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Executive summary of the key lessons learned from Benin’s experience in preparation of the NAPA project “Integrated Adaptation Programme to Combat the Effects of Climate Change on Agricultural Production and Food Security in Benin”
Adaptation Experience:
Summary
This LDCF project is the first specific NAPA follow-up project in Benin. Few other projects implemented at the local level have a specific adaptation focus.
This project fully reflects the priority measures identified by the Republic of Benin in its NAPA, i.e priority 1 “implement a climate change risk and EW system for food security in four agro-ecological zones”. Furthermore, the project will contribute to the country’s national development goals such as set out in the Second Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). Agriculture, the main livelihood activity and one of the driving force of Benin's economy, is a leading priority for the Government. The Government has been involved in a number of programs, which are related to the LDCF project, such as:
- Support to improved agricultural productivity;
- Rural infrastructures;
- Support to develop markets;
- Support to rural economic growth; and
- Emergency program to support food security.
Adaptation Experience
The proposed project integrates the “climate change adaptation” dimension into the development of the agricultural sector, a strategic pillar of the the Agricultural Revival Strategy (NGSPR) and considered by the NAPA as being the most vulnerable. It is also closely linked to the process of decentralization currently underway in Benin since it strives to complement strengthening adaptive capacities for regional and local services through the implementation of local development plans that integrate climate change.
Results and Learning:
Project interventions will range from the level of national government to that of village farmer. In order to foster ownership of the project from the onset, the project document was formulated with the help of stakeholder consultations. An overview of consultations that took place during the PPG phase is available in the attached document.
Sustainability:
Local community members and the responsible communes will be trained in data collection and data transmission. Local log sheets will be kept, which will also be used for on-site purposes and decision making. As part of a Farmers Action Research project, local farmers will be trained in plotting the collected data and determine systematically weather trends. The helps build local capacities in dealing with such information and interpreting it for decision making purposes.
An overall capacity building strategy will be developed based on the needs assessment and be implemented.
Through an established reporting and data flow system, data will be fed upstream to the national level, where it will be processed in numerical models.
Relevant national level research and science capacities will be supported by the LDCF project. Training of staff and investments into equipment are foreseen.
Replication:
The GTA is working in line with a specifically developed communication strategy, according to which end-user friendly products will be developed. For example, based on the Mali experience, it is planned to use radio as one key dissemination mechanism for the forecasting and EW information. Community radio, transmitting information in local vernacular would potentially form a very effective information dissemination mechanism.
It is appreciated that forecast information must be delivered site/area specific and should include recommendation on adaptive measures. For example, if a later onset of the rainy season is predicts, farmers should get information on which short cycle or fast growing crops, cultivars or varieties to plant, whilst the commune level service delivery institutions should be able to source the required seeding material, to make it available to the farmers.
