Togo 2026: women farmers drive agricultural transformation at foNAT

Gathered in Lomé for the National Forum of Togolese Women Farmers (FoNAT 2026), female agricultural leaders are amplifying their voices to tackle the systemic barriers hindering their impact on food security and economic growth. At the heart of these discussions lies a shared vision: reshaping their role in shaping agricultural policies for the future.

Lomé, July 1, 2026 — While women play a pivotal role in Togo’s agricultural sector—producing food, processing crops, and supplying local markets—their ability to access land, funding, and modern agricultural technologies remains severely restricted. To place these critical challenges at the forefront of national discourse, hundreds of rural women have converged in Lomé since June 30 for the National Forum of Togolese Women Farmers (FoNAT 2026).

Breaking down barriers for sustainable change

Throughout the forum, recurring themes highlight the most pressing obstacles. Land ownership continues to pose a major challenge, with women frequently facing legal, cultural, and financial constraints that limit their investment potential. Discussions also emphasize the urgent need for improved access to financing, agricultural innovations, climate adaptation strategies, and enhanced local product processing and marketing opportunities.

The participants stress that overcoming these hurdles is essential to strengthening their economic independence and boosting their contributions to national food security.

Showcasing local innovation and expertise

A dedicated mini-expo at the event spotlights processed agricultural products crafted by women entrepreneurs. Beyond mere display, this platform fosters direct commercial exchanges among producers, buyers, and development partners. It also serves as a tangible demonstration of the transformative potential of women-led agricultural enterprises, bridging strategic policy discussions with on-the-ground economic realities.

Strengthening partnerships for impact

The FoNAT 2026 initiative has garnered support from key technical and financial partners, including the Basque Cooperation, World Rural Forum, Togo Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), AgSyS/GIZ project, Carrefour International Canada, FAO, and GIZ. This collaborative effort aims to develop actionable recommendations that can inform public policies benefiting rural women.

In a country where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy, empowering women farmers is no longer just an equity issue—it’s a strategic imperative for food security, income generation, and climate resilience across Togolese communities.