European Union’s €2.5m investment into Togo’s agric sector yields double returns

The European Union (EU) has channelled €2.5 million into Togo’s agricultural sector and this has helped over 20,000 farmers  who suffered the most from floods and sharp increases in food prices that hit the country in 2007 and 2008 to restart their production.

The investment to Togo which is the EU’s worldwide response to the food price crisis of 2007-2008, was channelled through the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 2009.

According to the FAO, about 15,000 farmers have received seeds and fertiliser to grow staple crops such as maize, rice and sorghum, while 5,500 more got inputs for market gardening.

After two years of this facility, the FAO says food production has increased with an estimated value of €4.7 million.

“FAO estimates that the total value of what they have produced — 9,634 tonnes of maize, 675 tonnes of rice, 85 tonnes of sorghum, 3,522 tonnes of tomatoes, 350 tonnes of onions and 85 tonnes of green chillis — is €4.7 million, nearly double the amount invested by the EU,” the UN body said in a statement.

The FAO noted that the EU-funded efforts also delivered structural support to Togo’s agriculture, in particular to its seed sector and the market information system.

“Togo’s primary seed farm, which has the potential to produce quality seed for the whole country, was rehabilitated and provided with equipment. Its staff, as well as nearly 300 seed producers, received training in the production and certification of quality seeds,” the statement said.

It added that an information system covering each of Togo’s five provinces as well as the capital was put in place, allowing buyers and sellers to better monitor the prices of agricultural products.

“Our prime objective, to improve the level of nutrition and to increase the income of vulnerable farmers, has been accomplished,” says Mr. Alfred Andriantianasolo, FAO’s emergency coordinator in Togo.

By Ekow Quandzie