Nairobi- Kenya The 3rd-5th November 2015By M. Patrice Lagnon SEWADE, Agro-industrial

Coordinator of SOJAGNONwww.sojagnon.org

Improving rural soybean processors' income through processing and

packaging in Benin

• Background • Current state of soybean milk

packaging • Possible improvements

Outline

Soybean is one of the most processed agricultural products In Benin, mainly in rural areas

This processing activity that significantly contributes to fighting against food insecurity is an important source of income for women processors.

SOJAGNON with other partners (researchers and farmers) formed a consortium to respond to a call for proposals launched by PAEPARD (a project funded by the EC and managed by FARA)

Background (1/2)

The project intends to improve soybean milk and soybean afitin (a local taste enhancer) processing technologies produced by rural women

Women processors who are the beneficiaries of the project are gathered into small units of small scale processing.

Background (2/2)

Based on 1 liter, soy milk is composed of 37 g of protein whereas cow milk contains only 35 g

Soy milk is then richer in protein

Considering this aspect, people consume more soy milk, especially children for growth

It helps strengthen food and nutritional security

Therefore, soybean milk demand is high in Benin.

Soy milk demand in Benin

Processors are facing challenges to have access to appropriate packaging.

For instance, they re-use bottle plastics to package milk

These plastics are often plastics that clients from bars or restaurants throw away after drinking the content

Current state of soybean milk

packaging (1/4)

The hygienic state of these packaging is doubtful and leads to the reluctance of consumers to buy the products

This reduces the competitiveness of local soy milk processors

Consumers are actually looking for soy milk which are properly packaged to be assured of the quality of the product

Current state of soybean milk packaging

(2/4)

Processors are aware of this limitation but they experience difficulties to have access to packages

The other issue is the shelf life of soy-bean milk that can’t go beyond one day under room temperature.

Researchers are working to prolong the shelf life so that the milk can be transported over long distance to cities where demand is high

Current state of soybean milk packaging

(3/4)

Current state of soybean milk packaging (4/4)

Changes in the processing sector partly depends on the types of packaging available and this offer must evolve to keep pace with demand

To overcome the challenge of packaging, AGRIPAT INDUSTRY is proposing a sustainable and adapted mechanism of support to processors

This consists in creating and strengthening business links between processors and packaging manufacturers.

Possible improvements

We would like to acknowledge all our partners who directly or indirectly support our activities:

EC, PAEPARD, FARA, WOTRO, University of Abomey-Calavi, Wagenigen University, University of Lisbon, INRAB, FUPRO and others

Acknowledgement