Project presentation
In Benin, in the commune of Kpomassé (located 50 km from Cotonou), tomato cultivation is one of the country’s most important vegetable crops. Due to a lack of preservation solutions, surplus harvests during the abundant season (July to September) are discarded and wasted. This leads to a period of shortage when tomatoes become rare and expensive, making them inaccessible throughout the year.
Following a survey among local women and a small-scale pilot phase, the Humanitarian Association for Africa and its local partner, the Research Circle for the Identification and Promotion of Sustainable Development Alternatives (CRIPADD), aim to support 80 women in tomato processing and preservation activities to make use of surplus harvests. Several actions will be implemented: training in tomato preservation, creation of a tomato processing unit for canned products, establishment of a distribution system, strengthening women’s skills, and support towards collective organization. This project will allow women to sustain and diversify their income sources through the valorization of unsold agricultural products.
