Vovoli Salam

In the village of Koutchime, within the municipality of Lalo, farming remains the primary source of income for most families. In this rural setting, where economic opportunities are scarce and incomes often rely on subsistence agriculture, a group of women decided to join forces to create new prospects for themselves and their families.

Thus, Vovoli Salam was born: a women's cooperative with 28 members who chose to pool their skills, experience, and resources to add value to two pillars of the local economy, cassava and soybeans.

Processing cassava into gari and soybeans into tofu has long provided income for many women in the region. However, a lack of adequate equipment and organised facilities has significantly limited the growth and development potential of their activities. For this reason, the NGO ANAN decided to support the group through a capacity-building process aimed at transforming an informal initiative into a stable, well-organised cooperative capable of generating sustainable economic opportunities.

Vovoli Salam did not start from scratch: the women involved already possessed knowledge and know-how regarding cassava and soybean processing. The project seeks to leverage these skills while improving working conditions and increasing the group's production capacity. The beneficiaries play an active role at every stage, contributing directly to structuring the cooperative.

During the project's initial months, the process of formalising the cooperative began with the collaborative drafting of its statutes and internal regulations, culminating in its official recognition by the Government of Benin. In parallel, production activities were planned and future processing and storage facilities were designed; construction is scheduled to begin in late 2026.

The cooperative will be progressively equipped with the machinery needed to improve daily operations, including a mill, a press, a transport tricycle and various processing tools. Alongside these material investments, the women take part in training programmes covering food production, cooperative management, basic accounting, and food hygiene and safety.

In the second year, the project will enter its consolidation phase. Revenue generated from product sales will be reinvested to strengthen operations and expand the cooperative's production capacity. Throughout the process, beneficiaries will continue to receive support from project partners through training, mentoring and monitoring activities.

«When a woman gains tools, skills and economic independence, the benefits extend to her entire family and community.»

The ultimate goal is to enable the cooperative to operate independently, directly managing production, accounting, equipment maintenance and product marketing. By the end of the process, Vovoli Salam will have suitable facilities, modern equipment, solid expertise and improved access to local markets.

The project directly benefits 28 women aged 20 to 55 from low-income families. The cooperative's activities also benefit hundreds of people, including family members, farmers, traders and local consumers, strengthening the local economy and regional food security. Through Vovoli Salam we aim to support not just a business, but a process of collective growth that puts women's empowerment and community development at the centre.