In the buffer zone of the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in northwestern Benin, Union des Associations Villageoises de Gestion des Réserves de Faune Pendjari is moving the cotton industry towards organic and fair trade practices. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers were having deleterious effects on ecosystems and human health so the union is promoting organic certification as a pathway to sustainable development. While organic cotton fields produce smaller yields, the cotton can be sold at a higher price and farmers do not have to absorb the costs associated with chemical fertilizers. By investing in organic cotton, the association is creating a sustainable market supply chain for more than 450 producer groups. Crop rotation has improved food security and complements the cotton cash crop economy
