Benin

A member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Benin has 8 million inhabitants, almost one million of whom are concentrated in Cotonou, the economic capital. 70% of the population live in rural areas, but only the main district centres are connected to the electricity grid, i.e. only 10-15% of the population. Although it is technically possible for some households to connect, many of them cannot afford to do so.While biomass represents the main energy source, Benin is also dependent on imports of fossil fuels and, in rural areas, the distribution sector is informal and lacks structure. This situation is reflected in widespread fuel poverty, representing a considerable constraint on the economic development of the craft and food processing sector.

GERES in Benin

In 2001, GERES opened a local office in Cotonou. Working in the central southern area of the country, GERES Benin focuses on improving rural communities' access to energy. As of 2007, GERES Benin began working in Abomey in the Central region.  At present, the team is implementing the PARIER (food production and boosting rural economic initiatives) and SETUP (energy and technical services for productive uses) programmes includes two expatriates and around a dozen local people.

GERES projects in Benin:

• Energy and Technical Services for Productive Uses (SETUP) [Clean energy production]

• Food Production and Rural Economic Initiatives (PARIER) [Economic development]