The Beninese government Saturday launched the Promotion of Local Salt (PROSEL) project with the support of the UNDP, the India-Brazil-South Africa partnership (IBSA) and the beneficiary town halls.
PROSEL aims to strengthen the capacities of women salt producers and improve the salt produced, while ensuring sustainable management of natural resources.
With an overall cost of US$5,226,678, PROSEL is financed by Benin and its technical and financial partners.
Benin has invested US$3,026,678, UNDP US$200,000, IBSA US$1,000,000 and other financial partners US$1,000,000.
The project has many benefits for the beneficiaries, ranging from job creation to the empowerment of women.
According to the Beninese authorities, this project will contribute to improving the competitiveness and marketing of local salt labelled “Xwladjè” (sea salt in the local Fon language) in Benin and everywhere by modernizing the production method, while preserving the artisanal character that enhances the tourist appeal of the production site.
ProSel will be implemented in four components, the first of which aims to develop the salt value chains and its resilience, with the second consisting of support for the construction of community infrastructures.
Component three of the project will improve local governance and component four is related to project management.