FSA encourages and supports sustainable development initiatives through research conducted by its staff and students on local strategies for sustainable use of natural resources. FSA has been a major driving force behind the formation of PNISA, an innovative national network of numerous governmental and non-governmental organisations, which is linked to similar other networks throughout the world.

Within FSA, the Department of Economy, Socio-Anthropology and Communication (DESAC)  has a long history of research on innovation systems and traditional knowledge. DESAC trains students in economics, sociology, anthropology and communication. The numerous programmes in which it has been involved that are related to the topic of this project include: Grounding agricultural research in resource-poor farmer’s needs: a comparative analysis of diagnostic studies in Ghana and Benin (2004–07); Social innovations and organic cotton production in Benin (ongoing); Linking science and farmers’ innovative capacity: diagnostic studies from Ghana and Benin (2004–07); Sociocultural factors influencing and maintaining yam and cowpea diversity in Benin (2004–07); Endogenous knowledge and organic farming in Benin (ongoing); Social learning and water resource management in Benin (ongoing); Sustainable soil fertility management in Benin: learning from farmers (2004–07). Since 2002, DESAC has been an active partner in the CoS programme supported by WUR (which operates in Benin, Ghana, Mali and Burkina Faso). It also collaborates closely with ICRA on capacity-strengthening initiatives. It has good links with agricultural research and development institutions operating in the region (e.g. WARDA and INRAB).

Main tasks in JOLISAA

UAC is the national convenor for Benin, co-leads WP2 and WP4, and provides support to all other thematic WPs.

Key staff involved

Dr Simplice Davo Vodouhe  (agricultural sociologist) is a lecturer in extension science at FSA. He is specialised in communication, peasant organisation and participatory innovation studies. Since 1996, he is also coordinator of the Benin Organisation for the Promotion of Organic Agriculture (OBEPAB), which promotes organic agriculture, which is less harmful than conventional agriculture to animal and human health and to the environment. In collaboration with farmers, OBEPAB seeks management methods to reduce the number of cases of poisoning and suicides caused by the ingestion of synthetic chemical pesticides. Dr Vodouhe has published some papers on participatory approaches and peasant organisation.

Dr. Anne Floquet  (to be completed)

Prof. Rigobert C Tossou  (agricultural sociologist) specialises in training analysis approaches, peri-urban agriculture and management of production organisation. He co-published many papers on innovation and traditional knowledge.

Dr Roch Mongbo  (social scientist) specialises in social-science research methods, decentralisation and socio-institutional dynamics of local development and peri-urban agriculture. He teaches participatory approaches in social-science research at FSA. He has coordinated CEBEDES (Centre Béninois pour l’Environnement et le Développement Economique et Social ) since 1990. This organisation aims to support local communities in identifying their needs and developing sustainable strategies to alleviate poverty. He has conducted and coordinated several studies highlighting the importance of local knowledge in agriculture and NRM.

Coordination

Davo Vodouhe, FSA, Cotonou

(Assistant coordinator to be nominated soon)