PROPULSE

The properties of pulses make them indispensable allies in promoting sustainable intensification and in the fight against malnutrition. Given the current interest in "plant protein" sources, it seems important to support this value chain in West Africa. Therefore, the objective of the ProPulse project is to take advantage of innovations at different stages of the pulse value chain in Benin and Burkina-Faso, for promoting sustainable intensification of cropping systems, as well as sustainable processing and consumption of pulses. To this end, a participatory and interdisciplinary approach will be implemented, that integrates both the upstream (production) and downstream (processing/consumption) of the sector, and the project will build on 2 existing innovation platforms. In WP1, the genetic diversity of pulses will be considered from an agronomic, technological, organoleptic and nutritional point of view. In WP2, an innovative approach to pulse production in agricultural systems and farms will be developed, based on the co-construction of cropping systems. WP3 will focus on the use of pulses in the diet and the development of innovative products and processing. WP4 will rely on the innovation platforms to strengthen the technical and organizational capacities of the actors in the production and processing of pulses, and to organize professional training for farmers and craftswomen in both countries.

The overall objective of the ProPulse project is identify and take advantage of innovations at different stages of the pulse value chain in Benin and Burkina-Faso, for promoting sustainable intensification of cropping systems, as well as sustainable processing and consumption of pulses.
The project has 4 specific objectives:

1. To identify cultivars that can simultaneously hold accepted agronomic, technological, organoleptic, and nutritional traits, as defined by the various users (producers, processors, consumers).
2. To identify scenarios and conditions that allow pulse cropping systems to be sustainable and used by producers.
3. To support the consumption of pulses, by identify the barriers to pulses consumption, as well as organizational and technical innovations to improve product diversification and quality.
4. To strengthen the technical and organizational capacities of the stakeholders of the pulse value chain (producers, processors and professional organizations).

• WP0: Project management and coordination
• WP1: Diversity of pulses and selection criteria depending on the stakeholders
• WP2: Innovative approach to pulse production in agricultural systems and farms
• WP3: Promotion of the use of pulses in the diet and in the processing sector
• WP4: Strengthening the technical and organizational capacities of production and processing actors