The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has provided approximately US$5.9 million (CFA 3.5 billion) to bolster food security initiatives in Togo, supporting smallholder farmers, rural development and agricultural resilience over the past year, according to the FAO’s country office.
The funding underpinned a broad set of interventions aimed at improving agricultural productivity, restoring degraded land, enhancing livestock health and strengthening rural infrastructure. These efforts align with Togo’s national food security priorities and the FAO’s mandate to advance sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.
In 2025, more than 3,500 smallholder households benefited from improved seeds, fertilizers and irrigation equipment supplied under the programme. Access to quality inputs and water management tools helped farmers increase crop yields and reduce vulnerability to seasonal weather shocks. Such agricultural support is essential in a region where small farms produce the bulk of staple foods and rural livelihoods.
The FAO also facilitated the restoration of more than 1,700 hectares of agricultural land that had been degraded, helping to regenerate soil fertility and expand productive land under cultivation. Land restoration is a long‑term investment that supports food production, protects against erosion and enhances ecosystem services critical to sustainable farming.
Animal health interventions played a major role in the programme, with over 600,000 animals vaccinated to protect herds from disease and safeguard pastoral income streams. Livestock contributes significantly to rural economies in Togo, serving as both a source of food and a store of value for farming families. Boosting animal health helps stabilize livelihoods and improves access to animal‑based foods like meat and dairy.
Infrastructure improvements funded through the FAO support included the construction of agro‑processing facilities, such as a rice parboiling plant in Dankpen prefecture, and the drilling of boreholes to expand access to reliable water supplies for irrigation and community use. Strengthening post‑harvest processing and water access helps reduce losses, create value locally and expand economic opportunities beyond subsistence farming.
Capacity building was another critical component. Around 36,000 people received targeted training in agricultural practices, value‑chain development and related skills. Training helps equip farmers, cooperatives and rural youth with better agronomic knowledge, business skills and technical know‑how to participate more effectively in agricultural markets. The FAO also supported the formulation of several national and sectoral strategies related to agricultural value chains, aligning field interventions with broader policy objectives and national development plans.
FAO officials underscored the programme’s contribution to food security, rural resilience and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals in Togo. By integrating inputs, infrastructure, animal health and training, the initiative aimed to create a more enabling environment for inclusive rural development and sustainable food systems.
With climate variability, degraded soils and limited market access among ongoing challenges, sustained investment and strong coordination between national authorities, local farmers and development partners will be critical to maintaining momentum and scaling successes across the country.
