Building a Better Livestock Market in Benin and a Safer, More Reliable Food Supply

The Nikki Regional Livestock Cooperative (UCOPER-Nikki) was concerned when Benin's national government made local authorities responsible for livestock markets. They knew that improved markets and infrastructure were essential to their economic future and a reliable, safe livestock/meat supply for customers locally and in southern Benin, Nigeria and Togo. A cooperative managed market was proposed in partnership with local government. Three years later the market is a reality. Total sales in 2011-13 approached $10 million USD, and the market is more profitable for producers, with positive impacts along the value chain including feed and animal health, livestock trade and processing, retailers and consumers.