A five-day capacity-building workshop for maize and millet farmers in the Tchamba prefecture of Togo has begun in Balanka, within the Tchamba 3 commune. The initiative, led by the non-governmental organization Recherche et appuis aux initiatives de développement (RAID) in partnership with Cabinet Ti’nga Consulting, aims to improve the productivity of 40 farmers. The workshop, supported technically and financially by the Fonds national d’apprentissage, de formation et de perfectionnement professionnels (FNAFPP), will equip participants with knowledge on optimal production techniques for millet and maize.
The workshop is structured into two training sessions, covering technical production pathways for millet and maize, as well as techniques for associating the two crops. Participants will also learn about using compost, bio insecticides, and herbicides, and managing cooperatives effectively. The training seeks to enhance the technical capacities of farmers, thereby increasing their productivity. This initiative aligns with efforts to address hunger, poverty, and food insecurity in the region.
At the opening ceremony, Ales Modji Mahamadou, representing the mayor of Tchamba 3, emphasized the importance of the training in combating hunger, poverty, and food insecurity. He encouraged participants to be diligent and actively engage in the sessions to maximize their benefits. The representative from Cabinet Ti’nga Consulting, Ogbonin Rafiou, assured participants of his team’s commitment to providing quality support through a participatory and result-oriented approach.
Rafiou highlighted that the goal extends beyond imparting theoretical knowledge; the aim is to equip farmers with practical tools and competencies that can be applied in their farms and organizations. Afo Sabi Kagnidé, a trainer, noted that agricultural development hinges not only on mastering production techniques but also on farmers’ ability to organize, work collectively, and manage resources efficiently.
Nandiye Awim, spokesperson for the beneficiaries, pledged to apply and share the knowledge gained from the session to achieve the set objectives. The workshop’s interactive approach is designed to foster a deep understanding of the subjects, allowing for immediate application and long-term impact on agricultural practices in the Tchamba area.
The collaboration between RAID, Cabinet Ti’nga Consulting, and the FNAFPP underscores a concerted effort to bolster agricultural productivity and cooperative management among smallholder farmers in Togo. By focusing on capacity building and sustainable agricultural practices, this initiative contributes to broader goals of food security and rural development.
As the workshop progresses, participants are expected to engage in both theoretical and practical sessions, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. The emphasis on cooperative management is particularly significant, as it encourages collective action and mutual support among farmers, potentially leading to improved livelihoods and community resilience.
Key points
- The workshop aims to enhance the technical capacities of 40 farmers in Tchamba.
- The training covers best practices in crop production and cooperative management.
- The initiative is supported by RAID, Cabinet Ti’nga Consulting, and FNAFPP.
