CmiA drives Benin's organic cotton boom, a sustainable success story

A three-year project in Benin has successfully doubled the number of cotton farmers transitioning to organic cultivation. The initiative, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by OBEPAB, has not only increased farmers' incomes but also empowered women and improved environmental sustainability.

By adopting Cotton made in Africa Organic standards, farmers have avoided harmful pesticides and boosted their earnings by an average of 9 per cent. The project has also trained farmers in organic pest management and seed selection, and encouraged women to take on leadership roles in cooperatives.

The success of this project has led to a second phase, to further increase organic cotton production in Benin. This growth aligns with increasing global demand for sustainable textiles, as evidenced by fashion brands like Bestseller's record purchase of CmiA Organic cotton from Africa.

Partnerships between organizations like GIZ, the Aid by Trade Foundation, and Pesticide Action Network UK have been instrumental in this transformation. By connecting farmers to markets and providing technical support, they have contributed to Benin's emergence as a significant player in the global organic cotton industry.