team here present, to the whole team here present, to the Savage project and obviously to to the Savage project and obviously to to the Savage project and obviously to the project partners. Thank you, project partners. Thank you, project partners. Thank you, thank you very much. Thank you very much Antoine. thank you very much. Thank you very much Antoine. thank you very much. Thank you very much Antoine. Incredible transition. Incredible transition. Incredible transition. Next, I have lots of Next, I have lots of Next, I have lots of questions, we will not have time questions, we will not have time questions, we will not have time to ask them all. to ask them all. to ask them all. Interesting. There are extremely Interesting. There are extremely Interesting. There are extremely encouraging results. Uh I noted encouraging results. Uh I noted encouraging results. Uh I noted some things. I will leave some things. I will leave some things. I will leave the floor to Edgar right away uh to the floor to Edgar right away uh to the floor to Edgar right away uh to present the SPG and what is being done. But present the SPG and what is being done. But present the SPG and what is being done. But uh but yeah, I have some uh but yeah, I have some uh but yeah, I have some small questions to ask at the end. small questions to ask at the end. small questions to ask at the end. That’s it. Thank you very much Antoine and Edgar. That’s it. Thank you very much Antoine and Edgar. That’s it. Thank you very much Antoine and Edgar. Well then it’s your turn. You Well then it’s your turn. You Well then it’s your turn. You have the floor. have the floor. have the floor. What do you think should What do you think should What do you think should be done to integrate your be done to integrate your be done to integrate your cover crops into your cover crops into your cover crops into your cropping system so that it cropping system so that it cropping system so that it is uh is uh is uh profitable profitable profitable both agronomically and economically both agronomically and economically both agronomically and economically and in terms of labor time? You, and in terms of labor time? You, and in terms of labor time? You, what would you propose as what would you propose as what would you propose as an alternative or mix of methods or an alternative or mix of methods or an alternative or mix of methods or technology to make it more technology to make it more technology to make it more adapted to your way of doing? adapted to your way of doing? adapted to your way of doing? Yeah, I think it is important Yeah, I think it is important Yeah, I think it is important to associate these practices and it is even to associate these practices and it is even to associate these practices and it is even essential. So it is that essential. So it is that essential. So it is that the microorganisms we apply need the microorganisms we apply need the microorganisms we apply need substrate, matter to substrate, matter to substrate, matter to develop, stay present and develop, stay present and develop, stay present and multiply. And uh for us it is multiply. And uh for us it is multiply. And uh for us it is what we did when we what we did when we what we did when we applied the microorganisms. There applied the microorganisms. There applied the microorganisms. There was always an organic was always an organic was always an organic substrate, either substrate, either substrate, either compost or a compost or a compost or an organic substrate present so that an organic substrate present so that an organic substrate present so that these microorganisms can these microorganisms can these microorganisms can be present and last over be present and last over be present and last over time in the soil. Uh in the soil. Uh in the soil. Uh and so as you said also, the and so as you said also, the and so as you said also, the microorganisms also help microorganisms also help microorganisms also help degrade organic matter degrade organic matter degrade organic matter more quickly. It can also more quickly. It can also more quickly. It can also bring bacteria that can bring bacteria that can bring bacteria that can fix nitrogen. So we know fix nitrogen. So we know fix nitrogen. So we know there can be risks of nitrogen there can be risks of nitrogen there can be risks of nitrogen deficiency with a lot of organic deficiency with a lot of organic deficiency with a lot of organic matter inputs. matter inputs. matter inputs. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria Nitrogen-fixing bacteria Nitrogen-fixing bacteria would therefore limit this would therefore limit this would therefore limit this nitrogen deficiency. So for me, it is nitrogen deficiency. So for me, it is nitrogen deficiency. So for me, it is logical that these practices logical that these practices logical that these practices are associated. are associated. are associated. Uh and what we also saw is Uh and what we also saw is Uh and what we also saw is that microorganisms have a quite that microorganisms have a quite that microorganisms have a quite limited lifespan. So it is also limited lifespan. So it is also limited lifespan. So it is also important to apply them important to apply them important to apply them regularly and not just put regularly and not just put regularly and not just put them at the beginning of the them at the beginning of the them at the beginning of the crop and expect them to crop and expect them to crop and expect them to remain continuously. So what remain continuously. So what remain continuously. So what I just wanted to add, I is I just wanted to add, I is I just wanted to add, I mean with regard to organic mean with regard to organic mean with regard to organic matter uh we are in urban matter uh we are in urban matter uh we are in urban peri-urban systems where there is a peri-urban systems where there is a peri-urban systems where there is a very rapid turnover and so it is not very rapid turnover and so it is not very rapid turnover and so it is not cereal systems and so it is not cereal systems and so it is not cereal systems where you can have a cereal systems where you can have a cereal systems where you can have a fairly long fairly long fairly long dry period where you can dry period where you can dry period where you can afford to add organic afford to add organic afford to add organic matter which can degrade. matter which can degrade. matter which can degrade. I think in urban I think in urban I think in urban peri-urban systems, it is peri-urban systems, it is peri-urban systems, it is important to compost important to compost important to compost this organic matter to be able this organic matter to be able this organic matter to be able to apply it continuously to to apply it continuously to to apply it continuously to the crops. the crops. the crops. Uh and I add another layer Uh and I add another layer Uh and I add another layer on this, which is that when on this, which is that when on this, which is that when you add microorganisms, compost you add microorganisms, compost you add microorganisms, compost is much faster to set up is much faster to set up is much faster to set up and be produced. Uh so we and be produced. Uh so we and be produced. Uh so we are at 3 months without are at 3 months without are at 3 months without microorganisms and we are microorganisms and we are microorganisms and we can be at 1 month with can be at 1 month with can be at 1 month with microorganisms. So there is an microorganisms. So there is an microorganisms. So there is an interest uh so that this organic interest uh so that this organic interest uh so that this organic matter uh can be more quickly matter uh can be more quickly matter uh can be more quickly usable. Uh and we talked about usable. Uh and we talked about usable. Uh and we talked about this earlier a bit on this earlier a bit on this earlier a bit on which I wanted to bounce which I wanted to bounce which I wanted to bounce off, it is uh off, it is uh off, it is uh the association of the practices the association of the practices the association of the practices is beneficial. However, what is is beneficial. However, what is is beneficial. However, what is to be said is that the to be said is that the to be said is that the association of conventional association of conventional association of conventional practice with the use of practice with the use of practice with the use of microorganisms is microorganisms is microorganisms is detrimental. Uh we know, if we detrimental. Uh we know, if we detrimental. Uh we know, if we apply a