AgroBootCamp : A positive outcome for the 4th edition of the green entrepreneurship training camp!

From February 2nd to 9th, the 4^e edition of AgroBootCamp took place in Benin. 40 participants from 10 countries took part in this training, which is now considered as a major event for agro-ecology and green entrepreneurship in Africa. Here is a look back on these 7 days of learning and sharing.

The AgrobootCampers visit the “Jardin du Roi” farm in Porto-Novo

The AgroBootCamp concept

AgroBootCamp was born from the will of the eponymous collective, composed of companies and associations from Benin, Togo and France (of which DJOUMAN is a founding member), to empower young Africans through activities
that are both income-generating and environmentally friendly. The principle is simple: AgroBootCamp is 7 days of practical and field training in agro-ecology and green entrepreneurship. The program of this training camp is
divided into workshops on environmentally friendly agriculture, eco-activities and initiation to entrepreneurship. AgroBootCamp is above all 7 days where about 50 participants, aged 18 to 35, live and learn in a collaborative mode. Throughout the training, participants build relationships through unique activities and experiences.

The AgroBootCamp adventure began in March 2018 with the organization of the 1st edition in Benin. It continues today, in February 2020, for the^4th time thanks to the support of its partners: SEECAR, BEDE, Ressources Bio, Ecodis, Sens Bénin, Isocel.

Bringing together young people who want to take their destiny in hand

The 4th edition of AgroBootCamp took place on the agro-ecological farm of the Gardens of Hope located in Tori-Bossito, Benin from February 2 to 9, 2020. In addition to the Beninese, participants came from Togo, Burkina
Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Guinea, Niger, Congo Brazzaville, Cameroon, Martinique and also from France. A total of 40 participants attended practical workshops, under the benevolent supervision of coaches and trainers, experts in their field. The participants were able to learn or improve their skills in ecological farming (weeding, transplanting
pineapple shoots, making Bokashi fertilizer, making bio-pesticides, etc.); in agri-food processing (making milk and soy cheese); in making green charcoal, dry toilets, improved fireplaces, natural soap, etc. They were able to acquire the
basics to launch themselves into entrepreneurship: Structuring their project ideas, visual identity and branding, digital communication, pitching… Participants were also treated to experience sharing sessions with local businesses such as Fruitizz and Ouidah bread.

AgroBootCamp 4 was also marked by a visit to the “King’s Garden” farm in Porto-Novo, where the owner, His Majesty Salim Dara, shared with the participants the techniques of fish farming and ecological breeding systems.

A 4th edition under the sign of innovation

For this^4th edition, the AgroBootCamp collective wished to launch the AgroBoot Awards, the trophies of the green entrepreneur, to support the best project holders participating in the camp. During the closing ceremony, which took place in the presence of the mayor of Tori-Bossito and other guests for the occasion, 11 finalists had the opportunity to “pitch” their project in front of an independent jury of experts. At the end of the deliberations, 5 winners were awarded: they will receive, among other things, technical support to implement their various projects. In addition, the^first place winner received a prize from Climate Initiatives, allowing her to join the network and participate in the next meeting which will take place in Morocco in March.

The^4th edition of AgroBootCamp ends on a very positive note. The next editions, planned for the coming months, are looking good.

Find all the highlights of the 4th edition of AgroBootCamp on its Facebook page.

Photo Credit: AgroBootCamp