The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has urged Togo and the broader African continent to prioritize forest restoration as a critical strategy for enhancing food security. This approach is also highlighted as a vital means of protecting biodiversity. According to reports, Togo has faced significant environmental challenges, with a notable loss of vegetation cover.
Between 2001 and 2025, Togo experienced a loss of over 130,000 hectares of vegetation cover, representing a 5.9% decline. This decrease is primarily attributed to deforestation caused by agricultural activities and infrastructure development. Moreover, the country has seen a 20% loss of its primary forests since 2002. These statistics underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to address deforestation.
The situation is further complicated by an increasing number of fire alerts. Since January 2026, satellite data has recorded 772 fire alerts across Togo. The FAO emphasizes that deforestation is not merely an ecological issue but also has direct implications for the rural economy, affecting food security, local incomes, and water security.
Restoring forest landscapes is proposed as a solution to mitigate these challenges. The FAO suggests that such restoration can help preserve agricultural soils, regulate water resources, and protect ecosystems that support millions of small-scale producers. This approach aligns with Togo's national objectives and international commitments.
Togo has set an ambitious goal to restore 1.4 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2030 as part of the African continent's AFR100 initiative. To support this endeavor, the FAO has mobilized approximately 500 million Fcfa to promote forest restoration, particularly in the Plateaux-Ouest region.
In addition to this funding, the FAO's Mécanisme Forêts et Paysans program has invested over $4.65 million since 2019. This investment has benefited more than 100 agricultural and forestry producer organizations across the country. These initiatives demonstrate a concerted effort to address environmental degradation and promote sustainable practices.
The collaboration between Togo and the FAO underscores the importance of integrated strategies for environmental conservation and sustainable development. By focusing on forest restoration, the country aims to address pressing ecological and socio-economic challenges. The progress and impact of these initiatives will be closely monitored as they contribute to broader continental and global goals.
Key points
- Togo aims to restore 1.4 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2030.
- The FAO has mobilized nearly 500 million Fcfa to support forest restoration in Togo.
- Togo has lost 20% of its primary forests since 2002.
