[Astana, Kazakhstan] - The Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), H.E. Askar Mussinov held an online bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Gaston Cossi DOSSOUHOUI, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of the Republic of Benin. The meeting aimed to discuss collaboration opportunities and priorities in agricultural development and food security between Benin and IOFS.
The sides elaborated on the achievements of Benin, including significant increases in paddy rice production and ambitions to further boost production in various sectors such as vegetable oil, fisheries and poultry. In terms of food security governance, the Minister outlined its reorganization efforts, including the creation of regional structures to support farmers directly and the implementation of legislative controls at every stage of the production and distribution chain. Moreover, the country has established state pilot farms for genetic conservation and distribution of seeds to farmers.
The Director General of IOFS affirmed the readiness of IOFS to assist Benin in its agricultural endeavors, offering expertise, best practices and capacity-building opportunities. Collaboration in areas such as meat production standards and legislative frameworks was proposed.
Furthermore, IOFS expressed appreciation for the official appointment of Mr. Dominique Dedegbe, Head of the technical unit for Monitoring and Support for Food Security Management, as the Focal Point for cooperation with IOFS.
In anticipation of the forthcoming IOFS General Assembly in Astana, Kazakhstan, scheduled for August this year, the Director General informed the Minister about the event and extended his invitation. The General Assembly serves as a crucial platform for discussing key issues related to food security and agricultural development, making Benin's participation highly valuable.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with both parties expressing commitment to further collaboration and partnership to advance agricultural development and food security in Benin.
