Cotonou, Benin, June 13, 2005—Cotonou, Benin, was the setting for the Cotton Conference of West and Central Africa, conducted during May 10-12, 2005. The main theme of the workshop was “The Evolution in Progress in the Cotton Sub-Sectors: Consequences for Research and the Acquisition of Inputs by Farmers.” This conference aimed at meeting the expectations expressed by the partners of the sub-sector, namely researchers, producers, inputs suppliers, ginners, spinners and seeds manufacturers and the umbrella organizations—the International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA) and CropLife.

The Conference attracted a variety of institutions, including national and international research centers, the main phyto-pharmaceutical firms in the region and fertilizer firms, treatment equipment manufacturers, crop protection product suppliers, farmers’ organizations, cotton companies, spinners, and governmental and nongovernmental organizations. The group of 183 participants came from these 17 countries: Austria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Israel, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Spain, and Togo.

This 3-day meeting, which primarily consisted of presentations on communications and group activities, made it possible to reflect in depth on the development of the cotton sub-sector in West and Central Africa.

Regarding varietal improvement, technology and quality, the discussions raised the awareness of the need to protect the genetic inheritance of cotton plants in West and Central Africa, to develop genetic stocks through biotechnology, and to train African researchers in the sector. Several technical recommendations were made to allow for the maintenance and improvement of the quality of the fiber according to the evolution of the market, whereas precise information was provided on genetically modified cotton.

Within the framework of the actions regarding agronomy, fertility, and fertilization, many participants learned about vegetable cover crops. They also acknowledged the issue of mineral deficiencies on cotton plants and the need—recognized by all—to readjust the formulations of mineral fertilizers with key attention to their main components.

Regarding crop protection (entomology and weed control), information was presented on both the resistance of some insects to the pyrethrinoïds of the cotton plant (Helicoverpa armigera) and the "SIMBAD” model, which facilitates the integrated protection approach of the plant. A strong recommendation was made regarding the need to study the impact of cotton plant protection products on human health and the environment by considering market-gardening systems.

In addition, the Conference supported the development of a relationship between participants and the fertilizer industry and their umbrella organizations represented by IFA. Many other contacts were made between partners, and the idea of harmonizing the systems of registration in the sub-region emerged. Moreover, some of the participants requested assistance from IFDC in improving inputs marketing through the MIR project.

His Excellency Mr. Fatiou Akplogan, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fishing of Benin, expressed his satisfaction regarding the fact that the reflections of Cotonou emphasized "the need to cause to evolve the formulas of fertilizers according to agronomic needs in order to shift from the concept of “ less expensive” to that of “more profitable”; the need to enrich existing genetic variability by taking into account the needs of producers and those of the whole sub-sector; the need to create a legal framework, which will ensure genetic material and information flow between countries; the need to tackle the subject of biotechnology for African cotton by taking into account biosafety, biodiversity and the environment; the importance of the development of vegetable cover cropping as well as the technique of direct seeds in cotton production; the importance of the popularization of the use of hazel tree in the tillage; the need to intensify the training of producers on the Targeted Staged Fight (LEC) and to support the integrated approach of crop protection and the need to intensify impact studies on the use of crop protection products in terms of human health and the environment. In addition, the Minister raised two fundamental questions that the participants to the next cotton conference, which is planned for 2010, will have to answer: “How much have the outputs in cotton production in West and Central Africa increased since the 2005 Cotonou conference? What was the profit that producers really made from it?”

All stakeholders of the cotton sub-sector (suppliers, researchers, producers, development companies and inter-professions) must actively work for the effective implementation of the recommendations of the conference.
----------------------------------
The IFDC-coordinated MIR Project is supporting the creation of conditions favorable to the development of an efficient, transparent, and competitive market to improve the availability and affordability of agri-inputs in West Africa. Thus, for about 2 years, it has been supporting the efforts of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and those of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which aim to create a regional agri-input market within the framework of a common agricultural policy. Special attention is given to the strengthening of the private sector and the facilitation of dialogue among stakeholders of the market. The MIR Project, therefore, contributes to create conditions that allow stakeholders of agriculture to make sustainable strategic choices to meet the needs of the present and coming generations.

Return to What's New?

©Copyright 2001; All Rights Reserved
 
IFDC
P.O. Box 2040
Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35662(U.S.A)
Telephone:  +1 256 381 6600
Telefax:  +1 256 381 7408
E-Mail:  general@ifdc.org