Benin is situated in West Africa along the Guinea Coast. The country of Benin is primarily flat with the exception of the Atacora Mountains. Two major river basins, the Niger and coastal basin, enrich the country with ample waterways. Nearly 70% of the workforce in Benin earns a living through the agricultural sector, accounting for 32% of gross domestic product (GDP). Benin’s economy remains largely undiversified and extremely vulnerable to external shocks and changes in trade policies. Poverty levels are high, with 35% of the population living below subsistence levels. Key development challenges include agricultural diversification, improved agricultural productivity, economic diversification, and improving basic access to services, most notably in the areas of public health, education, and sanitation. Widespread environmental degradation continues steadily, in part due to rapid population growth and unsustainable use of natural resources. Climate change is expected to exacerbate existing development challenges, especially in the agricultural and health sectors.

Management of climate change issues in Benin is coordinated by the National Committee on Climate Change. The Ministry of the Environment is responsible for Climate Change Management, Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Resources and Forestry, which involves a group of national experts from the national Committee on Climate Change and representatives of national sectoral ministries. Benin ratified the Paris Agreement on October 31, 2016 and the associated Intended Nationally Determined Contribution can be found here.