natural pest control to enhance food
security and resilience against climate
change. The program has already
impacted nearly 1,500 farmers across
30 cooperatives and youth networks,
complemented
by
environmental
education for over 120 young people,
demonstrating
significant
strides
towards sustainable agriculture and
environmental stewardship in Togo.
Agroecological
entrepreneurship
Through
its
Elikem
centre,
an
experimentation and development
site
for
agroecological
practices,
Eco-Impact organises the production
and distribution (sale) of bioinputs
and also facilitates learning on the
production and use of biofertilisers and
bioprotectors to empower groups of
women and young people and improve
their understanding of agroecology,
their practices and their productivity
through active and practical training.
Eco-Impact has enabled farmers
to strengthen their resilience and
contribute to the development of
income-generating
initiatives.
The
production of a variety of fruit and
vegetables,
the
development
of
non-timber forest products, livestock
farming, the development of dairy and
meat products, and the introduction
of
organic
input
biofabrication
micro-units to support natural and
agroecological
production.
These
include the production of a number
of biofertilisers, bioprotectors and
biostimulants for plant and micro-
organism
growth:
Bokashi,
liquid
and solid Super Magro, compost,
phosphites,
animal
blood
broth,
Ormus, Apichi, ash broth, sulphur
lime broth, mineral and plant-based
solutions; indigenous microorganisms
and Beneficial Native Microorganisms
(BAM),
Trichoderma,
Native
Microorganism Seeds (NMS), natural
yeasts.
These
initiatives
reinforce
the
development of agroecological value
chains. Fruit and vegetable production
is an essential link in the chain as a
raw material for agroecological and
organic product processing units, for
consumers and for the sustainability
of agroecological markets.
Agroecology and local
markets
The key to the future lies in exploiting the
potential and assets of Agroecology.
We need to make the values and
benefits of agroecology profitable and
sustainable in socio-environmental,
health and economic terms. To play
our part in transforming food systems.
Eco-Impact is helping to build, map
and strengthen the agroecological
and organic movement in Togo for
a better future. It also informs and
educates
consumers
about
local
consumption.
The
agroecological
transition depends on the availability
and accessibility of agroecological
products on the market. Local markets
are gradually being organised as
points of sale and distribution for
processed agroecological products,
as well as for the sale and distribution
of vegetables, fruit and other products
such as non-wood forestry products,
dairy products, sustainable fishing
and fish farming products, and meat
products.
Eco-Impact
promotes
and
encourages
agroecological
entrepreneurship,
healthy
nutrition
and local consumption. Agroecology
is
therefore
a
multi-faceted
opportunity for us. It is a better option
for
the
environment:
sustainable
management of the environment
and natural resources. Agroecology
helps to mitigate the effects of
climatic hazards and strengthen the
resilience of communities in the face
of the climate crisis. It helps to restore
carbon sequestration in the soil, limit
deforestation,
reconstitute
plant
cover, avoid or reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, manage water sustainably,
make efficient use of organic waste,
limit the use of synthetic chemical
inputs and improve the quality of soil
fertility.
By choosing local, agroecological
produce, consumers are helping to
reduce the greenhouse gas emissions
associated with transporting food
over long distances. Local products
generally require less energy to reach
consumers, which can help reduce
the overall carbon footprint of food.
Consuming locally also encourages
the diversification of local crops, which
can contribute to the resilience of the
food supply in the event of climatic
disruptions or natural disasters.
From a health point of view, this
practice facilitates the availability and
accessibility of healthy food for the
population and avoids illnesses linked
to the use of chemical products.
In social terms, Agroecology promotes
proximity between producers and
consumers. It creates opportunities
for producers and consumers to meet.
It encourages the creation of stronger
links and communities, strengthening
the social fabric.
It creates jobs and reduces rural
exodus and migration. It promotes
socio-progressive development and
the emergence of a middle class
capable of sustainably supporting the
local economy.
ultimately,
agroecology
impacts
the local economy: Buying local
agroecological
products
directly
supports local farmers and businesses.
This stimulates the regional economy,
creates jobs and makes communities
more resilient to economic crises.
It has a positive impact on rural
communities by creating jobs and
keeping farmland in use.
Political environment
Since 2008, the legal and political
environment
in
Togo
has
been
conducive to the green economy and
entrepreneurship
through
political
programmes and guidelines. There is
also an emerging social conscience
in favour of healthy eating. However,
action is often limited by a lack
Training workshop on bio-inputs with farmers in Blifou
contd from p.2