The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has allocated 3.5 billion CFA francs to bolster food security initiatives in Togo, the agency said Friday, highlighting its commitment to rural development and sustainable agriculture.
Over the past year, the funding has been deployed to support smallholder farmers, restore degraded agricultural land, and improve rural infrastructure, according to FAO’s country office. More than 3,500 smallholder households benefited from access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation equipment in 2025, enhancing both productivity and resilience.
The program also contributed to the restoration of over 1,700 hectares of farmland and facilitated the vaccination of more than 600,000 livestock, helping safeguard both crop and animal production against disease and environmental shocks.
FAO officials noted that the initiative included the construction of processing facilities, such as a rice parboiling facility in Dankpen prefecture, and the drilling of boreholes to improve water access for agricultural and domestic use. These measures aim to strengthen the agricultural value chain and provide long-term support for rural communities.
Training and capacity-building were central to the program. Approximately 36,000 people received instruction in areas ranging from modern farming techniques to post-harvest processing. In addition, FAO contributed to the development of several national and sectoral strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural value chains.
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“The activities carried out under this initiative demonstrate FAO’s commitment to reinforcing food security, empowering rural communities, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Togo,” the agency said.
Togo’s government welcomed the support, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in ensuring food availability, improving agricultural productivity, and building resilience against climate and economic shocks.
Analysts said FAO’s engagement is critical for a country where a large portion of the population relies on subsistence farming and where rural infrastructure often limits access to markets and resources. By combining technical assistance, infrastructure investment, and training, the program aims to create sustainable improvements in agricultural output and community livelihoods.
With this funding, Togo is expected to see measurable gains in crop yields, livestock health, and rural employment, strengthening the nation’s overall food security and resilience to future challenges.
Togo’s agriculture sector plays a central role in the country’s economy, employing around 60% of the population and contributing significantly to national food security and rural livelihoods. The sector is dominated by smallholder farmers who cultivate staple crops such as maize, rice, cassava, and yams, alongside cash crops like cotton and coffee.
Despite its importance, the sector faces persistent challenges, including degraded soils, irregular rainfall, limited irrigation infrastructure, post-harvest losses, and insufficient access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and veterinary services. Livestock production also suffers from disease outbreaks and inadequate veterinary coverage, reducing productivity and household incomes.
Over the past decade, the Togolese government has pursued policies to strengthen agricultural production, enhance food security, and build resilience among rural communities. Initiatives include land restoration programs, rural infrastructure development, agricultural extension services, and the promotion of modern farming techniques.
International partners such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Bank, and regional development agencies have played a critical role in supporting these efforts, providing funding, technical expertise, and capacity-building programs. FAO’s recent allocation of 3.5 billion CFA francs continues this collaboration, focusing on improving crop yields, livestock health, water access, and overall agricultural value chains in the country.
These interventions align with Togo’s broader development agenda, including the National Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to eradicate hunger, reduce poverty, and ensure sustainable agricultural growth across rural areas.
