Transforming Lives Through Gari Production in Benin

Apr 12, 2023

Transforming cassava into gari, a popular West African food staple, is a laborious process that requires a lot of effort and time. For the members of the Union Communale des Transformatrices de Manioc en Gari de Ouèssè (UCTMGO), the process was even more challenging due to the long distances they had to carry the cassava from the fields to their homes for processing. 

In 2019, UCTMGO received a much-needed boost from the USADF in the form of a US$244K grant. The grant aimed to improve the production process and increase revenue for the cooperative. With the help of USADF funding, UCTMGO constructed five production facilities, an office building, and a store. Additionally, the cooperative’s members received technical assistance and training in management, accounting, and cassava processing techniques. 

The results of this investment were remarkable. UCTMGO increased the quantity of cassava processed by 60 percent, improved the quality of the gari produced, and more than tripled its revenue from selling cassava. This progress is particularly significant since it allows the cooperative to generate more income for its members, improving their quality of life, and potentially impacting the economic growth of the entire community. 

The UCTMGO's revenue growth from $763 to $26K shows the positive impact that USADF grant funding, training, and local technical assistance can have on local communities. With this newfound success, UCTMGO members are not only improving their economic situation, but are also promoting cassava as a food staple that can compete with other crops in the region. 

Moreover, USADF investment has helped the cooperative become more self-reliant and less dependent on external support. By developing local production facilities and training members in key skills, USADF has empowered UCTMGO to continue producing high-quality cassava products, increasing revenue, and contributing to the local economy. 

In conclusion, the USADF grant has transformed UCTMGO, boosting production, increasing revenue, and improving the livelihoods of its members. This success story is a testament to the power of investing in local communities and empowering them to become self-reliant, contributing members of their economies.