• Togo reviews 2026-2030 transhumance plan amid rising pastoral challenges

• Workshops in Dapaong, Tsévié address land use, climate, and farmer-herder tensions

• FAO-backed plan aims to ensure peaceful, sustainable pastoralism nationwide

Togo is moving forward with the revision of its national transhumance strategy. Two workshops were held this week in Dapaong and Tsévié to support the process, state news agency ATOP reported.

The meetings brought together local stakeholders, administrative authorities, technical departments and representatives of the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to review the draft 2026-2030 Transhumance Management Plan (PGT).

This preliminary review phase is part of the FAO’s Technical Cooperation Program, which supports the country in sustainably managing pastoralism and land security. The work focuses on updating the PGT adopted in 2014 to reflect rising farmer-herder tensions, climate pressures and new socio-economic constraints.

In Dapaong, participants examined local conditions and proposed amendments to strengthen the document. Dr. Lamboni Matéyendou, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, outlined ongoing reforms, including the development of pastoral areas, the demarcation of transhumance corridors and the creation of land-use zones for cattle production.

“These efforts aim to strengthen coexistence between farmers and herders and reduce recurring tensions,” he said.

In Tsévié, FAO animal production expert Kohoe Yawovi stressed the need to update the framework. “The plan must reflect current institutional and environmental challenges. The objective is to achieve peaceful and sustainable transhumance,” he said.

The FAO is also supporting the drafting of a national land declaration policy and a project to develop a cattle-production zone in Namiélé.

Consultations will continue in Kara, Sokodé, Atakpamé and Kpalimé to capture conditions across the country. The final document will guide the organization of pastoral movements, help prevent conflicts and strengthen the security of rural communities.

R.E.D