The Beninese government has awarded 561.8 million CFA francs in compensation to nearly 95,000 rice and cotton producers affected by yield losses during the 2025–2026 agricultural season. Presided over by the Minister of Agriculture,
Livestock and Fisheries, Adin Yeton Blokounon Goubalan, the official handover ceremony took place in Cotonou to deliver compensation cheques under the country’s multi-risk index-based agricultural insurance initiative designed to shield farmers from severe climate risks.
The payout operation forms part of a pilot project launched in 2024 with development partner support to bolster the climate resilience of 100,000 crop farmers and livestock breeders across Benin’s 12 departments. During the 2025–2026 campaign, access to coverage was broadened by an 80 percent government subsidy on insurance premiums, benefiting 94,905 producers. From the total compensation sum, 376.8 million CFA francs was disbursed to rice growers, while 185 million CFA francs went to cotton farmers.
Government authorities underscored that the agricultural insurance framework is designed to safeguard investments, protect rural livelihoods, and fortify national food security. Beyond risk mitigation, Minister Goubalan noted the necessity of addressing persistent structural hurdles, such as irrigation infrastructure, land access, input affordability, and credit facilities to reduce dependence on rainfall and attract young people to farming. Building on the pilot’s success, the government through the National Agricultural Development Fund (FNDA) plans to expand the insurance scheme to cover 122,000 producers during the 2026–2027 agricultural season, establishing a sustainable buffer against climate disruption.
TE/Sf/lb/abj/APA