Togo on the road to food self-sufficiency: “Smart Valleys” training course launched
In pursuit of President Faure Gnassingbé’s vision for food self-sufficiency in Togo, the government has initiated several policies, reforms, and partnerships aimed at enhancing agricultural production, particularly in rice cultivation.
A prime example of these efforts is the training program focusing on the ‘Smart Valleys’ approach, a simplified system for managing lowland rice fields.
Recently launched in Blitta, this training targets a group of lead rice farmers.
Supported by the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) for West Africa, the initiative aims to bolster the technical capabilities of these farmers.
The goal is to enable them to adopt and expand the sustainable and cost-effective ‘Smart Valleys’ technology for managing lowland rice fields.
Central to this initiative is the effective retention and management of rainwater in fields, mitigating fertilizer loss from flooding and promoting increased harvest yields.
To facilitate the implementation and dissemination of this practice, farmers have been equipped with essential tools such as wheelbarrows, boots, measuring tapes, machetes, measuring rods, and picks.
This endeavor aligns with Togo’s ambition to boost its rice production to 1,115,087 tons by 2030, marking a significant step towards agricultural resilience and food security.”
Kodjovi Makafui
