Togo’s female farmers take center stage in 2026 agricultural revolution

Lomé’s FoNAT 2026 gathers women to reshape agricultural policies

Lomé, July 1, 2026 — Women farmers, who form the backbone of Togo’s agricultural sector, are making their voices heard at the National Forum for Togolese Women Farmers (FoNAT 2026). Gathering hundreds of rural women since June 30, this landmark event highlights their pivotal yet often overlooked role in food security and economic growth.

While they produce much of the nation’s food, process harvests, and supply local markets, their access to land, funding, and modern farming technologies remains severely restricted. The FoNAT 2026 initiative, organized by the Togolese Coordination of Peasant and Agricultural Producer Organizations (CTOP) and the National Platform of Women Farmers in Togo (PNAFAT), coincides with the United Nations’ International Year of Women Farmers.

Breaking barriers to unlock women’s agricultural potential

Land, finance, and climate: the triple challenge

During intensive discussions, participants identified persistent obstacles hindering their progress. Land ownership remains a critical hurdle, as legal, cultural, and financial barriers prevent many women from securing farmland. Limited access to financing further restricts their ability to invest in better seeds, equipment, or storage facilities. Meanwhile, the climate crisis threatens harvests, demanding urgent adaptation strategies.

Agricultural innovation and market access

Beyond production, women also face barriers in adding value to their crops—through processing, packaging, and branding—and in reaching wider markets. The forum emphasizes the need for training in modern farming techniques, improved supply chain networks, and stronger partnerships with buyers and distributors. These steps are seen as essential for boosting their economic independence and strengthening Togo’s food systems.

Showcasing local innovation: a marketplace of possibilities

Alongside policy debates, a dedicated exhibition spotlights products crafted by women-led agribusinesses. From shea butter to processed grains, these ventures demonstrate the economic potential of local value chains. The marketplace not only promotes entrepreneurship but also fosters direct trade links between producers, buyers, and investors—bridging the gap between rural realities and market opportunities.

A global push with local impact

The FoNAT 2026 initiative enjoys support from international partners including the Basque Cooperation, Global Forum on Rural Advisory Services, Togo Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), AgSyS/GIZ, Carrefour International Canada, FAO, and GIZ. Their collaboration underscores a shared commitment to turning policy into practice.

With agriculture driving Togo’s economy, empowering women farmers is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity. By addressing systemic barriers, from land rights to market access, this forum aims to place women at the heart of the country’s agricultural transformation, ensuring food security, income growth, and climate resilience for generations to come.