Since 2002, German development cooperation (DC) has focused on three priority areas in its work in Benin:

• Conservation and sustainable management of natural resources
• Decentralisation and municipal development (good governance)
• Integrated water resource management and drinking water supply in urban and rural areas

In addition to these areas, the cross-sectoral project ‘Macroeconomic advisory services on poverty reduction’ was launched in 2007. Programmes and projects are carried out in close cooperation with the other German development organisations and various international donors. These are integrated into an overarching national strategy on poverty reduction.

Conservation and sustainable management of natural resources

This ‘green programme’ deals with the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of the population. GTZ advises the agriculture and environment ministries and supports the management of the Pendjari National Park. It promotes sustainable management approaches and the spread of adequate methods of production in cooperation with civil society and the private sector. The programme also coordinates other projects that focus on planning, organising and regulating the common use of resources.

Decentralisation and municipal development (good governance)

As part of decentralisation in Benin, municipal governments were set up as decision-making authorities.  These are responsible for the social and economic development of the municipalities, thereby either enhancing or entirely relieving the central government’s responsibility. The programme for decentralisation and municipal development advises these municipalities in implementing the reform process so that they can offer their citizens improved services. Moreover, the programme supports the municipalities in all planning and implementation stages and strives to connect municipal and regional development planning with national strategies.

Integrated water resource management and drinking water supply in urban and rural areas

Measures are put in place to improve the drinking water supply in urban and rural areas and the sanitation programme, and the relevant ministry is advised.  In the urban catchment area around Cotonou, the national water authority, ’Société Nationale de l'Eau du Benin’ (SONEB) is the local cooperation partner. With regard to water supply in rural areas, attention is devoted to the transfer of responsibility to municipalities as well as the village water user associations. There are continuous information campaigns on hygienic living standards. Rural and urban water supplies are linked to extensive infrastructure measures that are financed by Financial Cooperation (FC) funds.