fungicide, an insecticide apply a fungicide, an insecticide apply a fungicide, an insecticide after a treatment of after a treatment of after a treatment of microorganisms, we will lose microorganisms, we will lose microorganisms, we will lose this microbial diversity. Uh so it is this microbial diversity. Uh so it is this microbial diversity. Uh so it is important to this microbial diversity. Uh so it is important to this microbial diversity. Uh so it is important to not just add all not just add all not just add all practices. Sometimes it is practices. Sometimes it is practices. Sometimes it is necessary to reduce other necessary to reduce other necessary to reduce other inputs to avoid inhibitory inputs to avoid inhibitory inputs to avoid inhibitory effects. effects. effects. Just to follow up on Just to follow up on Just to follow up on your intervention Antoine your intervention Antoine your intervention Antoine not to always mix conventional not to always mix conventional not to always mix conventional and agroecological practices. and agroecological practices. and agroecological practices. For example For example For example uh uh microorganisms plus fungicide. uh uh microorganisms plus fungicide. uh uh microorganisms plus fungicide. I had a question. Uh the I had a question. Uh the I had a question. Uh the market gardening producers in market gardening producers in market gardening producers in the Cotonou region uh I have the impression the Cotonou region uh I have the impression the Cotonou region uh I have the impression and correct me if I am wrong and correct me if I am wrong and correct me if I am wrong please, they use uh a lot please, they use uh a lot please, they use uh a lot of poultry manure as fertilization. of poultry manure as fertilization. of poultry manure as fertilization. This poultry manure comes This poultry manure comes This poultry manure comes from conventional livestock I suppose. from conventional livestock I suppose. from conventional livestock I suppose. So I suppose it is loaded and So I suppose it is loaded and So I suppose it is loaded and it is the same, these are it is the same, these are it is the same, these are assumptions and it is a question assumptions and it is a question assumptions and it is a question about antibiotics. about antibiotics. about antibiotics. Is it uh is it in the Is it uh is it in the Is it uh is it in the research uh precisely of the impact research uh precisely of the impact research uh precisely of the impact of these microorganisms, the impact of these microorganisms, the impact of these microorganisms, the symbiotic, the appearance of the symbiotic, the appearance of the symbiotic, the appearance of the nematodes also? because the nematodes also? because the nematodes also? because the expansion also? because the expansion also? because the expansion finally the exponential finally the exponential finally the exponential development of these nematodes development of these nematodes development of these nematodes on galls, we do not observe on galls, we do not observe on galls, we do not observe them in other systems where we have them in other systems where we have them in other systems where we have much higher organic matter much higher organic matter much higher organic matter levels for example or do you levels for example or do you levels for example or do you think it could be partly think it could be partly think it could be partly due to the presence of antibiotics and due to the presence of antibiotics and due to the presence of antibiotics and the fact that every time we fertilize we disinfect every time we fertilize we disinfect every time we fertilize we disinfect to to make I am making shortcuts to make I am making shortcuts to make I am making shortcuts huge maybe but it is a huge maybe but it is a huge maybe but it is a question I have asked question I have asked question I have asked almost since the beginning almost since the beginning almost since the beginning of the Urban project and I have not of the Urban project and I have not of the Urban project and I have not had the opportunity to have analyses had the opportunity to have analyses had the opportunity to have analyses of poultry manure. Uh so here of poultry manure. Uh so here of poultry manure. Uh so here it is, poultry manure. Uh so here it is, poultry manure. Uh so here it is, it is a question I ask you. it is a question I ask you. it is a question I ask you. Hm. Yes. In any case uh all Hm. Yes. In any case uh all Hm. Yes. In any case uh all organic matter uh amendment or organic matter uh amendment or organic matter uh amendment or organic fertilizer is not perfect. It can fertilizer is not perfect. It can fertilizer is not perfect. It can have forms of pollution have forms of pollution have forms of pollution through poultry manure, through poultry manure, through poultry manure, antibiotics, but also pathogens antibiotics, but also pathogens antibiotics, but also pathogens that can be harmful to humans. that can be harmful to humans. that can be harmful to humans. So there are risks of So there are risks of So there are risks of microbial contamination microbial contamination microbial contamination with regard to consumers. with regard to consumers. with regard to consumers. Uh Uh Uh and so uh whether it is poultry and so uh whether it is poultry and so uh whether it is poultry manure, but also the manure, but also the manure, but also the waste uh which can also waste uh which can also waste uh which can also be used and can have a be used and can have a be used and can have a beneficial impact in terms of beneficial impact in terms of beneficial impact in terms of carbon input in the soil. carbon input in the soil. carbon input in the soil. But in any case uh there is But in any case uh there is But in any case uh there is a sanitary aspect a sanitary aspect a sanitary aspect that must be taken into account. So that must be taken into account. So that must be taken into account. So precisely with Sira and a colleague Precisely with Sira and a colleague Precisely with Sira and a colleague Mathieu Bravin from ITÉ recycling and Mathieu Bravin from ITÉ recycling and Mathieu Bravin from ITÉ recycling and risk, we are currently risk, we are currently risk, we are currently collecting various samples collecting various samples collecting various samples of soil and organic matter for of soil and organic matter for of soil and organic matter for analysis and to see what is analysis and to see what is analysis and to see what is really in terms of pollution. Uh so really in terms of pollution. Uh so really in terms of pollution. Uh so metagenomics and uh and metagenomics and uh and metagenomics and uh pathogens. pathogens. pathogens. Uh regarding the question of Uh regarding the question of Uh regarding the question of nematodes, it is possible uh nematodes, it is possible uh nematodes, it is possible uh that organic matter or organic that organic matter or organic that organic matter or organic fertilizers transmit pathogens fertilizers transmit pathogens fertilizers transmit pathogens nematodes or others. Uh it is nematodes or others. Uh it is nematodes or others. Uh it is quite possible. In any case, one it is quite possible. In any case, one it is quite possible. In any case, one thing is certain, it is thing is certain, it is thing is certain, it is that a soil very that a soil very that a soil very poor in organic matter uh poor in organic matter uh poor in organic matter uh is a soil that will be more is a soil that will be more is a soil that will be more easily infested with telluric easily infested with telluric easily infested with telluric diseases, telluric pathogens, diseases, telluric pathogens, diseases, telluric pathogens, nematodes, bacterial wilt. In fact, nematodes, bacterial wilt. In fact, nematodes, bacterial wilt. In fact, there is a biological balance there is a biological balance there is a biological balance that is no longer present, that is no longer present, that is no longer present, the soil is unbalanced the soil is unbalanced the soil is unbalanced and some pathogens will take and some pathogens will take and some pathogens will take over and will take advantage of over and will take advantage of over and will take advantage of this imbalance to multiply and this imbalance to multiply and this imbalance to multiply and infest the crops. So in a healthy infest the crops. So in a healthy infest the crops. So in a healthy soil, we always obviously soil, we always obviously soil, we always obviously have nematodes or bacteria have nematodes or bacteria have nematodes or bacteria and pathogens, but in fact and pathogens, but in fact and pathogens, but in fact they will be they will be they will be so little present and surrounded so little present and surrounded so little present and surrounded by so many other organisms by so many other organisms by so many other organisms that they will not that they will not that they will not cause damage to cause damage to cause damage to market gardening crops. market gardening crops. market gardening crops. Thank you very much to Antoine who Thank you very much to Antoine who Thank you very much to Antoine who made the connection. Thanks to everyone, all made the connection. Thanks to everyone, all made the connection. Thanks to everyone, all the organizers, all those who the organizers, all those who the organizers, all those who mobilized for the design and mobilized for the design and mobilized for the design and implementation of the Urban project and implementation of the Urban project and implementation of the Urban project and thank you for also giving us thank you for also giving us thank you for also giving us the opportunity to share what we the opportunity to share what we the opportunity to share what we are doing on the SPG approach to are doing on the SPG approach to are doing on the SPG approach to promote agricultural products. So I will promote agricultural products. So I will promote agricultural products. So I will make two presentations so I make two presentations so I make two presentations so very quickly and our motto also very quickly and our motto also very quickly and our motto also is to consume organic where we live without is to consume organic where we live without is to consume organic where we live without polluting the environment. SPJ is a polluting the environment. SPJ is a polluting the environment. SPJ is a credible tool for certification credible tool for certification credible tool for certification of organic agricultural products. of organic agricultural products. of organic agricultural products. So it is an alternative So it is an alternative So it is an alternative certification system adapted certification system adapted certification system adapted to local realities of each to local realities of each to local realities of each country or terroir. It is less country or terroir. It is less country or terroir. It is less costly compared to costly compared to costly compared to TI party certifications. Benin was TI party certifications. Benin was TI party certifications. Benin was the very first country to implement the very first country to implement the very first country to implement in West Africa and in Central in West Africa and in Central in West Africa and in Central Africa the biospg label which is Africa the biospg label which is Africa the biospg label which is a participatory certification. a participatory certification. a participatory certification. So as defined by IFOAM, it is a So as defined by IFOAM, it is a So as defined by IFOAM, it is a locally anchored quality assurance locally anchored quality assurance locally anchored quality assurance system that certifies productions system that certifies productions system that certifies productions based on the active participation based on the active participation based on the active participation of consumers and producers of consumers and producers of consumers and producers concerned through trust, concerned through trust, concerned through trust, exchanges and also knowledge and exchanges and also knowledge and exchanges and also knowledge and know-how. know-how. know-how. It is an alternative It is an alternative It is an alternative certification to TI party certification. certification to TI party certification. certification to TI party certification. So there are some slides So there are some slides So there are some slides that I will go through very that I will go through very that I will go through very quickly. Uh that I will go through very quickly. Uh that I will go through very quickly. Uh SPG is developing all SPG is developing all SPG is developing all over the continents and I have over the continents and I have over the continents and I have 2019 statistics, there were 2019 statistics, there were 2019 statistics, there were already more than 250 SPG already more than 250 SPG already more than 250 SPG initiatives in more than initiatives in more than initiatives in more than 110 countries. 110 countries. 110 countries. So you can see on the world So you can see on the world So you can see on the world map here uh the distribution map here uh the distribution map here uh the distribution of SPG initiatives. In Africa, we of SPG initiatives. In Africa, we of SPG initiatives. In Africa, we count about fifty. count about fifty. count about fifty. In Benin, we have uh about In Benin, we have uh about In Benin, we have uh about forty SPG initiatives, groups forty SPG initiatives, groups forty SPG initiatives, groups in h departments of in h departments of in h departments of Benin. Benin. Benin. On the screen, you can see On the screen, you can see On the screen, you can see some processing units some processing units some processing units that process certified BIOSPG that process certified BIOSPG that process certified BIOSPG products. In the second column, products. In the second column, products. In the second column, you see the organizations or you see the organizations or you see the organizations or companies. 3rd column is the companies. 3rd column is the companies. 3rd column is the products that are products that are products that are processed. and then the areas or the and then the areas or the and then the areas or the municipalities where these companies municipalities where these companies municipalities where these companies are located. are located. are located. The following table is a The following table is a The following table is a dozen shops and points of dozen shops and points of dozen shops and points of sale of certified biospg sale of certified biospg sale of certified biospg products in Benin. There are more products in Benin. There are more products in Benin. There are more than thirty. We have positioned just than thirty. We have positioned just than thirty. We have positioned just about ten there. about ten there. about ten there. So some figures today So some figures today So some figures today there are more than 2300 there are more than 2300 there are more than 2300 producers engaged producers engaged producers engaged in SPG certification, 37 in SPG certification, 37 in SPG certification, 37 organizations or producer organizations or producer organizations or producer groups, 22 municipalities of groups, 22 municipalities of groups, 22 municipalities of Benin, 8 departments, 12 Benin, 8 departments, 12 Benin, 8 departments, 12 value chains, 12 shops and 10 value chains, 12 shops and 10 value chains, 12 shops and 10 processing units. processing units. processing units. Here are just Here are just Here are just some logos uh starting some logos uh starting some logos uh starting from my left, it is the from my left, it is the from my left, it is the BOSPG label logo BOSPG label logo BOSPG label logo of Benin. In the middle, it is uh a of Benin. In the middle, it is uh a of Benin. In the middle, it is uh a label from Senegal from Burkina label from Senegal from Burkina label from Senegal from Burkina Faso, the BioSenat but also the Faso, the BioSenat but also the Faso, the BioSenat but also the logo of the SPG initiative from logo of the SPG initiative from logo of the SPG initiative from Senegal which is on the far Senegal which is on the far Senegal which is on the far right. right. right. So the BC in Benin, the So the BC in Benin, the So the BC in Benin, the main value chains. There is main value chains. There is main value chains. There is market gardening, organic rice, market gardening, organic rice, market gardening, organic rice, fruit juices, organic soy, fruit juices, organic soy, fruit juices, organic soy, purple corn, its derivatives, purple corn, its derivatives, purple corn, its derivatives, organic cassava and its organic cassava and its organic cassava and its derivatives, honey, organic broiler derivatives, honey, organic broiler derivatives, honey, organic broiler chicken which is starting. chicken which is starting. chicken which is starting. Currently, SPGB relies on tools Currently, SPGB relies on tools Currently, SPGB relies on tools and organic farming standards and organic farming standards and organic farming standards that involve the adherence and that involve the adherence and