Lomé hosts historic gathering where women farmers demand greater inclusion in agricultural transformation

Lomé — On June 30, hundreds of rural women converged in Lomé for the National Forum of Togolese Women Farmers (FoNAT 2026), a landmark event amplifying their voices in shaping policies that impact agricultural development and food security. Though they produce a significant share of the nation’s food supply, transform harvests into marketable goods, and sustain local economies, systemic barriers continue to stifle their full potential.

Breaking down barriers to agricultural progress

Discussions at the forum highlighted persistent challenges, including limited access to land, financial resources, modern technologies, and climate-resilient practices. Participants emphasized that these obstacles directly hinder their ability to invest in sustainable farming, adapt to climate shifts, and expand market opportunities for locally produced goods.

“Women are not just participants—they are the backbone of Togo’s agricultural sector,” noted one attendee. “Yet, without equitable access to land titles, credit, and innovation, their contributions remain constrained.”

Transforming challenges into opportunities

Forum participants also underscored the need for targeted solutions, such as:

• Legal reforms to secure land tenure rights for women
• Targeted microfinance programs tailored to rural women
• Training programs on climate-smart agriculture and post-harvest technologies
• Stronger supply chains to connect female producers with urban markets

Spotlight on local innovation and entrepreneurship

Alongside policy debates, the forum featured a mini-trade fair showcasing agro-processed goods crafted by women-led cooperatives. This platform not only celebrated local expertise in transforming staples like cassava, maize, and soybeans but also facilitated direct trade between producers, buyers, and investors. For many attendees, the exhibition was proof that, with the right support, Togolese women can drive economic growth from farm to table.

From grassroots action to national impact

Organized by the Togolese Coordination of Peasant and Agricultural Producer Organizations (CTOP) and the National Platform of Togolese Women Farmers (PNAFAT), FoNAT 2026 aligns with the United Nations’ International Year of Women in Agriculture. The event has garnered support from international partners such as the Basque Cooperation, the World Rural Forum, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Germany’s GIZ, reflecting a shared commitment to gender-inclusive agricultural development.

By transforming grassroots demands into actionable policy recommendations, organizers aim to position women at the center of Togo’s agricultural future. With agriculture accounting for a third of the national GDP, empowering female farmers is seen as essential to boosting food security, reducing poverty, and building resilient rural communities in the face of climate change.