• Eight-country cotton stakeholders meet in Lomé to assess 2025–2026 campaign and productivity gaps

• Yields in Togo rise toward 1 tonne/ha despite climate and pest pressures

• Region intensifies research and pest-control efforts amid up to 50% crop losses

Lomé hosts this week, until Friday April 17, the 18th annual review meeting of the Integrated Cotton Production Program in Africa (PR-PICA). The meeting brings together around 250 stakeholders from eight countries across West and Central Africa.

The organizers, led by the National Cotton Company of Togo NSCT, aim to consolidate results from the 2025–2026 season. They also seek to share research progress and identify operational solutions to improve yields and farmers’ incomes.

Sector Under Pressure but Yield Recovery Emerges

The West African cotton sector operates in an environment marked by recurring climate shocks. These conditions reduce yields and expose structural weaknesses in production systems.

In Togo, cotton production has faced pressure from climate change, pest outbreaks, and soil degradation. However, authorities report a gradual recovery in yields, which increased from around 800 kilograms per hectare to nearly one tonne per hectare in recent seasons.

Authorities attribute this improvement to better access to agricultural inputs and to soil mapping programs that help farmers adjust cultivation techniques. At the same time, policymakers continue to support producers through price stabilization mechanisms for seed cotton and fertilizers, which help sustain field-level activity.

Regional Cooperation and Research Coordination

The PR-PICA program functions as a coordination platform for researchers, producers, and industry players. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation transfer and harmonize responses to shared regional challenges.

NSCT Director-General Martin Drevon said: “These annual meetings allow us to assess performance and make cotton farming easier and more efficient.” He added: “The objective remains to achieve high yields in order to improve farmers’ incomes.”

Stakeholders identified pest control as a key priority. Since 2022, infestations of whiteflies and jassids have caused yield losses of up to 50% in some countries.

Pest Control and Input Innovation Drive Agenda

Industry participants responded by accelerating the introduction of new chemical molecules and updating crop protection strategies. Farmers also emphasized the need for continuous adaptation of agricultural inputs.

FNGPC head Koussouwè Kouroufei said: “We expect effective molecules to better control pests.” He referred to the National Federation of Cotton Producers’ Groups FNGPC.

Researchers also focused discussions on varietal improvement, soil fertility, and climate adaptation. They worked on developing seed varieties that resist both drought and pest pressure.

Toward Higher-Value Cotton Production

Beyond crop protection, stakeholders emphasized the need to upgrade the competitiveness of African cotton in volatile global markets. They also highlighted the importance of stabilizing rural incomes across the value chain.

At the end of the Lomé meeting, participants expect concrete recommendations that national authorities can apply in the next agricultural season. Policymakers will integrate the conclusions into national agricultural strategies.

This article was initially published in French by Ayi Renaud Dossavi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum