In the village of Ouèdo Ahouanssodja, about 40 kilometres from Cotonou, a group of young farmers is building a future with agroecology. On 2.5 hectares of land, the members of the Agro-Eco Cooperative grow vegetables, fruits, and roots using only organic methods.
Carole Alimagnidokpo is an agronomist and president of the cooperative. She explains, “We’re a youth cooperative. We grow leafy greens, fruit and root vegetables without chemical inputs or pesticides. We use natural treatments — some we buy, others we make ourselves from things like neem, garlic, and papaya leaves.”
The farm is planted with African eggplant, bitter leaf, and jute, alongside newer crops like lettuce, cucumbers, and carrots. The cooperative irrigates its plots with a borehole and a solar-powered pump. Members hope to add another well soon.
Mrs. Alimagnidokpo says the cooperative relies on many techniques to protect crops. She adds, “Ash isn’t just a fertilizer — it also acts as a natural pesticide. We also border some plots with lemongrass and basil. Their strong scents help repel pests and keep our crops safe.”
For the cooperative, agroecology is about protecting health and the environment. Some members came from farming families, while others turned to agriculture after struggling to find jobs. On the farm, they share a commitment to grow food that is healthy and resilient to climate change.
Ronaldo Noutaï, a land use planning technician and market gardener, says he once farmed with chemical inputs. Now he sees the difference. He says, “With organic methods, we can get seven to eight harvests of African eggplant in a year. With chemical fertilizers, we barely get three. And our products stay fresh longer. That shows they’re not loaded with chemicals.”
Vendors also notice the quality. Market seller Félicité Adibo says, “Compared to jute grown with chemical fertilizers, the one I buy here is more glutinous and thicker when cooked. Some customers specifically ask for this kind, and it sells out quickly.”
The cooperative still faces challenges. Sometimes seedlings from local nurseries are diseased, spreading pests like nematodes. Members say managing their own nursery would solve this problem. And though they use repellents and crop rotation, pests sometimes become resistant.
Another challenge is water. The farm depends on one borehole, and members say a second is urgently needed. They also face the difficulty of selling organic produce in markets where most buyers choose based on price rather than production methods.
Despite this, members of Agro-Eco say they remain committed to working with nature. Brice Adjaka, a historian and co-op member, explains, “Insects, birds and other creatures all have a role to play in nature. When we use chemical insecticides, it disrupts the climate and harms biodiversity. Our approach to farming is about protecting the environment.”
The cooperative hopes that in the future, more consumers will value agroecological products for their health and environmental benefits.
Photo: To break the pest life cycle, the market gardeners use insect repellents and practice crop rotation. Image by Ange Banouwin for Mongabay.
This story is based on an article written by Ange Banouwin or Mongabay, titled “Agroecological market gardening: Benin’s climate-resilient farming solution.” To read the full story, go to:https://news.mongabay.com/2025/08/agroecological-market-gardening-benins-climate-resilient-farming-solution/ [1]