Agro-dealers trained to boost cassava production in Togo

Agriculture is the backbone of Togo, engaging approximately 60% of its population and driving the nation’s economic development. However, the sector has continually faced low productivity and soil health degradation due to unsustainable input usage. In response, the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Cassava Compact, in collaboration with the Institut Togolais de Recherches Agronomiques (ITRA), Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), University of Kara, and IITA-led Zero Hunger Project and other partners, organized a two-day training for agro-dealers, innovation platform leaders, agricultural scientists, and youths to improve farmers’ access to high-quality agricultural inputs.

The event, held from 13 to 14 May in Lome, Togo, drew 78 participants, including agro-dealers, innovation platform leaders, scientists, and youth groups from various regions of Togo. Notably, 24% of the attendees were female, and 52% were youth. The training included nursing mothers to ensure inclusiveness, and it aimed to enhance the knowledge of input dealers and agrochemical sales representatives, particularly in managing cassava production and weed control, which accounts for over 60% of production costs.

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