The future of Togo’s agricultural sector is being shaped by a groundswell of women determined to break barriers and claim their rightful place in the nation’s food systems. From June 30 to July 1, 2026, hundreds of rural women converged in Lomé for the National Forum of Togolese Women Farmers (FoNAT 2026), a landmark gathering dedicated to amplifying their voices and addressing the systemic challenges that have long sidelined their contributions.
Organized under the banner of the Year of the Woman Farmer as declared by the United Nations for 2026, the event was spearheaded by the Togolese Coordination of Peasant and Agricultural Producer Organizations (CTOP) and the National Platform of Women Farmers of Togo (PNAFAT). These women—who produce a significant share of the country’s food, process harvests, and feed local markets—face persistent obstacles: limited access to land, financial resources, and modern agricultural technologies. The forum served as a bold statement that these barriers must be dismantled to unlock their full potential.
Overcoming entrenched barriers in agricultural development
The discussions at FoNAT 2026 underscored recurring themes that stifle progress for women in agriculture. Land ownership remains a critical hurdle, with legal, cultural, and economic constraints often preventing women from securing the resources they need to expand their operations. Equally pressing is the challenge of access to financing, which restricts their ability to invest in better seeds, equipment, and training.
Another focal point was the urgent need for climate-smart innovations and the adoption of sustainable farming practices to mitigate the growing threats posed by climate change. Women farmers also highlighted the importance of value addition and market access, emphasizing how improved processing and commercialization of local products could create new economic opportunities while boosting food security across the country.
Spotlight on local innovation and economic empowerment
A key highlight of the forum was a dedicated exhibition showcasing processed agricultural products crafted by women-led enterprises. This initiative not only provided a platform for these entrepreneurs to display their goods but also fostered direct trade interactions with buyers and potential investors. By bridging the gap between strategic discussions and real-world economic realities, the event demonstrated the tangible impact of investing in women’s agricultural ventures.
Building a resilient agricultural future
The FoNAT 2026 initiative has drawn support from a coalition of technical and financial partners, including the Basque Cooperation, the World Rural Forum, the Togo Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), the AgSyS/GIZ project, Carrefour International Canada, the FAO, and GIZ. Together, these stakeholders aim to translate the forum’s outcomes into actionable policies that empower women farmers, strengthen food systems, and enhance the resilience of rural communities against climate shocks.
With agriculture serving as the backbone of Togo’s economy, the empowerment of women farmers is no longer just a matter of equity—it is a strategic imperative. Their enhanced participation promises to drive food security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the nation.