that involve the adherence and commitment of actors working commitment of actors working commitment of actors working to promote organic and to promote organic and to promote organic and ecological farming, namely ecological farming, namely ecological farming, namely producers, consumers, producers, consumers, producers, consumers, processors but processors but processors but also distributors and also distributors and also distributors and non-governmental organizations non-governmental organizations non-governmental organizations involved in the field of involved in the field of involved in the field of organic farming. It is a tool organic farming. It is a tool organic farming. It is a tool for developing local and for developing local and for developing local and national markets. national markets. national markets. You have on the screen the You have on the screen the You have on the screen the certification mark of SPG certification mark of SPG certification mark of SPG Benin. Benin. Benin. So why SPG in Benin So why SPG in Benin So why SPG in Benin ? ? ? There are four reasons. The There are four reasons. The There are four reasons. The first reason is to reduce the first reason is to reduce the first reason is to reduce the costs of organic certification costs of organic certification costs of organic certification of products, to adapt demand of products, to adapt demand of products, to adapt demand to supply of organic to supply of organic to supply of organic products and to develop products and to develop products and to develop local organic markets. local organic markets. local organic markets. To make the mode credible. Yes. To make the mode credible. Yes. To make the mode credible. Yes. Can you hear me Edgar? Yes, sorry. I will Can you hear me Edgar? Yes, sorry. I will Can you hear me Edgar? Yes, sorry. I will just ask you to press just ask you to press just ask you to press down below on hide so down below on hide so down below on hide so that we can see your that we can see your that we can see your presentation fully presentation fully presentation fully just there. Perfect. You no just there. Perfect. You no just there. Perfect. You no more. more. more. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. So to make So to make So to make I mentioned the reasons I mentioned the reasons I mentioned the reasons that brought us here. Uh that brought us here. Uh that brought us here. Uh the first reason is to Uh the first reason is to Uh the first reason is to make the mode of production make the mode of production make the mode of production credible and give guarantee credible and give guarantee credible and give guarantee to local consumers who to local consumers who to local consumers who themselves participate in the themselves participate in the themselves participate in the certification system. certification system. certification system. Finally, it is to meet a Finally, it is to meet a Finally, it is to meet a need for ethics by involving need for ethics by involving need for ethics by involving actors in the organic actors in the organic actors in the organic certification system. certification system. certification system. So the SPG environment, you So the SPG environment, you So the SPG environment, you cannot say the ecosystem, here is cannot say the ecosystem, here is cannot say the ecosystem, here is a bit how it is composed. you a bit how it is composed. you a bit how it is composed. you have uh you have uh you have uh at the very top the organic at the very top the organic at the very top the organic production standards, I mean production standards, I mean production standards, I mean the charges. Moving in the the charges. Moving in the the charges. Moving in the center of the clock hand, we center of the clock hand, we center of the clock hand, we have the label you saw earlier. have the label you saw earlier. have the label you saw earlier. There is a documentation There is a documentation There is a documentation management system, there are management system, there are management system, there are individual commitments individual commitments individual commitments or collective of or collective of or collective of producers or organizations. producers or organizations. producers or organizations. There are well-known There are well-known There are well-known consequences in consequences in consequences in case of non-compliance and case of non-compliance and case of non-compliance and then there is the then there is the then there is the organic certification guide. organic certification guide. organic certification guide. Sorry, sometimes there are Sorry, sometimes there are Sorry, sometimes there are motorcycles passing, there motorcycles passing, there motorcycles passing, there are cars passing in the are cars passing in the are cars passing in the area where there is no area where there is no area where there is no problem, we hear everything problem, we hear everything problem, we hear everything perfectly. perfectly. perfectly. There are some points of There are some points of There are some points of similarity between TI similarity between TI similarity between TI party certification and SPG, party certification and SPG, party certification and SPG, which is that there is a which is that there is a which is that there is a charge for both. There are charge for both. There are charge for both. There are means of verifying means of verifying means of verifying compliance. compliance. compliance. There are documented There are documented There are documented procedures. procedures. procedures. There is also the There is also the There is also the commitment of producers. commitment of producers. commitment of producers. There is a label, there is There is a label, there is There is a label, there is a biological guarantee to the biological guarantee to the biological guarantee to the consumer. consumer. consumer. The target is either producers The target is either producers The target is either producers or large companies. or large companies. or large companies. Whatever the points of Whatever the points of Whatever the points of difference especially at the difference especially at the difference especially at the SPG level, the SPG has a SPG level, the SPG has a SPG level, the SPG has a horizontal organizational horizontal organizational horizontal organizational structure. The market is often structure. The market is often structure. The market is often targeted locally, nationally targeted locally, nationally targeted locally, nationally or regionally. or regionally. or regionally. Individual and/or collective Individual and/or collective Individual and/or collective marketing. The SPG approach marketing. The SPG approach marketing. The SPG approach combines extension and combines extension and combines extension and certification. certification. certification. The scope at the SPG level, The scope at the SPG level, The scope at the SPG level, is mainly the farm. is mainly the farm. is mainly the farm. You have on the screen the You have on the screen the You have on the screen the three levels uh of organization. three levels uh of organization. three levels uh of organization. Starting from the bottom, Starting from the bottom, Starting from the bottom, there are the base control there are the base control there are the base control groups. These are farmers groups. These are farmers groups. These are farmers who are geographically who are geographically who are geographically close and do self close and do self close and do self control among themselves. control among themselves. control among themselves. uh in the middle uh we have uh in the middle uh we have uh in the middle uh we have local coordination local coordination local coordination and certification offices which and certification offices which and certification offices which are nothing other than are nothing other than are nothing other than representatives of the base representatives of the base representatives of the base control groups. And at the control groups. And at the control groups. And at the national level, we have the national level, we have the national level, we have the National Certification National Certification National Certification Committee which brings Committee which brings Committee which brings together representatives of together representatives of together representatives of BLCCs, resource persons BLCCs, resource persons BLCCs, resource persons and state organizations such and state organizations such and state organizations such as the Ministry of Agriculture, as the Ministry of Agriculture, as