Benin
Hunger from Extreme Weather
Benin is rural and agricultural, making it prone to damage from the frequent droughts and floods in the region.
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.
36.2%
poverty rate
363K
people suffer crisis levels of hunger
36.5%
of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition
Benin Facts
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Population: 14.8 million people.
Background: Benin gain independence in 1960. There was political instability over the next few decades, but transitioned to a stable democracy in the 1990s.
Geography & Climate: Benin is a narrow strip of land in West Africa. 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
History of Hunger
1982-1983
A series of droughts coupled with economic struggles caused widespread hunger. WFP scaled up food assistance.
2008-2010
From 2008 to 2010, for three consecutive years, West Africa experienced extreme flooding . Nearly half a million people in Benin were affected by the floods. WFP delivered food assistance to those affected. Meanwhile, in 2008 and 2010, the country also experienced outbreaks of cholera.
2018-2022
Benin experienced alternating years of droughts and floods which caused mass damage, displacement and hunger.
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 strengthening local capacity and 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.