Let's Do It Benin – Benin

This project works toward better sanitation in Benin by exploring green business opportunities in the waste management sector. Let's Do It Benin raises awareness and facilitates communication about better sanitation and proper waste management among key partners. It aims to prevent pollution of water in a Benin city, helping the natural environment while halting the spread of disease.

Fast facts:

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The problem

The small West African nation of Benin is urbanizing rapidly and struggles with waste management and sanitation. Water supply and sanitation have slowly improved since the 1990s, including higher coverage than other African countries particularly in rural areas. Nonetheless the development of sanitation, especially in cities isn’t keeping pace. Waterways are being polluted, and people are becoming sick as a result.

The solution

Let's Do It Benin has been developing sanitation and waste management actors in Benin’s largest city Cotonou, which lies between the ocean and a lake. The initiative has facilitated meetings between authorities, business leaders, and civil society groups, in order for them to share ideas and experiences on how to develop business models for treating and processing waste. These could for example include production of organic fertilizer and biogas.

Helping the planet

Better management of waste reduces pollution, including debris and toxic substances in waterways. Better water quality improves ecosystem health and helps preserve biodiversity. If waste were recycled into compost and energy, this could reduce dependency on fossil fuels, prevent greenhouse gas emissions, and help enrich soils.

Helping people

City dwellers in Cotonou would clearly benefit from improved waste management and sanitation, which could contribute to stopping the spread of illness such as diarrhea from drinking dirty water.

Spillover effect

The businesses established would be supported, coached, and monitored, with a view toward long-term self-sustainability. The ultimate goal is that this activity be adopted by all municipalities in the country.