Inventory of traditional Beninese medicine, research and higher education practices: this activity involves conducting an in-depth survey of the practices of traditional healers, the research practices of teacher-researchers and higher education in phytomedicine in Benin. The aim is to gather data on the knowledge, skills and practices of traditional and academic players, in order to better understand their role in the valorization of medicinal plants. This inventory is a crucial step in identifying capacity-building needs and planning future project interventions. It forms part of the project’s Activity Package 2. 

Training 20 university teachers and researchers in phytomedicine and phytopharmacy: the project involves training 20 teachers and researchers from Beninese universities. The aim is to enhance their research and teaching skills in the fields of phytomedicine and phytopharmacy. Participants will be introduced to the latest scientific advances, teaching methods and innovative practices in the study of medicinal plants, so that they can pass on this knowledge to students and contribute to the development of these disciplines.

Creation of a national reference laboratory for medicinal plant research: One of the project’s key achievements will be the creation of a reference laboratory dedicated to medicinal plant research. This laboratory will provide the infrastructure needed to conduct in-depth studies on the chemical composition, therapeutic efficacy and safety of Benin’s medicinal plants. It will also serve as a center of excellence for training researchers and providing technical support to traditional healers, thus contributing to the scientific validation of traditional remedies.

the project will set up a specialized training program for future experts in phytomedicine and phytopharmacy. This program, aimed at Master’s or Doctorate level graduates, will train them to study the bioactive properties of plants, to formulate phytomedicines, and to integrate this knowledge into healthcare systems. Experts trained in this way will be able to promote evidence-based use of medicinal plants in Benin.

the project also involves the training of 240 traditional healers across Benin. These courses will cover essential topics such as good harvesting practices, preparation of traditional medicines, conservation of plant-based remedies, and scientific validation of treatments. The aim is to further professionalize these players, integrate them into a framework of collaboration with scientific research, and improve the quality and safety of the care they offer local populations.