Togo is developing a regulatory framework to certify organic products, aiming to enhance domestic producers’ access to markets and improve the visibility of locally produced goods, officials said Thursday.
The initiative, which has been in development since 2020, is currently under review at a workshop in Lomé organized by the National Association of Organic Agriculture in Togo (ANABIO-Togo) in partnership with the German development agency GIZ. The event, which opened on February 3, brings together producers, agroecological farmers, and other stakeholders to finalize the draft rules.
“Our work began with consultations on defining a framework for producing and marketing Togo-specific products within the Bio-PGS system,” said Dr. Combe K. Selom Anani, president of ANABIO-Togo. “The framework was developed collaboratively with local producers and agroecological farms to ensure it meets the needs of our sector.”
The draft framework is designed to facilitate organic certification for domestic producers and to encourage the consumption of locally grown, sustainably produced goods. It establishes standards for both plant and animal production, as well as governance practices in organic farming.
According to Dr. Essot’na Heyou Bodjona, director general of the Togolese Standardization Agency (ATN), the framework sets out clear requirements for organic production, including guidelines for cultivation, livestock management, and farm governance. Once approved, it will allow producers to obtain certification based on locally tailored standards rather than relying solely on international labels, which can be costly and challenging for small-scale operators.
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Organic farming has gained momentum in Togo in recent years, with producers seeking to meet growing domestic and international demand for sustainable products. By establishing a local certification system, authorities hope to strengthen the sector, support rural livelihoods, and promote agroecological practices.
GIZ’s involvement reflects broader international support for sustainable agriculture in West Africa. The agency has been working with Togolese institutions to build capacity in certification, market access, and technical standards for organic production.
The proposed framework will also align with the Bio-PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) model, which emphasizes participatory and locally managed certification schemes. This approach enables smallholder farmers to verify compliance with organic standards through peer review and community-based monitoring rather than relying exclusively on third-party inspections.
Experts say the initiative could open new market opportunities for Togo’s agricultural sector. By lowering barriers to certification, small and medium-sized producers will be better positioned to market their products domestically and abroad. The framework is expected to strengthen consumer confidence in local organic products, stimulate demand, and contribute to rural economic development.
ANABIO-Togo and its partners plan to finalize the draft framework following the workshop review and submit it for formal approval by relevant national authorities. If adopted, Togo would join a growing number of African countries implementing national organic standards to support sustainable agriculture and local market development.
The regulatory effort is part of a broader strategy to promote agroecology and sustainable farming in Togo, combining environmental stewardship with economic incentives for small-scale producers. Authorities hope that the certification system will empower farmers, protect biodiversity, and encourage responsible use of natural resources, while also providing consumers with access to high-quality, locally produced organic products.
