Workshop with the ATDA

On April 23 and 24, 2025, the Beninese Company for Agricultural Development (SoBAA) organized a technical workshop in Cotonou for discussions with the Territorial Agricultural Development Agencies (ATDA) and the Directorate of Rural Engineering (DGR). The workshop focused on presenting the methodological approach for selecting sites for hydro-agricultural developments with full water control.

This workshop is part of the overall implementation of the National Program for the Development of Plantations and Major Crops (PND-PGC), covering a total area of 50,000 hectares. Specifically, for the year 2025, it is aimed at conducting technical feasibility studies for the development of 14,000 hectares of fully water-controlled rice irrigation areas, distributed across various municipalities in Benin.

It was opened by the Technical Advisor of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (MAEP), who emphasized the importance of transparency and dialogue in the planning of these key investments.

At the heart of the discussions:

• A presentation of SoBAA,
• The methodological approach for site selection,
• A summary presentation of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the various studies to be conducted over a total area of 2,937 hectares in PDA 1 and 3.
• A summary presentation of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the various studies to be conducted over a total area of 3,500 hectares in PDA 7.
• A summary presentation of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the various studies aimed at the construction/rehabilitation of 80 water retention facilities across the entire territory.

The proceedings were opened by the Technical Advisor of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, in the presence of the General Director of SoBAA, SoBAA staff, and representatives from the relevant ATDAs. Several presentations were made to outline the selection criteria, technical and institutional challenges, and to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders. The discussions were particularly focused on the complementary roles of SoBAA, the ATDAs, and other actors such as SONAMA and the Directorate of Rural Engineering (DGR), as well as the relevance and updating of the proposed sites, particularly in relation to water availability data and agricultural areas.

Les communications techniques These discussions helped clarify the selection criteria (water potential, minimum area of 400 hectares, accessibility, etc.) and the upcoming procedures. Specific concerns were also addressed, such as land security, the integration of previously produced data by state technical services, and the involvement of the private sector for optimal management of developed land.

SoBAA thanks all the participants for the quality of the discussions and their commitment, and reaffirms its ambition to sustainably transform the Beninese agricultural sector through modern, efficient, and inclusive irrigation.

This workshopeis not a formality: it lays the foundations for a fruitful collaboration to achieve the objectives of a flagship program defined by the government for the food sovereignty of Benin.

Poubarlen SOOBRAYDOO, General Director, SoBAA S.A.