Benin's Country Programme Framework (CPF) for the period 2010-2014 was signed by HE Mr Jean-Marie Ehouzou, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, Francophonie and Beninese Abroad and Ms Ana Maria Cetto, Deputy Director General, Head of the IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation on 4th October 2010. The CPF identifies the following national priorities for socio economic development where nuclear science and technology can make a significant contribution, and provides a basis for the design and formulation of sound technical cooperation (TC) projects meeting quality and sustainability criteria.
1. Human resource development- capacity building of researchers, scientists and technicians
2. Human Health-establishing nuclear medicine, radiotherapy centre and malaria research centre.
3. Food and agriculture- ensure consumer safety, develop food safety standards, and improve crop varieties, pest control, animal production and control of animal diseases.
4. Energy- review energy assessment.
5. Water resources-analytical activities using isotope hydrology.
6. Environment- assesses contamination of marine environment; develop environmental monitoring on coastal zone.
7. Radiation protection and security-strengthening regulatory infrastructure, emergency preparedness and physical protection and control of radioactive material.
The CPF has been developed following intensive consultations between the Agency and national competent authorities on the basis of a thorough analysis of national needs in regards to nuclear science and technology applications. The country programme concurs with the objective defined in the national development plans, and in particular those of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and national growth strategy for poverty reduction. The present CPF takes into consideration the lessons drawn from past and present technical cooperation activities.
Benin has been a member of IAEA since 1999