Togo Launches Training to Prevent Disputes in Agricultural Projects

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Friday, 19 December 2025 11:33

Togo Launches Training to Prevent Disputes in Agricultural Projects

(Togo First) - Two agricultural development programmes in Togo backed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are moving into an implementation phase focused on improving local governance and ensuring effective project delivery.

The programmes, PRIMA and ProMIFA, are strengthening their grievance-handling systems ahead of this phase. Training sessions for grievance committee members are being held through Dec. 20 in several prefectures, including Kozah and Tchamba, to help prevent and resolve disputes linked to project delivery.

Implemented by Togo’s agriculture ministry, the two programmes involve a broad range of public authorities, community groups and private-sector actors, increasing the risk of social, land and operational tensions.

To address these risks, a joint grievance mechanism spanning cantonal and central levels has been set up in line with IFAD requirements.

An assessment carried out by a joint PRIMA and ProMIFA mission in late November 2024 reviewed how these bodies operate at all levels. The review identified gaps in skills, tools and reporting channels, which informed the design of the training modules now being rolled out.

ProMIFA entered its investment phase in June 2023, supported by $15.6 million in additional funding approved by IFAD in December 2022. The project aims to expand access to agricultural credit nationwide, targeting 50,000 households, or around 300,000 people, through a risk-sharing mechanism.

PRIMA, a regional project, focuses on integrating agricultural markets along cross-border corridors between Togo and Benin, with plans for broader regional expansion.

Nearly 450 actors from government agencies, local authorities and community organisations are involved. Authorities and development partners expect the strengthened grievance system to improve transparency, reduce disputes and create a more predictable investment environment in a sector critical to jobs and food security.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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