the Ministry of Agriculture, ABSA which is the Food ABSA which is the Food ABSA which is the Food Safety Agency, ATDA, the Safety Agency, ATDA, the Safety Agency, ATDA, the regional poles, I mean regional poles, I mean regional poles, I mean agriculture and research etc. agriculture and research etc. agriculture and research etc. So here are the three levels. So here are the three levels. So here are the three levels. So the bodies, this is what I just So the bodies, this is what I just So the bodies, this is what I just presented. At the national level presented. At the national level presented. At the national level there is CONACER, the national there is CONACER, the national there is CONACER, the national certification committee, local certification committee, local certification committee, local coordination offices coordination offices coordination offices and base control groups. and base control groups. and base control groups. So, we have four types of So, we have four types of So, we have four types of surveys at the SPG Benin level. surveys at the SPG Benin level. surveys at the SPG Benin level. Uh the first survey is Uh the first survey is Uh the first survey is the most common, the the most common, the the most common, the certification survey. When you certification survey. When you certification survey. When you request to be certified request to be certified request to be certified for the first time, certification for the first time, certification for the first time, surveys are done. surveys are done. surveys are done. The second type of survey The second type of survey The second type of survey which is also widely which is also widely which is also widely used is the surveillance used is the surveillance used is the surveillance survey which is number 3. survey which is number 3. survey which is number 3. And when you are given the And when you are given the And when you are given the right to use the logo for a right to use the logo for a right to use the logo for a given period, it can be 1 year, given period, it can be 1 year, given period, it can be 1 year, 2 years or 3 years, surveillance 2 years or 3 years, surveillance 2 years or 3 years, surveys can be organized surveys can be organized surveys can be organized between the first day and between the first day and between the first day and the last day of certificate the last day of certificate the last day of certificate validity. There are other validity. There are other validity. There are other types of surveys, there are types of surveys, there are types of surveys, verification surveys which verification surveys which verification surveys which can be conducted to see if can be conducted to see if can be conducted to see if there are disputes during certification there are disputes during certification there are disputes during certification surveys. But there are also in surveys. But there are also in surveys. But there are also in last position investigation last position investigation last position investigation surveys which concern much surveys which concern much surveys which concern much more complaints that may come more complaints that may come more complaints that may come from actors or operators or from actors or operators or from actors or operators or consumers who may complain consumers who may complain consumers who may complain about some aspect of about some aspect of about some aspect of the functioning of the the functioning of the the functioning of the system. system. system. So some challenges here uh are So some challenges here uh are So some challenges here uh are to support the national organic to support the national organic to support the national organic farming sector RENAT bio. farming sector RENAT bio. farming sector RENAT bio. Provide institutional Provide institutional Provide institutional support, mobilize more support, mobilize more support, mobilize more technical and technical and technical and financial partners for the financial partners for the financial partners for the extension and scaling up extension and scaling up extension and scaling up of the SPG approach. of the SPG approach. of the SPG approach. Translate SPG tools into Translate SPG tools into Translate SPG tools into local language, support local local language, support local local language, support local organic input production organic input production organic input production companies. companies. companies. Raise awareness among Raise awareness among Raise awareness among local and national local and national local and national consumers to adopt products consumers to adopt products consumers to adopt products from organic farming and from organic farming and from organic farming and support the development support the development support the development of local food supply of local food supply of local food supply chains for the consumption chains for the consumption chains for the consumption of products from organic of products from organic of products from organic farming. farming. farming. So, we want to give some So, we want to give some So, we want to give some information about the support information about the support information about the support we are providing which is we are providing which is we are providing which is almost at its end to market almost at its end to market almost at its end to market gardeners benefiting from gardeners benefiting from gardeners benefiting from the CGE project of WVGE. the CGE project of WVGE. the CGE project of WVGE. The period runs from November The period runs from November The period runs from November 2025 to June 2026. It is in 6 2025 to June 2026. It is in 6 2025 to June 2026. It is in 6 municipalities of Benin municipalities of Benin municipalities of Benin Boy, Zobodoma, Lalo, Zobodoma, Lalo, Zobodoma, Lalo, Z and it concerns 10 market and it concerns 10 market and it concerns 10 market cooperatives. cooperatives. cooperatives. As a summary since we are As a summary since we are As a summary since we are already at the end already at the end already at the end it is 116 market gardeners it is 116 market gardeners it is 116 market gardeners benefiting from the CVE benefiting from the CVE benefiting from the CVE project who have been trained project who have been trained project who have been trained and supported and supported and supported cooperatives obtain the right cooperatives obtain the right cooperatives obtain the right to use the BIOSPG collective to use the BIOSPG collective to use the BIOSPG collective label of Benin and among the label of Benin and among the label of Benin and among the 116 there are 105 116 there are 105 116 there are 105 markets that meet production markets that meet production markets that meet production standards and receive their standards and receive their standards and receive their mention Biospg and then the mention Biospg and then the mention Biospg and then the CVE project is also CVE project is also CVE project is also organized to link these organized to link these organized to link these certified markets with certified markets with certified markets with school canteens, sellers school canteens, sellers school canteens, sellers and distributors of fresh organic and distributors of fresh organic and distributors of fresh organic vegetables. Here I share vegetables. Here I share vegetables. Here I share some images. These are some images. These are some images. These are training sessions for example in training sessions for example in training sessions for example in the municipality of Zobodomain on the municipality of Zobodomain on the municipality of Zobodomain on technical itineraries and the technical itineraries and the technical itineraries and the biospg certification process. Here we are biospg certification process. Here we are biospg certification process. Here we are in Boy, here we are in Boy, here we are in Boy, in the commune of Zer. I will in the commune of Zer. I will in the commune of Zer. I will go very quickly as these are go very quickly as these are go very quickly as these are images here. It concerns images here. It concerns images here. It concerns the visit and validation of the visit and validation of the visit and validation of market gardening production market gardening production market gardening production sites. sites. sites. Uh this is also the Uh this is also the Uh this is also the images of certification images of certification images of certification surveys that took place 3 surveys that took place 3 surveys that took place 3 weeks ago and here you have weeks ago and here you have weeks ago and here you have