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Benin releases first agricultural survey data under the 50x2030 Initiative

Benin has published the first results from the 2024 Agricultural Statistical Survey (Enquête Statistique Agricole – ESA), marking an important milestone in the country's participation in the 50x2030 Initiative. The release makes a wide range of official agricultural indicators publicly available, providing new insights into agricultural production, rural livelihoods, food security, and environmental sustainability.

A snapshot of agriculture in Benin

The newly released indicators paint a detailed picture of the country's agricultural sector.

Among the highlights: 

  • A total of 2,492,681 people are engaged in agricultural activities, including 50.9% women and 49.1% men, underscoring agriculture's central role in rural livelihoods.
  • 74.13% of agricultural holdings practice sustainable land management and/or climate change adaptation, reflecting widespread adoption of practices that can help strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges.  
  • 10.19% of agricultural households have a poor Food Consumption Score (FCS)—a standard indicator of household food security based on the diversity and frequency of foods consumed. The share ranges from 0.81% in Zou to 24.47% in Atakora, highlighting important geographic disparities.

These are just a few of the indicators now available through the ESA 2024 dataset, which also includes statistics on crop production, agricultural practices, land use, food security, and rural livelihoods. 

The Agricultural Statistical Survey is implemented by the Directorate of Agricultural Statistics (DSA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAEP), in collaboration with the National Institute of Statistics and Demography (INStaD), with technical support from FAO through the 50x2030 Initiative. The survey forms part of a long-term programme to produce regular, high-quality agricultural statistics. 

As future survey rounds expand to include additional thematic modules, Benin will continue building a stronger evidence base to address key challenges related to agricultural productivity, food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. 

Explore the full ESA 2024 dataset and discover additional agricultural indicators through Benin Data Portal.