The desert on the border of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger is advancing more than ten kilometres per year. Along with the march of the desert comes deforestation, soil degradation and drought. In support of the United Nations Environment Programme Plant for the Planet Campaign, ICA Benin is working with communities in Alibori, Atacora, Borgou and Donga to plant 2.5 million trees in three years, thus allowing communities to remain self-sufficient and maintain a healthy environment.


For more information about ICA Benin’s Plant for the Planet activities, contact Lambassa ICA Benin.

HIV/AIDS Prevention and Awareness

ICA Benin was also the lead organization for 2006 World AIDS Day activities in the Donga region, which were orchestrated nationally by a coalition of national and international NGOs. ICA Benin implemented activities focused on children and teachers, including: teacher training and mobilization of local and religious leaders. The events culminated with a public march on 7 December, which included at least 300 pupils from the town of Djougou.

Community Health

In September 2006, ICA Benin carried out a workshop in the village of Assodè to help respond to the community’s need for a health centre. As a result of this process, a major funding proposal is currently in development, to be submitted to the French Embassy in Benin.

Water Conservation

ICA Benin played a central organizing role in a water issues conference that took place on national World Water Day, 22 March 2006, in Djougou. The conference enabled a variety of organizations concerned with water issues from throughout the region to share experiences and ideas, and explore future collaboration. Because it was held during the same month as the presidential election, the conference attracted significant attention from all major water partners.

Participation Methods Training

In late 2005, Marie Noelle Houzeau of ICA Associates in Canada facilitated a series of Technology of Participation (ToP) training activities in Cotonou, which included high-level participants from both the private and public sectors. The program augmented ICA Benin’s national profile and provided valuable skills training to all participants. ICA Benin is now working to develop its own national training programs.

Legal Empowerment

ICA Benin is engaged in a national consultation process for the Commission on Legal Empowerment for the Poor, hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and co-chaired by former United States Secretary of State Madeline Albright and economist Hernando de Soto. ICA Benin organized a field visit for the Commission on 24 February 2007 and will participate in organizing a national conference in May 2007.