on the screen a view of on the screen a view of on the screen a view of members of the national members of the national members of the national certification committee who certification committee who certification committee who decided on the files decided on the files decided on the files of the 10 market gardening of the 10 market gardening of the 10 market gardening cooperatives who were cooperatives who were cooperatives who were candidates. candidates. candidates. So here is a bit the first So here is a bit the first So here is a bit the first presentation. I will go very presentation. I will go very presentation. I will go very quickly to save time. quickly to save time. quickly to save time. Here I called it Here I called it Here I called it presentation of Renat Bio and presentation of Renat Bio and presentation of Renat Bio and the benefits of SPG organic the benefits of SPG organic the benefits of SPG organic certification. certification. certification. I will also go very I will also go very I will also go very quickly, so the quickly, so the quickly, so the context of creation of context of creation of context of creation of Renat Bio, Renat Bio, Renat Bio, is in a context where there is is in a context where there is is in a context where there is a growing demand for a growing demand for a growing demand for healthy products. There is healthy products. There is healthy products. There is no proper fertile no proper fertile no proper fertile organization by the name organization by the name organization by the name of organic farming. of organic farming. of organic farming. There is a need to There is a need to There is a need to assess the situation of assess the situation of assess the situation of farmers engaged in farmers engaged in farmers engaged in the sector but there is also the sector but there is also the sector but there is also a clear willingness of a clear willingness of a clear willingness of the Benin government and the Benin government and the Benin government and Ministry of Agriculture to Ministry of Agriculture to Ministry of Agriculture to support the organic support the organic support the organic subsector. You have on the subsector. You have on the subsector. You have on the screen a photo of screen a photo of screen a photo of members of the board members of the board members of the board and the subsidy committee and the subsidy committee and the subsidy committee of Renat Bio. The of Renat Bio. The of Renat Bio. The vision of Renat Bio is to vision of Renat Bio is to vision of Renat Bio is to contribute uh in Benin to contribute uh in Benin to contribute uh in Benin to significantly increase significantly increase significantly increase its market share of organic its market share of organic its market share of organic and agroecological products on and agroecological products on and agroecological products on national, regional and national, regional and national, regional and international markets. international markets. international markets. So the mission is to promote So the mission is to promote So the mission is to promote contribute to promoting in Benin contribute to promoting in Benin contribute to promoting in Benin a social and solidarity a social and solidarity a social and solidarity economy, resilient and economy, resilient and economy, resilient and environmentally friendly environmentally friendly environmentally friendly agriculture and healthy agriculture and healthy agriculture and healthy food. The objectives of RENA food. The objectives of RENA food. The objectives of RENA bio are to participate in bio are to participate in bio are to participate in the implementation of the the implementation of the the implementation of the national strategy for the national strategy for the national strategy for the development of organic development of organic development of organic agriculture in Benin which agriculture in Benin which agriculture in Benin which was validated almost 3 years was validated almost 3 years was validated almost 3 years ago. ago. ago. improve and strengthen the improve and strengthen the improve and strengthen the situation of actors, defend the situation of actors, defend the situation of actors, defend the SPG organic label and any SPG organic label and any SPG organic label and any other sign of valorization other sign of valorization other sign of valorization and recognition of agricultural and recognition of agricultural and recognition of agricultural products from Benin. Strengthen products from Benin. Strengthen products from Benin. Strengthen the ranks of farmers and the ranks of farmers and the ranks of farmers and breeders engaged in breeders engaged in breeders engaged in organic farming. So at the organic farming. So at the organic farming. So at the Renat Bio level Renat Bio level Renat Bio level there are two categories there are two categories there are two categories of actors. There are direct of actors. There are direct of actors. There are direct actors in three actors in three actors in three colleges. There is the colleges. There is the colleges. There is the college of producers, the college of producers, the college of producers, the college of processors and the college of processors and the college of processors and the college of distributors. The second college of distributors. The second college of distributors. The second category concerns category concerns category concerns organizations of APU. organizations of APU. organizations of APU. After 15 years, a little more After 15 years, a little more After 15 years, a little more than 15 years of SPG than 15 years of SPG than 15 years of SPG implementation in Benin, we implementation in Benin, we implementation in Benin, we have a specifications for have a specifications for have a specifications for plant production, agro-food plant production, agro-food plant production, agro-food processing, honey and mushroom, processing, honey and mushroom, processing, honey and mushroom, a collective label and a a collective label and a a collective label and a BSPG certification, nearly 2300 BSPG certification, nearly 2300 BSPG certification, nearly 2300 member farmers and breeders, member farmers and breeders, member farmers and breeders, five sectors and more than five sectors and more than five sectors and more than 30 farmer groups. I had 30 farmer groups. I had 30 farmer groups. I had already mentioned already mentioned already mentioned departments, I had presented departments, I had presented departments, I had presented this table and some this table and some this table and some figures regarding value figures regarding value figures regarding value chains. At the market gardening chains. At the market gardening chains. At the market gardening level, you see there are the level, you see there are the level, you see there are the baskets of organic baskets of organic baskets of organic vegetables that have been vegetables that have been vegetables that have been produced for more than produced for more than produced for more than 17 years. On the left, you 17 years. On the left, you 17 years. On the left, you have tomato pies, which have have tomato pies, which have have tomato pies, which have been part of processed been part of processed been part of processed market gardening products. market gardening products. market gardening products. At the market gardening At the market gardening At the market gardening sector, there are 7 affected sector, there are 7 affected sector, there are 7 affected municipalities, 623 markets, 7 municipalities, 623 markets, 7 municipalities, 623 markets, 7 product derivatives, 3 product derivatives, 3 product derivatives, 3 processing units. At the processing units. At the processing units. At the organic rice level, you have organic rice level, you have organic rice level, you have Matport rice and organic Matport rice and organic Matport rice and organic rice from Comin. At rice from Comin. At rice from Comin. At the fruit juice level, there are the fruit juice level, there are the fruit juice level, there are eight flavors marketed eight flavors marketed eight flavors marketed by the AMAP Benin by the AMAP Benin by the AMAP Benin cooperative. At the soy level, cooperative. At the soy level, cooperative. At the soy level, seed production is seed production is seed production is done by about ten done by about ten done by about ten seed producers but there are seed producers but there are seed producers but there are also nearly 150 organic also nearly 150 organic also nearly 150 organic soy SPG producers. There soy SPG producers. There soy SPG