Combatting Water Pollution in Grand-Popo: Facing the contamination of groundwater by mineral fertilizers and pesticides

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Project ID
Project Title	Combatting Water Pollution in Grand-Popo: Facing the contamination of groundwater by mineral fertilizers and pesticides
Type	Transboundary Waters
Focus Areas
Geographic Scope	Benin, Africa
Lead Organization(s)	UNDP
Project Partners	*UNDP GEF SGP
Financing	Total: $22,485; Sources of Financing: GEF SGP
Timeframe	2008 - 2009
Status	Preparatory phase
Project website(s)	http://sgp.undp.org/web/projects/12319/lutte_contre_la_pollution_des_eaux_#224_grand_popo_face_#224_la_contamination_de_la_nappe_phreatique.html
Contacts	Mathieu Houinato [email protected]

Contents 1 Description 2 Expected Outcomes 3 Achievements: Results and Impact 4 Lessons for Replication 5 References 6 See also 7 External Resources 8 Attachments

Description

Each year, there is an excessive amount of chemicals used by farmers in Benin, which are creating severe water pollution in the town of Grand-Popo. This project was initiated by the PCU, an organization of producers of the town, with the aim to fight against this problem. It aims to reduce the use of chemical inputs through the promotion of natural inputs and the establishment of sustainable agriculture.

To achieve this goal, the PCU, local authorities and departments of the State unite their efforts to train producers in organic practices and create a production and distribution of natural inputs. This process will run for two years to establish a sufficiently profound change which can grow even after the project.

Notable Community Participation

• Almost all groups of gardeners in the city of Grand-Popo are direct beneficiaries of the project.

Capacity - Building Component

• Development of capacity for the manufacture and use of organic fertilizer (compost etc) and development of capacity for the production and marketing of natural insecticides.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

• The project, through the promotion of organic gardening, contributes to the reduction of chemical pollution that has been polluting groundwater, on which the health of populations depends.

Gender Focus

• Women's groups are a good portion of the population of gardeners

Policy Impact

• Changes in the system of production ar envisaged that will help achieve sustainable gardening practices.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

• Establishment of a microcredit system that allows granting credit to farmers who make outstanding efforts in promoting organic farming.

Expected Outcomes

Achievements: Results and Impact

Lessons for Replication

TYPE LESSONS HERE

References

See also

1. Reversing land and water degradation trends in the Niger River Basin
2. Rehabilitation and promotion of sustainable development of the upstream Pendjari river in the villages of Tampègré and Cocota
3. Ecosystem restoration and reforestation of the watershed and banks of the western shore of Lake Ahémé, Benin
4. Combating Living Resource depletion and coastal area degradation in the Guinea Current LME through ecosystem-based regional actions

External Resources

Attachments