Better Cotton Initiative Hosts Decent Work Workshop In Cotonou
One year after launching its programme in Benin and formalising its partnership with the Interprofessional Association for Cotton (AIC), the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) convened a multi-stakeholder workshop on decent work in Cotonou on March 26–27.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from industry, government, producer groups, labour representatives, civil society, and international organisations to address key labour challenges in the cotton sector.
Cotton remains Benin’s primary cash crop, contributing nearly 50% of export earnings and supporting over 200,000 smallholder farmers. However, the sector faces persistent issues, including low wages, child labour, gender inequality, health and safety risks, and limited worker representation, as highlighted in a recent BCI labour study.
The event aims to foster dialogue, encourage actionable commitments and share best practices to improve working conditions across cotton and other agricultural value chains.
Marie Prisca N’Gouandi emphasised that advancing decent work is critical for sustainable sector growth, particularly through greater inclusion and support for women.
Aboudou Salifou added that the workshop provides a valuable platform to strengthen collaboration and explore new partnerships to drive responsible cotton production in Benin.
