Harvested area is forecast a record 3.3 million hectares, up 0.3 million hectares or 10 percent from last year. Benin was the leading cotton producer for the region last year and is forecast to be the top producer again this year (Figure 1).
Why is Benin the leading cotton producer in Africa?
Over the period 2017-2019, cotton production increased by 13.4%, i.e. a record production of 678,000.3 tonnes achieved during the 2018-2019 crop year compared to 597,573.2 tonnes during the 2017-2018 crop year. This performance has enabled Benin to become the leading cotton producer in Africa.
Does Benin produce cottonseed cake?
From 2016 to 2018, Benin went from 3,377 to 18,747 tons of cottonseed cake produced in semi-industrial production units. This production was destined for intra-African exports in markets like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Studies most notably highlight the great potential of developing cotton by-products in cotton-producing countries like Benin.
Can developing cotton by-products improve livelihoods in Benin?
Studies most notably highlight the great potential of developing cotton by-products in cotton-producing countries like Benin. It can improve the livelihoods of farmers, small artisanal, and semi-industrial businesses in vulnerable communities.