The specific objective of the “Support for the agro-ecological transition of the pineapple value chain in Benin” project, implemented by COLEAD between January 2022 and July 2023 (end date for the implementation of technical activities), was to enable operators in the pineapple agricultural value chain (AVC) to begin a gradual transition to agro-ecology, while meeting the requirements of local, regional and international markets. The main objective was to lay the groundwork and initiate a transition process, while at the same time introducing capacity building measures for the various stakeholders and tools to analyse the impact in the medium and long term.

Through this project, COLEAD aimed to facilitate information, reflection and the initiation of a process of agro-ecological transition towards a sustainable production system for the pineapple sector in Benin by providing Beninese operators with support and qualified service providers in key areas such as: agro-ecological practices, water management, conservation and restoration of soil fertility, production and management of organic matter, conservation and restoration of biodiversity, diversification of production, crop associations, product processing, production planning and internal training.

Through this project, COLEAD was able to raise awareness among all stakeholders in the pineapple value chain about agroecology, its principles and its benefits for production and marketing systems. The aim was to lay the foundations for a framework conducive to a transition towards greater ecological intensification.

In a participatory manner, the project identified current good practices and offered support to Beninese stakeholders to initiate an agro-ecological transition, in particular through the implementation of responsible and sustainable environmental management practices.

Key achievements during the project period include

• Participatory reflection within the pineapple sector to (i) present the basics of agroecology and the key principles of the transition and (ii) initiate discussions on the areas of work that could be envisaged in the pineapple sector in the short, medium and long term.
• Carried out an initial diagnosis among the 15 aggregators using the COLEAD sustainability self-assessment tool.
• Training of experts in sustainable resource management (soil, water, energy, waste management and recycling, greenhouse gases, etc.), agro-ecological practices, the path towards agro-ecology and organic production.
• 15 clusters received specific support.
• 3 methods for recycling pineapple waste and by-products have been identified as economically viable.