On November 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress Promotion des Filières Horticoles au Togo (PROFIT) Project officially launched amongst 200 key stakeholders in Togo’s agriculture sectors in Kpalimé. The day’s events consisted of an official ceremony with speeches from government officials, INGO leaders, and cooperative representatives, followed by roundtable discussions chaired by experts from the ministries in charge of agriculture and trade, local partner NGOs and members of the Ecole Supérieure d'Agronomie.
Corus International’s Chief Operations Officer Mahmoud Bah shared with the audience that the PROFIT project would improve food security and support the Ministry of Agriculture, Village Hydraulics and Rural Development of Togo (MAHVDR).
Corus International’s and Lutheran World Relief's Chief Operations Officer Mahmoud Bah shared with the gathered farmers, agrobusiness owners, local civil society partners and government officials that, “The PROFIT project will contribute to the improvement of food security and support the Ministry of Agriculture, Village Hydraulics and Rural Development of Togo (MAHVDR) in its efforts to modernize agricultural systems and increase its contribution to the Togolese economy.”
To do this, the USDA Food for Progress PROFIT Project will strengthen the capacity of farmers, producer organizations (POs), processors and other private entities to increase the productivity for hot peppers, cassava, and okra, while improving the use of climate-smart agricultural practices. The project will also expand trade of these crops by increasing their quality to meet international standards and connecting farmers and POs with local and international buyers as well as financing. The project is expected to generate $76.1 million USD in sales for its supported farmers within five years and reach 25,000 people directly and 82,500 indirectly.
Mr. Ronald Hawkins Jr., Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Togo, highlighted the expected benefits of PROFIT. “This project will improve product quality to meet international standards and expand foreign trade in peppers, cassava and okra. It also aims to create opportunities to increase the incomes of Togolese producers,” he stated, adding that the USDA’s investment in PROFIT illustrates the commitment of the United States to supporting Togolese agriculture and the important ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Ronald Hawkins Jr., Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Togo, expressed that PROFIT illustrates the commitment of the United States to supporting Togolese agriculture.
Praise for PROFIT
Speaking on behalf of Togo’s Minister of Agriculture at the launch ceremony, Mr. Komi Essiomle, asserted the strategic importance of agriculture to Togo's economic and social growth. "The agricultural sector remains a fundamental lever for the country's economic growth, maintaining food security, creating jobs and improving the living conditions of agricultural producers. Aware of this importance, the Togolese government has given agriculture pride of place in the Togo 2020-2025 roadmap," he said. He praised the perfect alignment of the PROFIT project with national priorities, particularly in the context of the fight against the effects of climate change and agricultural challenges.
Speaking on behalf of Togo’s Minister of Agriculture at the launch ceremony, Mr. Komi Essiomle, asserted the strategic importance of agriculture to Togo's economic and social growth.
A farmer and representative of a participating cooperative also praised the project’s alignment with their needs and goals, “The three vegetables chosen by PROFIT are very welcome because they are essential to our activities and are very accessible. The project solves our problem[s]…in the field.”
A farmer and representative of a participating cooperative also praised the PROFIT project’s alignment with their needs and goals.
In collaboration with the Government of Togo and key partners such as ODIAE, GRED, OADEL, RAFIA, and CRS, Corus organization Lutheran World Relief will implement PROFIT in the coastal country’s northern regions of Savanes and Kara, as well as in the central region of Plateaux. Representing the Plateaux region, the Deputy Mayor of Kpalimé encouraged farmers at the event to transform their activities in a sustainable way. “We remain convinced that this project will provide okra, cassava and pepper producers with solid support to boost their incomes and meet the challenges of the climate,” he said. “I solemnly invite you to commit fully and become actively involved in its implementation, so that together we can build a prosperous and sustainable future for all.”
The Deputy Mayor of Kpalimé encouraged farmers at the event to transform their activities in a sustainable way.
Mr. Komi Essiomle, also encouraged all those involved in agriculture to adopt the innovations the project proposed, “By adopting the techniques shared by PROFIT, we can make this project a real lever for modernizing Togolese agriculture, capable of supporting economic growth, guaranteeing food security and creating job opportunities.”
Key stakeholders in Togo’s agriculture sectors participate in roundtable discussions chaired by experts from the ministries in charge of agriculture and trade, local partner NGOs and members of the Ecole Supérieure d'Agronomie.
Media coverage of the event
- Lancement du Projet PROFIT : Un nouveau cap pour l’agriculture togolaise
- Le projet de promotion des filières horticoles au Togo officiellement lancé à Kpalimé
- Investissement des Etats-Unis au PROFIT de l’agriculture togolaise
- Lancement du projet PROFIT : Une nouvelle ère pour l’agriculture togolaise
This blog was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress Program. The contents are the responsibility of Corus International and Lutheran World Relief and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Agriculture or the United States Government.