producers. There are also soy-derived are also soy-derived are also soy-derived products such as soy cheese, products such as soy cheese, products such as soy cheese, soy milk, soy biscuits, soy milk, soy biscuits, soy milk, soy biscuits, soy skewers, etc. soy skewers, etc. soy skewers, etc. For soy, we have four For soy, we have four For soy, we have four municipalities, 10 seed municipalities, 10 seed municipalities, 10 seed producers, 40 processors, 5 producers, 40 processors, 5 producers, 40 processors, 5 derivatives, three processing derivatives, three processing derivatives, three processing units, one organic soy SPG units, one organic soy SPG units, one organic soy SPG storage warehouse. storage warehouse. storage warehouse. Uh for the purple corn value Uh for the purple corn value Uh for the purple corn value chains, we have two chains, we have two chains, we have two municipalities, Cosa Ati, 82 municipalities, Cosa Ati, 82 municipalities, Cosa Ati, 82 producers, four derivatives, a producers, four derivatives, a producers, four derivatives, a purple corn processing unit. purple corn processing unit. purple corn processing unit. For bananas, we have two For bananas, we have two For bananas, we have two municipalities, Wida Torit, former municipalities, Wida Torit, former municipalities, Wida Torit, former producer, two derivatives and producer, two derivatives and producer, two derivatives and banana. banana. banana. So the perspectives are that So the perspectives are that So the perspectives are that we are looking for partners we are looking for partners we are looking for partners to extend networks, we to extend networks, we to extend networks, we plan to set up plan to set up plan to set up specifications for organic specifications for organic specifications for organic rabbit farming, organic rabbit farming, organic rabbit farming, poultry farming and poultry farming and poultry farming and caprine and ovine farming but caprine and ovine farming but caprine and ovine farming but also to train actors on also to train actors on also to train actors on various themes, support various themes, support various themes, support certification of new groups certification of new groups certification of new groups and also support groups and also support groups and also support groups in product marketing because when in product marketing because when in product marketing because when product marketing is successful, product marketing is successful, product marketing is successful, producers get a producers get a producers get a premium which can premium which can premium which can attract the rest attract the rest attract the rest of the other links in the of the other links in the of the other links in the chain. chain. chain. So the benefits of SPG, it So the benefits of SPG, it So the benefits of SPG, it allows SPG organic farming allows SPG organic farming allows SPG organic farming in general, it allows in general, it allows in general, it allows to feed the population, to preserve to feed the population, to preserve to feed the population, to preserve natural resources, to add value natural resources, to add value natural resources, to add value to local agricultural products to local agricultural products to local agricultural products by quality, to distinguish by quality, to distinguish by quality, to distinguish products grown or processed products grown or processed products grown or processed according to organic production according to organic production according to organic production standards. standards. standards. And it also allows to And it also allows to And it also allows to obtain a premium. obtain a premium. obtain a premium. I give some examples here. I give some examples here. I give some examples here. When I take the case of AMAP When I take the case of AMAP When I take the case of AMAP Benin for 5 years, the AMAP Benin for 5 years, the AMAP Benin for 5 years, the AMAP Benin cooperative has AMAP Benin cooperative has AMAP Benin cooperative has been able to obtain a delivery been able to obtain a delivery been able to obtain a delivery contract for several products contract for several products contract for several products including vegetables, fruit including vegetables, fruit including vegetables, fruit juices, organic rice and juices, organic rice and juices, organic rice and at the at the company Serv at the at the company Serv at the at the company Serv at the Air France catering arm Air France catering arm Air France catering arm and we were able to and we were able to and we were able to negotiate a 10% organic negotiate a 10% organic negotiate a 10% organic premium applied to all premium applied to all premium applied to all products. When we take products. When we take products. When we take the case of Maticport rice the case of Maticport rice the case of Maticport rice produced in the Grand Popo, produced in the Grand Popo, produced in the Grand Popo, we realize that it is the rice we realize that it is the rice we realize that it is the rice from Benin that is the best from Benin that is the best from Benin that is the best sold, with a price sold, with a price sold, with a price margin of 30% compared margin of 30% compared margin of 30% compared to other rice. to other rice. to other rice. Then when we also take Then when we also take Then when we also take the case of soy, the case of soy, the case of soy, organic soy, I mean for 3 organic soy, I mean for 3 organic soy, I mean for 3 years, the government years, the government years, the government announces official selling announces official selling announces official selling prices of soy. We realize prices of soy. We realize prices of soy. We realize that each time the official that each time the official that each time the official price is about 50% price is about 50% price is about 50% higher than conventional higher than conventional higher than conventional soy, which represents about soy, which represents about soy, which represents about 18% compared to 18% compared to 18% compared to conventional soy. So these conventional soy. So these conventional soy. So these are some examples that are are some examples that are are some examples that are evidence that there is evidence that there is evidence that there is interest in supporting interest in supporting interest in supporting small farmers to certify small farmers to certify small farmers to certify their products according to their products according to their products according to the SPG organic the SPG organic the SPG organic approach. Thank you very much and that’s what I planned to share with you. Thank you very much and that’s what I planned to share with you. Thank you very much and that’s what I planned to share with you. So I, regarding the work So I, regarding the work So I, regarding the work the Urban project has done, I wanted the Urban project has done, I wanted the Urban project has done, I wanted to ask if all this is already to ask if all this is already to ask if all this is already in the form of technical sheets in the form of technical sheets in the form of technical sheets that can be disseminated so that that can be disseminated so that that can be disseminated so that producers can try and adopt producers can try and adopt producers can try and adopt this well. That was my this well. That was my this well. That was my main concern for the main concern for the main concern for the moment. Thank you very moment. Thank you very moment. Thank you very much. Uh thank you for the Uh thank you for the Uh thank you for the question. Yes, we will question. Yes, we will question. Yes, we will have uh several technical have uh several technical have uh several technical sheets, so practice sheets sheets, so practice sheets, so practice sheets, yes summaries of practice yes summaries of practice yes summaries of practice for example on the fermented for example on the fermented for example on the fermented juice mentioned earlier uh very juice mentioned earlier uh very juice mentioned earlier uh very basic recipe so that it basic recipe so that it basic recipe so that it can be used by others can be used by others can be used by others producers as well. Uh we will also producers as well. Uh we will also producers as well. Uh we will also have summaries of have summaries of have summaries of experiments uh which experiments uh which experiments uh which are available either in video, are available either in video, are available either in video, or in article also uh for producers or in article also uh for producers or in article also uh for producers who want to get inspired. who