Benin: AFD Funds ProFAR Agricultural Training Program

The Beninese government is transforming its rural training system through the Programme for Support to Agricultural and Rural Training in Benin (ProFAR). This initiative is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) with a total allocation of USD 167 million. The project focuses on the northern region, a key area for national food and industrial production.

The northern part of Benin supplies most of the country’s maize, rice, and cotton harvests. Despite its productive role, the region faces a shortage of skilled labor and inadequate technical support, compounded by limited agricultural advisory services. Each year, nearly 200,000 young people enter the labor market without the qualifications needed to integrate into local agricultural value chains. This mismatch between training offerings and the real needs of rural farms persists.

Modernizing Infrastructure in Malanville and Banikoara

Spanning five years, the ProFAR program directly enhances school capacity in targeted development hubs. Funds will cover construction and full equipment of the Technical Agricultural High School (LTA) in Malanville, alongside the comprehensive rehabilitation of buildings and facilities at the Technical Agricultural High School in Banikoara.

The infrastructure at both sites includes a pedagogical component supporting school guidance, hands-on training, and workforce integration. An assistance to project management mechanism ensures coordination and monitoring of all interventions over the five-year period.

New Diploma Pathways and Territorial Consultation

To address skill gaps, the training program introduces new tracks leading to recognized qualifications, including the Professional Qualification Certificate (CQP) and the Vocational Qualification Certificate (CQM). These programs prepare learners for roles as skilled employees or entrepreneurs, enabling them to operate as farmers or agricultural business owners.

The initiative also establishes permanent consultation frameworks uniting public and private stakeholders. These territorial dialogue spaces continuously align training content with rural labor market demands and strengthen ties between training centers and local producers. By anchoring these activities in vulnerable northern regions, the program seeks to reduce economic disparities between areas and mitigate socio-economic tensions.