• Togo launched a validation process for its 2026–2030 transhumance management plan in Lomé.
• Authorities aim to reduce conflicts between herders and farmers driven by land access and climate pressures.
• The plan will serve as a national framework to organize pastoral flows and strengthen rural security.

Togo has moved to adopt a new transhumance management plan to replace the current framework. Authorities submitted the 2026–2030 plan for validation in Lomé during a workshop that opened on Monday, March 30 and gathered stakeholders from the livestock sector.

Several factors have driven the development of the new Transhumance Management Plan (PGT) 2026–2030. Authorities cited population growth, conflicts in the Sahel, and the effects of climate change as key drivers. These dynamics have increased tensions between herders and farmers in recent years.

Therefore, stakeholders have reviewed the document to provide feedback and approve its implementation. The plan includes multiple strategic pillars supported by operational actions.

The validation meeting has brought together representatives from the National Assembly, the Senate, and relevant sectoral ministries. Participants aim to integrate diverse contributions and produce a consensus-based document.

The Togolese government has multiplied initiatives in recent years to promote peaceful transhumance management. In this process, it has received support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

“We cannot do without transhumance, as food security, particularly the supply of meat and milk, depends on it. We must therefore find a formula that guarantees peaceful coexistence between pastoral and agricultural activities. That is why we must bring all stakeholders together to reflect and validate a management plan,” said FAO representative in Togo, Dr. Diwa Oyetunde.

Meanwhile, the ministry in charge of animal resources and food sovereignty emphasized that the government considers transhumance management a key lever for social cohesion and coexistence, particularly in rural areas.

The final document will serve as a reference framework to organize pastoral movements, prevent conflicts, and strengthen security in rural communities.

Authorities conducted prior consultations across the country before this validation phase. Regional stakeholders pre-validated the plan during earlier meetings.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum