With the regional programme in West Africa, we support the establishment and further development of value chains in the agricultural and food sector, taking into account systemic market development MSD. This enables tens of thousands of people to increase their income sustainably and reduce malnutrition with high-quality food.

We work with value chains including rice/steamed rice, traditionally produced red palm oil, Robusta coffee, shea, cassava, plantains, pineapples, poultry meat and sorghum/soya bread. The selection of products to be promoted depends on local and regional demand and production, and on the potential to generate good added value for all market players involved, especially poorer people.

We also strengthen women's and children's rights, promote better working conditions and support innovative approaches such as the establishment of a value chain for biochar.

MSD approach (Market Systems Development)

MSD is a methodological approach in development cooperation. It aims to bring about sustainable change in market systems, particularly for poor people. In contrast to traditional project approaches, where beneficiaries receive direct benefits, MSD projects analyse entire market systems, bring different actors together and promote the development and optimisation of services and infrastructure for the benefit of disadvantaged target groups.

Brücke Le Pont supports its partner organisations in Togo and Benin in designing and implementing all projects according to this approach. This changes the market in a sustainable way so that market participants and functions are better coordinated, the needs of those affected by poverty are taken into account, and everyone benefits equally from the market system.

Marché Comé Drone

Aerial view of the market in Comé, Benin. (© Brücke Le Pont / Stéphane Brabant)