From July 27th to 29th, 2022 at the Abomey-Calavi University (UAC) in Benin, 220 junior and senior scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs and farmers from 12 countries gathered for the first time in West Africa around one table to reflect on sustainable tomato cultivation. The overarching topic is "Scientific research facing the challenges of sustainable tomato production and valorisation in a context of climate change in West Africa”. The Symposium is the result of a prospecting trip funded by ZIAF in December 2021 to initiate the cooperation with the Lab GBioS (Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science) and CEVADEL (Centre de Valorisation des Denrées Locales) in Benin. The main goal was to get an overview of the Tomato research progress in West Africa and to exchange applied concepts about future measures.
Six keynotes set the framework for 34 lectures over five sessions (Cropping systems, pest management and agronomic practices; Genetic diversity, varietal improvement, and seed systems; Postharvest practices and nutritional quality; Climate change and production; Socio-economic and gender aspects) followed by three panel discussions. Fourteen artisanal enterprises also presented innovations in the tomato sector at a mini-fair.
The symposium revealed the following:
Opening ceremony with the participation of representatives of the Agriculture Ministry of Benin and Senegal
Some products at the mini-fair: locally produced tomato-specific organic fertilizer and biopesticides (links) and tomato puree
Panel discussion on the topic "Tomato production and processing in all seasons in Benin" (from left to right): W. Yehouessi (CEVADEL); M. Beria (moderator, WorldVeg); Dr. F. Assogba-Komlan (SG/MAEP); G.G.C. Houenou (R. URA/PRoCAR)
Closing panel discussion on the "Role of research and future actions in the tomato sector" (from left to right): Prof. Dr. E. Achigan-Dako (GBioS); Dr. N. Fassinou (facilitator, GBioS); Dr. T. Mikpon (INRAB); F. Thoto (ACED Benin)
Organising partners in Benin
Financial support in Germany
Contact: Anoumou@em.uni-frankfurt.de