want to get inspired. who want to get inspired. Uh and so the work done by Uh and so the work done by Uh and so the work done by Terre de Uh and so the work done by Terre de Uh and so the work done by Terre de Terre Production and CNA, it is Terre Production and CNA, it is Terre Production and CNA, it is really the dissemination of really the dissemination of really the dissemination of agroecological practices agroecological practices agroecological practices and I would say the and I would say the and I would say the popularization of research popularization of research popularization of research to make it usable to to make it usable to to make it usable to producers. So uh to producers. So uh to producers. So it is really uh the portraits it is really uh the portraits it is really uh the portraits of farms also, we have done of farms also, we have done of farms also, we have done farm portraits. Romuald’s farm is farm portraits. Romuald’s farm is farm portraits. Romuald’s farm is documented on Triple documented on Triple documented on Triple Performance. We have also Performance. We have also Performance. We have also documented several farms uh documented several farms uh documented several farms uh from the CVC project followed from the CVC project followed from the CVC project followed by Antoine. by Antoine. by Antoine. Uh and all this is of course Uh and all this is of course Uh and all this is of course intended for other intended for other intended for other Beninese producers. Uh we Beninese producers. Uh we Beninese producers. Uh we really want to really want to really want to question the champions question the champions question the champions to inspire other to inspire other to inspire other producers so that they producers so that they producers so that they can follow this path. And can follow this path. And can follow this path. And with this webinar to And with this webinar to And with this webinar to conclude, we also give conclude, we also give conclude, we also give different contacts. That is, different contacts. That is, different contacts. That is, we have producer Romuald we have producer Romuald we have producer Romuald who implements agroecological who implements agroecological who implements agroecological practices. We have uh the practices. We have uh the practices. We have uh the microbiologist Ulis who will microbiologist Ulis who will microbiologist Ulis who will work on the symbiotic work on the symbiotic work on the symbiotic part and who has supported part and who has supported part and who has supported Romuald on these parts Romuald on these parts Romuald on these parts to improve. We have Antoine to improve. We have Antoine to improve. We have Antoine the agronomist who worked the agronomist who worked the agronomist who worked with many Beninese with many Beninese with many Beninese producers to lift some producers to lift some producers to lift some agronomic levers and we have agronomic levers and we have agronomic levers and we have Edgar who just came Edgar who just came Edgar who just came to talk about marketing to talk about marketing to talk about marketing of agroecological production. of agroecological production. of agroecological production. So really to have the So really to have the So really to have the whole line, the contacts and our whole line, the contacts and our whole line, the contacts and our objective is to support objective is to support objective is to support Beninese producers Beninese producers Beninese producers so that they can achieve so that they can achieve so that they can achieve a transition whatever the system a transition whatever the system a transition whatever the system they are currently in and that they are currently in and that they are currently in and that we present tools and that we present tools and that we present tools and that they can pick from that they can pick from that they can pick from to adapt to their system to adapt to their system to adapt to their system and make a transition. We do not say and make a transition. We do not say and make a transition. We do not say to abandon chemical to abandon chemical to abandon chemical inputs and synthetic products inputs and synthetic products inputs and synthetic products overnight. We are overnight. We are overnight. We are aware that there is 1 aware that there is 1 aware that there is 1 reality and that it is necessary reality and that it is necessary reality and that it is necessary to present trials, alternatives to present trials, alternatives to present trials, alternatives and innovations so that and innovations so that and innovations so that everyone can adapt them everyone can adapt them everyone can adapt them to their context and to make to their context and to make to their context and to make their system productive and their system productive and their system productive and profitable. Good.
This video was produced by the National Center for Agroecology (NCA) https://centre-national-agroecologie.fr/ as part of the URBANE project https://urbane-project.eu/, funded by the European Union.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union or the Research Executive Agency (REA).
This video was made as part of the URBANE project co-funded by the European Union. Website: https://urbane-project.eu/
The opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA).
Agroecology in Benin - Part 2
As part of the Savage project, funded by the European Union and the Embassy of the Netherlands, work has been carried out to support the agroecological transition in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Antoine, an agronomist involved in this project, details the challenges and results obtained, particularly regarding the management of pests in vegetable farming.
Diagnosis and Challenges of Market Gardening
The diagnosis conducted with 1200 producers highlighted major constraints:
- Soil fertility: a decline in fertility limiting yield potential.
- Pest pressure: a strong presence of root-knot nematodes, bacterial wilt, leafhoppers, and red mites (spider mites).
- Pesticide use: often abusive or unregulated use of non-approved products (e.g., highly toxic nematicides).
On-farm Experiments
The project tested agroecological innovations co-developed with producers, combining endogenous knowledge and research inputs:
- Crotalaria (Crotalaria): Legume with recognized nematicidal activity. Its effectiveness is real but limited in time (about 70 days after incorporation) and it may present integration challenges in short-cycle systems.
- African basil (Ocimum gratissimum): Marketable plant with repellent properties.
- Beneficial Indigenous Microorganisms (BIM): Derived from forest litter fermentation, they enhance soil health and plant resilience.
- Fermented fruit juices: Endogenous innovation used as a biostimulant for growth and salinity tolerance.
Results and Lessons Learned
The effectiveness of agroecological methods depends on a combination of factors. Trials showed that:
- Simple substitution of pesticides with a single practice is insufficient. The approach must be holistic (combining organic fertility and biological management).
- Integration of crotalaria requires careful management of spacing and timing to avoid competition with main crops.
- Producers note an improvement in harvest quality, allowing better selling prices, despite sometimes still variable yields.
- Land tenure security remains a major barrier to long-term investment in soil fertility.
Certification and Labeling: The Role of the SPG
Edgar, a certification expert, presented the Participatory Guarantee System (SPG), a locally rooted organic certification tool adapted to the realities of small producers in Benin.
- Advantages: Less costly than third-party certifications, it strengthens trust between producers and consumers.
- Expansion: Benin currently has about forty SPG initiatives, including 2300 producers and covering various sectors (market gardening, rice, soy, honey, etc.).
- Impact: Certification allows producers to obtain significant added value (e.g., +30% on rice price, +50% on organic soy) and better structure local supply chains.
Conclusion and Perspectives
Agroecological transition does not mean immediate abandonment of all inputs, but a step-by-step progression. Stakeholders emphasize:
- Continuous training in the local language on recognizing crop auxiliaries.
- Pooling the production of bio-inputs to reduce production costs.
- The need for clear technical sheets and profiles of "champion" farms to inspire other farmers and facilitate adoption of these profitable and sustainable practices.
