• EU, FAO, WFP mission reviews Pro-SADI in Togo

• Thousands of farmers receive seeds, fertilizer, training support

• Project boosts productivity, incomes, school canteen supplies

A joint mission from the European Union delegation, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) visited Togo last week to evaluate the Pro-SADI project. Formally titled “Strengthening Food Systems for Sustainable Access to Agricultural Inputs for Small Producers,” the initiative was reviewed three years after its launch. The mission traveled to the northern regions of Kara and Savanes to assess its progress and impact.

Kara Region

Field assessments indicate that Pro-SADI has delivered significant and lasting results in both regions.

In Kara, nearly 8,000 smallholder farmers received inputs for rain-fed farming, including improved and certified maize and rice seeds, as well as NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and urea containing 46% nitrogen. More than 900 market gardeners were also provided with certified chili pepper, onion and tomato seeds, along with NPK 10-20-20 fertilizer for horticulture.

In terms of technical support, 83 new agricultural advisers were trained in extension services and agribusiness management. The project also financed the construction of a roughly 600-square-meter rice parboiling unit for local cooperatives, helping add value to locally produced rice.

Savanes Region

In Savanes, results were similarly strong. More than 11,000 smallholder farmers received inputs for rain-fed farming, while 1,134 market gardeners were supported for off-season cultivation. In addition, 62 new agricultural advisers were trained in extension services and agribusiness management.

The project also assisted 90 agricultural cooperatives involved in WFP-supported school feeding programmes, providing them with inputs and strengthening links between local producers and school canteens.

“These interventions have increased productivity, strengthened household incomes and reinforced the supply of school canteens with locally produced food,” the joint mission said.

More broadly, Pro-SADI aims to boost agricultural production and enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations, particularly women and young people, to food insecurity and broader security shocks in northern Togo.

Esaïe Edoh