Organic Cotton from Benin: A Green, Fair, and Inclusive Initiative

Growing Organic Cotton for Sustainable Development

Benin farmers grow organic cotton for cash. They rely on cotton to support their families. Cotton prices change often. Chemical pesticides cost a lot. Market access stays low. Women farmers suffer more. They earn less and speak less in their cooperatives.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Farming

GIZ works with trusted partners. AbTF, PAN UK, and Paul Reinhart AG join the effort. The German BMZ funds the project. Experts teach organic farming techniques. They show farmers how to manage pests without chemicals. They also share skills in financial empowerment.

Impact: Increased Yields and Empowered Women

• Certified organic cotton grows by 65% in the last three years. The work meets CmiA standards.
• Nearly 9,000 farmers now earn higher incomes. They find more stable markets and better work conditions.
• Total farmer turnover rises by 9%.
• Focused training helps women farmers gain economic independence. Women now lead more in their cooperatives. One farmer from the Djamadji cooperative said her extra income now gives her more say at home. This change helps with decisions about her children’s education.

Fair Cotton Securing European Markets

European companies now demand fair and organic cotton. The Otto Group, Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd, and Tchibo use CmiA-certified cotton in textiles. This fair cotton finds secure markets in Europe. It also supplies high-quality, sustainable cotton to consumers.

For further details, visit the Sub-Saharan Cotton Initiative (SASI) website or contact GIZ offices in Bonn and Eschborn.

Sources:

• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, 2025
• Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) sustainability standard
• Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF)

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