The second event in the SEED4AFRICA National Hackathon series took place on 6 and 7 March 2025 at the Sakété Campus of the National University of Agriculture, where 6 teams, each supported by a dedicated mentor, gathered to propose solutions to agricultural, environmental, and community challenges faced across Benin.
Agricultural productivity and food resilience were central themes among the projects. GREEN RAMS FARM sought to improve the availability of healthy, well-fattened Djallonké and Sahelian sheep for northern Benin’s urban populations. Their model emphasized better breeding, feeding, and supply chain management to ensure consistent quality and accessibility.
Similarly focused on food security, GREEN SMART AFRICA presented an initiative to enhance tomato production using improved techniques that rely on locally available resources. Bringing modern farming systems into the spotlight, HORTIME-T introduced a hydroponic greenhouse model designed to overcome soil limitations and climate variability. Their controlled-environment production system enables year-round cultivation, higher productivity, and better-quality vegetables.
Water scarcity and climate resilience also played a prominent role. The CLEAN WATER team proposed a community-centered model to provide safe water for livestock by improving water point management in northern Benin. Their solution serves herders, farmers, pond managers, municipalities, and NGOs, while building adaptive strategies for increasingly unpredictable climate conditions.
Environmental protection and circular economy principles came to life through PLASTWOOD, a team transforming sawdust and plastic waste into durable composite materials used for high-quality furniture. Their project not only reduces pollution and deforestation but also creates value-added products with strong market potential.
Sustainable farming technologies were further explored by the AQUAPONICS team, whose integrated system uses nutrient-rich water from fish production to grow vegetables. This circular approach reduces water consumption, increases productivity, and offers a scalable model for smallholder farmers.
In the end, PLASTWOOD claimed the top position, recognized for its innovative fusion of waste management and sustainable manufacturing.
