Canned tomatoes in Kpomassé to make use of surplus

Tomatoes are a staple food in Benin. During the peak season, from mid-July to mid-September, this vegetable floods all the markets, where producers often wait in vain for buyers. Overproduction and unsold produce lead to massive losses because tomatoes are highly perishable and lack an effective preservation system. Yet, a month later, tomatoes become scarce in all the markets, very expensive, and inaccessible to a large portion of consumers.

Having observed the shortcomings of the tomato sector management system in the Kpomassé commune, the Research Circle for the Identification and Promotion of Sustainable Development Alternatives (CRIPADD) sought the support of the Humanitarian Association for Africa (AHPA) for a tomato preservation project. Their partnership has existed since 2014, focusing on agroecological projects. This new project aims to add value to surplus harvests through tomato processing and preservation. It seeks to provide year-round access to this staple food at a reasonable price. This project thus contributes to the fight against food insecurity by promoting local products, combating waste, and building a local supply chain in Kpomassé. The income generated by this project also provides supplementary support to beneficiary families.