Benin cotton producers aim to edge into international market A drop in yields, contamination, rain-dependent crops, African cotton is struggling to succeed in the international market. On top of these difficulties, countries like Benin are struggling to keep up with continental competitors. To combat these problems, nations including Benin, Burkina-Faso, Mali and Chad are aiming to launch the "Route du Coton" project, which aims to streamline production and increase profitability. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES