Towards sustainable intensification in West Africa thought improved production and processing of pulses : promotion of innovations from farm to fork

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.