Togo’s agricultural future hinges on empowering women farmers
Hundreds of women from Togo’s agricultural sector gathered in Lomé to champion their pivotal yet often overlooked role in boosting food security and driving economic growth. The Forum national de l’agricultrice togolaise (FoNAT 2026), launched on June 30, serves as a platform to amplify their voices and address systemic barriers that hinder their full participation in the nation’s agricultural development.
From producers to policy influencers: women’s fight for recognition
Despite contributing significantly to food production, processing, and local market supply, women in Togo’s farming communities face persistent challenges. Limited access to land ownership, financial resources, and modern agricultural technologies remains a critical hurdle. The FoNAT 2026 initiative, organized by the Coordination togolaise des organisations paysannes et de producteurs agricoles (CTOP) and the Plateforme nationale des agricultrices du Togo (PNAFAT), aligns with the United Nations’ 2026 International Year of Women in Agriculture, aiming to redefine their place in agricultural policies.
Breaking barriers: land, funding, and innovation top the agenda
Discussions at the forum spotlighted key challenges, including:
- Land access: Women frequently encounter legal, cultural, and financial obstacles that restrict their ability to invest in sustainable farming practices.
- Financial inclusion: Limited access to credit and funding stifles their capacity to scale operations and adopt modern techniques.
- Agricultural innovation: Bridging the gap between traditional practices and cutting-edge solutions is essential for productivity gains.
- Climate resilience: Adapting to erratic weather patterns and sustainable farming methods is critical for long-term food security.
- Market access: Strengthening value chains for local produce can unlock new income streams and reduce post-harvest losses.
For the participants, addressing these issues isn’t just about fairness—it’s about leveraging women’s potential to strengthen Togo’s food systems and economic resilience.
Showcasing local talent and economic potential
A dedicated exhibition during the forum spotlighted processed agricultural products crafted by women-led enterprises. This event not only highlighted the diversity and quality of Togolese agro-products but also fostered direct connections between producers, buyers, and development partners. By bridging the gap between policy discussions and market realities, the initiative underscored the untapped economic potential of women in agriculture.
Global backing for local change
The FoNAT 2026 initiative enjoys support from a coalition of international and local partners, including the Coopération basque, Forum rural mondial, FSRP, AgSyS/GIZ, Carrefour International Canada, FAO, and GIZ. These collaborations aim to translate grassroots insights into actionable policies that prioritize women’s roles in agricultural transformation.
As Togo continues to position agriculture as a cornerstone of its economy, empowering women farmers emerges as a strategic imperative. Their inclusion in policy-making and market systems promises not only enhanced food security but also sustainable rural development in the face of climate uncertainties.
