2020 benin paeffr davidchampagne extraitvideo4

Completed project

Supporting Women Entrepreneurship in the Rice Industry (PAEFFR)

Benin

Women’s Economic EmpowermentAdapting to climate change

Date

may 2017 - november 2023

Budget

$10,611,373 CAD

Global Affairs Canada

Contribution through donations

$636,000 CAD

Impact for

5300

women

The PAEFFR project was deployed in the six communes of the Collines department in Benin. It has contributed to wealth creation by improving entrepreneurial performance and strengthening women's economic power. Implemented with the participation of the Union régionale des étuveuses (URFER-C), the Union des producteurs de riz (UNIRIZ-C) and the Cadre de concertation des intervenants de la filière riz (CCR-B), the project was also supported by the Ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Élevage et de la Pêche (MAEP).

The project has generated a number of positive changes, including a 10-fold increase in the quantities of parboiled rice sold each year; access to literacy training for over 500 women parboilers; and an increase in women's occupancy of decision-making positions in mixed rice production structures (37% vs. 25% at the start of the project).

Objectives

1 / 3

Improving the strategic positioning of unions and cooperatives

To strengthen the strategic positioning of associative structures, technical assistance, training and advice were provided to partner organizations. Union and cooperative managers received support in lobbying, governance, accounting management and financial autonomy.

Increased profitability

The project provided support for the implementation of business management consulting services and the installation of sustainable irrigation systems, as well as training to reduce losses. Processing centers have also been built or equipped to meet environmental challenges. These actions have significantly boosted the competitiveness of Benin's parboiled rice.

Facilitating access to adapted financial products and services

PAEFFR negotiated an agreement with a partner financial institution to provide access to adapted financial products and services for URFER-C, the six communal cooperatives it groups together, and UNIRIZ-C. Credit management training has also been provided for the heads of these organizations.

Proud entrepreneurs

Juggling the issues of gender equality, good governance and sustainable management is a major challenge. The PAEFFR has successfully tackled it!

The project has led to a continuous improvement in the profitability and competitiveness of the women's enterprises. Their skills, particularly in accounting and financial management, have improved significantly.

The rice produced has become more competitive thanks - among other things - to production practices better adapted to climate change, which has led to a tenfold increase in the quantities sold. What's more, in mixed governance structures, women now occupy more decision-making positions and take on strategic functions, including presidency and treasury. Excellent news for the future of the industry!