Celebrating the remarkable journey of cotton and the hands that bring it to life
Since 2014, EFI has been working to strengthen the cotton value chain in West Africa. Today, we proudly run two impactful projects in Burkina Faso and Benin, implemented in partnership with CABES and Atelier Tissage Djougou.
Together, we are empowering communities through sustainable practices—from organic cotton farming to expert spinning, weaving, and quality control.
EFI’s project in the W-Arly-Pendjari Park complex – a transboundary zone that crosses Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger – focuses on the artisanal transformation of cotton: preparation, spinning and weaving, supporting the livelihoods of women living around the park. The intervention works closely with cotton producers in the production of certified organic cotton.
EFI’s activities related to the artisanal processing of locally produced cotton in the West African region is done with implementing partners like CABES in Burkina Faso and ETD in Bénin.
Regarding organic cotton farming EFI is working closely with UNPCB (National Union of Cotton Producers of Burkina) and OBEPAB in Bénin.
The objective is to increase the income and competitiveness of artisans and producers involved in the cotton value chain.
EFI’s intervention consists first of formalizing, training and equipping groups of artisans. Then, the project aims to improve the quality of the products by focusing on sub-regional and international market trends.
Organic Cotton farming in Benin with OBEPAB
Cotton craftsmanship in Benin with Espace Tissage de Djougou
Our cooperatives have trained 3,400 artisans and 267 organic cotton producers, creating certified ECOCERT organic cotton that is rainfed, pesticide-free, and contributes to healthier environments.
Every yarn is hand-spun and meticulously woven; and are dyed with natural dyes or GOTS certified reactive dyes, the cotton fabrics produced embody sustainability and quality at every step.
In West Africa, EFI is supported by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and the Pacific States (OACPS).