A two-day workshop was held in Tchamba, Togo, on November 4-5, to educate stakeholders on a new system for preventing and managing land and agro-pastoral conflicts. The workshop, themed "Understanding and Appropriating the New Prefectural Ordinance on Pastoralism Management in Tchamba Prefecture," was part of the "Revitalization of Endogenous Values and Local Innovations on Climate and Food Sovereignty" (REVEIL) project. The project is led by the African Institute for Economic and Social Development (INADES-Formation Togo) in collaboration with its partners.
The workshop aimed to inform and sensitize local authorities and stakeholders about the new ordinance and the establishment of cantonal committees for preventing and managing land and agro-pastoral conflicts. Participants included technical services, community leaders, and stakeholders from various sectors. The workshop provided a platform for explaining the reasons and stakes behind the change in the system, presenting the main provisions of the new ordinance, and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the new committees.
The workshop also focused on the composition and representation of different categories of actors in the cantonal committees, as well as the steps for establishing the committees. Discussions centered on the collaboration mechanism between the cantonal committees, communes, domanial commissions, traditional chiefdoms, and technical services. Prefect Issaka Laguebande noted that Tchamba Prefecture faces challenges related to rural land management, coexistence between farmers and herders, transhumance, and shared access to natural resources, which can lead to tensions and conflicts.
Laguebande emphasized the need for local mechanisms for concerted prevention and management of conflicts, citing the limitations of existing structures. The new system aims to establish more inclusive, legitimate, credible, and functional structures that are adapted to local realities and better articulated with administrative authorities, territorial collectivities, traditional chiefdoms, and competent technical services. The workshop brought together various stakeholders, including canton chiefs, landowners, herders, agricultural exploiters, and heads of deconcentrated state services.
The workshop was attended by notable figures, including Tchamba 3 Mayor Ebeh Yao, second deputy mayor of Tchamba 1 Latifou Oumorou, and INADES-Formation Togo representative Akpotor Komi Lologno. The participants engaged in discussions and explored ways to effectively implement the new system. The establishment of ten cantonal committees is expected to enhance conflict prevention and management in the region.
The REVEIL project, led by INADES-Formation Togo, aims to promote endogenous values and local innovations for climate and food sovereignty. The project collaborates with partners to support sustainable development and conflict management in Togo. The workshop in Tchamba is part of a broader effort to strengthen local capacities for managing land and agro-pastoral conflicts.
The new system for preventing and managing land and agro-pastoral conflicts is expected to improve the management of natural resources and promote peaceful coexistence among stakeholders in Tchamba Prefecture. The establishment of cantonal committees will provide a platform for stakeholders to address conflicts and develop sustainable solutions. Key stakeholders will continue to work together to implement the new system and ensure its effectiveness.
Key points
- The workshop educated stakeholders on a new system for preventing and managing land and agro-pastoral conflicts in Togo's Tchamba Prefecture.
- The new system aims to establish more inclusive and legitimate structures for conflict management.
- The establishment of ten cantonal committees is expected to enhance conflict prevention and management in the region.
