BENKADI BENIN PROJECT
BENKADI project under the PASCiB portfolio – Adaptation of the agricultural and water resource management sectors to climate change (Promotion of the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) approach).
Overview of the project
In Benin, the BENKADI program has been a true catalyst for transformation and for improving the regulatory and strategic framework in the areas of citizen participation, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation. From 2022 to 2024, through capacity-building initiatives, civil society organizations (CSOs) have strengthened their influence and impact, achieving results that already exceed the targets set for 2025.
Indeed, 113 CSOs out of a target of 80 increased their capacities in lobbying and advocacy, representing 141% of the total expected target, with 151% of these CSOs led by youth (SCS5). Among the reinforced CSOs, 45 out of 32 increased their influence and representation in local constituencies, representing 140% of the total expected target, with 87% of these CSOs led by youth (SCS7).
These achievements have had a significant effect on the incorporation of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) into the Fourth Communal Development Plans (PDC4), the adoption of a forestry policy, and the decree on the protection of coastal marine areas. As a result, the Management and Development Plans of the Mono and Ouémé Biosphere Reserves have been revised to now include participatory ecosystem governance, climate change adaptation, and protection of vulnerable communities.
These formalized strategic gains partly strengthen the sustainability of CSO influence. However, to maintain this momentum, several priorities emerge: increasing youth engagement in environmental governance bodies and ensuring financial autonomy of CSOs to guarantee the sustainability of their actions.
Communities vulnerable to the effects of climate change in the agricultural sector and water resources are improving their resilience through effective participation in sectoral policy dialogue focused on Ecosystem-based Adaptation.
Ongoing research
21 Juin 2021 au 31 Décembre 2025
Appropriate AbE issues adopted by more than 500,000 beneficiaries (training, capacity building, radio broadcasts, awareness raising) with implementing partners. 113 CSOs, including 40 led by women, were trained in lobbying and advocacy to strengthen their influence and advocate for environmental causes and climate change adaptation. CSO network (pro-environment). Establishment of the SYNERGIE PLUS platform as a framework for multi-stakeholder dialogue (MCVTDD and CSOs) by ministerial decree. Establishment of Development Councils for the Mono and Lower Ouémé Valley biosphere reserves with a ministerial decree on the creation and operation of the Permanent Management Secretariat for these reserves.
A functional mechanism for inclusive participation (citizens, private sector, government, CSOs) in the process of planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policies and programmes that take into account ecosystem-based adaptation is established. PASCiB and its partners at all levels provide inputs that are taken into account in the process of identifying, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating ecosystem-based adaptation policies and programmes.
Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands (MoFA) (Dutch Government)
organisation
BENKADI project under the PASCiC portfolio. Adaptation of the agricultural and water resource management sectors to climate change (promotion of the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) approach). Citizen participation and multi-stakeholder dialogue. Public policy effectiveness. In Benin, the Benkadi programme has been a real lever for transformation and improvement of the regulatory and strategic framework in the areas of citizen participation, the environment and adaptation to climate change.
Ivorian Civil Society Convention (CSCI). Secretariat for Consultation of National NGOs in Mali (SECO-ONG). Permanent Secretariat of CSOs (SPONG) Burkina Faso, Woord en Daad (Word and Action) in the Netherlands.