Benin
Rural & Hungry
The Republic of Benin is one of the poorest nations in the world. Many children face deep levels of hunger. Our priority is to deliver thousands of nutritious meals to kids and their families across the country.
Make a difference in Benin
Hunger in Benin
More than 70% of Benin’s population depends on agriculture. Rural communities are especially vulnerable to climate-related disasters including floods and drought.
32%
of children suffer from chronic malnutrition
163
out of 189 countries on the 2018 Human Development Index
1.8%
of the population is experiencing severe hunger
32%
of children suffer from chronic malnutrition
163
out of 189 countries on the 2018 Human Development Index
1.8%
of the population is experiencing severe hunger
32%
of children suffer from chronic malnutrition
Benin Facts
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Population: 11.8 million people.
Background: Since 1990, Benin has been a politically stable democracy with a culture of peaceful transitions of power.
Geography & Climate: Benin is a narrow strip of land in West Africa. The country is bordered by Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria. Benin’s climate is tropical and humid, and the country faces increasing climate shocks like drought, flooding and rising sea levels that threaten its mangrove ecosystems and highly populated coastline.
Economy: Benin’s population is heavily rural and low-income. Agriculture is key to the country’s economy: The sector is made up mostly of small, fragmented farms and contributes 30% of the national gross domestic product.
Causes of Hunger
Recent History
01-Jan-1970, 00:33
A New Political & Economic Chapter
In 2006, Boni Yayi won the election to serve as prime minister. Also in 2006, the World Bank and the...
2008 -2010
Floods & Disease
From 2008 to 2010, for three consecutive years, West Africa experienced extreme flooding . Nearly half...
Present
Growing Hunger & Violence
Benin is a relatively stable country. It does face security threats linked to violent extremism and transnational...
WFP’s Work in Benin
WFP has been on the ground in Benin since 1964. Through unrest and climate shocks, we’ve stayed the course to deliver nutritious food to the people who need it most. In 2022, we helped more than 1 million people across the country.
Capacity Strengthening
We’re building on a national school meals model and strengthening local capacity to eventually hand over ownership of our school meals program. We continue to support food security monitoring and early warning emergency preparedness systems.
School Meals
In 2022, we helped feed over 1 million children with daily school meals, including through take-home rations and cash assistance. We take an integrated approach to school meals by linking education, nutrition, health and hygiene, and by sourcing food locally.
Nutrition
We provide specialized nutritious food or supplements to children and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls in targeted areas to treat and prevent malnutrition. We also support Benin’s health services by strengthening their capacities in nutrition and education.
