24 Dec. 2025 Activity Report
Promoting the Cultivation of Nutritious Local Produce, and Starting Seed Production
Residents often grow cash crops like pineapples and buy food for their families at markets. HFW has been working to cultivate and popularize nutritious crops on unused land, and now resident groups are taking the lead in expanding these activities. When we reached out to 155 nearby farmers, 135 participated in cultivation technique training.
Following the training, we conducted regular follow-ups and confirmed that 94% of the farmers were growing nutritious local produce. The harvested crops are used in households to improve nutrition. Furthermore, to enable farmers to secure their own seeds instead of purchasingthem, we have started "seed cultivation activities." In collaboration with the government, and with technical guidance from agricultural bureau officials, residents were able to harvest 300kg of peanut seeds and 700kg of corn seeds during the rainy season.
The Beneficiary
You've seen the harvest, haven't you! I think it's pretty good. I've realized that producing our own seeds is very important for farmers to keepgrowing nutritious local crops and to ensure they are always available in the community.
Ms. Dansou Odette
The Staff
I previous lived in Benin while working for a UN agency, and I'm currently involved with HFW as a staff member. Benin is a country blessed with abundant agricultural produce, but this potential is not yet fully utilized to improve nutrition. Through steady efforts in the project areas, people's attention has begun to shift not only to cash crops such as pineapples and cotton but also towards nutritious meals and health. Our challenge continues as we strive to ensure that these efforts take root and flourish.
Komi Uchino, Overseas Program team
