Benin: ten new agricultural training programs opened in technical high schools

The new offerings are aimed at young people wishing to train for jobs directly related to the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors. In a statement dated August 18, 2026, the ministry invites parents and candidates to approach the relevant institutions or decentralized services of Technical and Vocational Education and Training to learn about the admission requirements.

The first training focuses on poultry farming, rabbit farming, and unconventional livestock. It prepares students for managing poultry and rabbit farms, as well as the production of snails and agoutis, according to methods presented as modern and sustainable. Career opportunities include establishing and managing farms, processing and marketing meats and eggs, as well as employment in agricultural projects and support services.

Another program is dedicated to cattle and small ruminant farming. Learners will be trained in milk and meat production, nutrition, reproduction, animal health, and farm management. They will be able to work as professional breeders, farm managers, agricultural technicians, or processors of dairy and meat products.

The offering also includes a training program in pig farming. This covers nutrition, reproduction, biosecurity, animal health, and management of breeding units. Graduates will be able to work as pig farm managers, breeding technicians, or entrepreneurs in pig meat production and processing.

Trainings Focused on Plant and Animal Productions

The aquaculture sector is represented by the training in fish farming and aquaculture. This program is designed to enable students to master fish and other aquatic species farming, water body management, feeding, and health control. The announced job opportunities mainly concern fish farms, hatcheries, marketing of aquaculture products, and sector projects.

In the plant domain, the ministry offers a training program in edible and ornamental horticulture. It covers the production of vegetables and ornamental plants, nursery management, irrigation, agroecological practices, and marketing. The targeted professions include market gardener, nurseryman, landscape designer, florist, or horticultural entrepreneur.

Cereal and legume production is also part of the open courses. The training will particularly focus on the cultivation of corn, rice, soybeans, cowpeas, and other food crops. Holders of the DTM will be able to pursue careers in agricultural production, farm management, agricultural consulting, or product processing.

The training dedicated to roots and tubers aims at cultivating cassava, yam, sweet potato, potato, and taro. It opens up perspectives in agricultural production and agro-processing, particularly within units producing gari, tapioca, or flour.

A Section Dedicated to Industrial and Forestry Sectors

The program also provides a specialization in the production of fiber and textile plants. This mainly concerns cotton and other natural fibers, with lessons on cultivation techniques, harvesting, processing, and enhancing products in textile value chains. Career opportunities are found in agricultural support, the industrial and textile sectors, as well as in production activities.

Fruit and forestry arboriculture, as well as non-timber forest products, are covered in another training program. This prepares students for activities related to reforestation, development of fruit sectors, and sustainable management of land and forest resources. Graduates can become nurserymen, fruit producers, forestry technicians, or entrepreneurs in the green sector.

Finally, two training programs are dedicated to oil palm and coconut trees. They focus on the production, maintenance, and valorization of these crops, with an emphasis on sustainability, local processing, and plantation management. Career opportunities include plantation management, plant production, palm or coconut oil processing, agro-industry, and agricultural projects.

Through these programs, the Beninese government aims to strengthen young people’s access to practical skills and promote their integration into agricultural sectors. The ministry also emphasizes self-employment, food security, product processing, and the professionalization of the rural sector.

Detailed information about admission conditions, the relevant institutions, and registration procedures should be obtained from the agricultural technical high schools or the nearest decentralized service of Technical and Vocational Education and Training.