Cotton is a key commodity in West and Central Africa. It is one of the engines of economicgrowth, generating substantive income at the macroeconomic level for the countries involved in cotton production and export. It is estimated that more than 10 million farmers in the region depend on cotton for their livelihood. The vast majority of these cotton growers are smallholders, producing their cotton on rainfed plots of 1–2 hectares. Cotton production is thus closely related to poverty and poverty reduction.
In the framework of the preparations for the Johannesburg World Summit on SustainableDevelopment (2002), a proposal was formulated to analyse prospects for sustainable cottonproduction, focusing on economic, social and environmental aspects in the West and Central African region. With core funding from the Common Fund for Commodities, the project was implemented by UNCTAD, in close cooperation with the International Cotton Advisory Committee.
A field study covering Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Togowas undertaken by a consultant to provide a thorough comparative analysis of the current production systems in the region. In particular, attention was given to subjects like changes in input supply mechanisms, the effectiveness and efficiency of transfer of knowledge to farmers, the environmental impact of cotton production, credit supply mechanisms, and the impact of a reduced government support structure in cotton production.
The draft report of the study was discussed by stakeholders from the countries in a two-dayworkshop held in Bamako, hosted by the Government of Mali. The participants in the workshopagreed to a range of recommended interventions at the national, regional and/or international level. The report of this stakeholder consultation and the recommendations are contained in this publication. The study report prepared by the consultant is also included.
This publication is the result of the partnership of our three organizations with theGovernment of Mali and the stakeholders in the countries concerned. It is published jointly by the three organizations as part of the series of CFC Technical Papers. It is hoped that it will serve as an operational tool, providing ideas and guidance for identifying areas that deserve attention and development by national or international policy makers in the field of cotton development.
