13.03.2025
Organic cotton from Benin: green, fair and inclusive
Organic cotton farming increases yields, protects the environment and improves living conditions for women in Benin.
Cotton is the main source of income for many farmers in Benin. But these farmers face problems with fluctuating prices, the high cost of chemical pesticides and poor market access. Women are at a particular disadvantage, as they often earn less than men and have little say in the cooperatives formed by farmers.
To counter these challenges, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH works closely with international partners such as the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF). Together, they offer farmers practical training in organic farming methods, organic plant protection and financial independence. The initiative was commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Organic-certified cotton is not only easier on the soil, it also brings farmers fairer and more reliable prices.
Higher income and greater co-determination for women
The results speak for themselves. Production of certified organic cotton – certified in line with the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) sustainability standard – has increased by 65 per cent over the last three years. Almost 9,000 farmers now benefit from higher incomes, more stable sales markets and better working conditions. Farmers have seen total turnover increase by nine per cent.
For a long time, cotton farming was entirely in the hands of men. These training programmes provide courses aimed at women farmers to help them become more economically independent and increasingly take on leadership roles within the cotton cooperatives. As one woman farmer from the Djamadji cotton cooperative explains: ‘Having an income of my own gives me more influence over household decisions, especially when it comes to my children’s education.’
Fair cotton for European markets
European companies need fairly produced cotton if they are to comply with social and ecological standards. In addition to the Otto Group, other companies such as Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd and Tchibo use CmiA-certified cotton for their textile products. This means secure markets for Benin’s farmers of organic cotton, and high-quality cotton for companies and consumers.