Togo’s women farmers push for agricultural transformation at FoNAT 2026

Lomé hosts landmark forum to amplify rural women’s voices in agricultural policies

Lomé, July 1, 2026 — Women are the backbone of Togo’s agricultural sector, producing food, transforming crops, and sustaining local markets. Yet, systemic barriers continue to limit their access to land, financing, and modern agricultural technologies. To address these challenges and elevate their role in national development, hundreds of rural women have gathered in Lomé for the National Forum of Togolese Women Farmers (FoNAT 2026), which kicked off on June 30.

Organized by the Togolese Coordination of Peasant and Agricultural Producer Organizations (CTOP) and the National Platform of Women Farmers in Togo (PNAFAT), the forum aligns with the United Nations’ International Year of Women in Agriculture 2026, marking a pivotal moment for policy change and economic empowerment in the sector.

Breaking barriers: land, finance, and climate resilience take center stage

The discussions have highlighted persistent obstacles faced by women farmers, particularly in securing land rights due to legal, cultural, and financial constraints. Access to credit and agricultural innovations remains uneven, while climate change further complicates their ability to sustain production and livelihoods.

Key priorities emerging from the forum include:

• Land ownership reform to enable women to invest in long-term agricultural projects
• Improved access to microfinance and grants tailored to women-led agribusinesses
• Climate-smart farming techniques to mitigate droughts and erratic rainfall
• Post-harvest processing and market access to increase income and food security

Participants emphasize that addressing these issues is critical not only for gender equality but also for strengthening Togo’s agricultural productivity and resilience.

From debate to action: showcasing women-led agricultural innovation

A dedicated exhibition at the forum features locally processed food products crafted by women entrepreneurs. The event serves as a marketplace for producers, buyers, and investors to connect, fostering commercial partnerships that highlight the untapped potential of women-managed agribusinesses.

The initiative underscores the forum’s dual mission: to bridge policy discussions with on-the-ground economic realities and to demonstrate how women’s leadership can drive agricultural transformation.

Global backing for local change

The FoNAT 2026 initiative has garnered support from international partners including the Basque Cooperation, World Rural Forum, Togo Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), AgSyS/GIZ, Carrefour International Canada, FAO, and GIZ. These collaborations aim to develop actionable recommendations that can shape public policies benefiting rural women.

With agriculture remaining a cornerstone of Togo’s economy, empowering women farmers is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity. By integrating gender-responsive solutions into national agricultural strategies, the country can enhance food security, create sustainable livelihoods, and build resilience against climate shocks.