In 2006, after a visit to the Songhai Centre in Benin, the vision for a project that studies the innovative approach of the Centre to development and integrated agriculture was born.

The aim of the project is to share best practices in integrated agriculture for rural development using the Songhai experience. By identifying the various factors behind the success of Songhai Centres, which were first started in Benin, and adapting this approach in other developing countries, this project enables countries to build capacity using the innovative development approaches for integrated agriculture found in the Songhai experience.

To date, the Special Unit has been integral in building awareness within UNDP of this Southern best practice, which has resulted in the formation of a partnership involving FAO, UNIDO and the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa. These partners have joined together in efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Songhai Centre.