At the National Forum of Togolese Women Farmers (FoNAT 2026) in Lomé, female leaders in the agricultural industry are voicing their concerns regarding the hurdles that limit their impact on food security and national prosperity. This gathering aims to fundamentally redefine their status within agricultural policy frameworks.
Women are the backbone of agricultural output, product processing, and local trade in Togo. Despite their vital role, they continue to face significant barriers in securing land, obtaining credit, and accessing modern equipment. To address these systemic issues, hundreds of rural stakeholders have converged on Lomé for the FoNAT 2026, which commenced on June 30.
This major event is spearheaded by the Coordination togolaise des organisations paysannes et de producteurs agricoles (CTOP) and the Plateforme nationale des agricultrices du Togo (PNAFAT). It coincides with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers.
Overcoming the barriers to female agricultural success
During the sessions, several recurring themes have emerged. Land tenure remains a critical bottleneck for rural women, who often navigate restrictive legal, traditional, and economic landscapes that hinder their ability to invest in their farms.
The agenda also focuses on improving financial inclusion, scaling up agricultural innovations, and adapting to the harsh realities of climate change. Furthermore, participants are exploring ways to enhance the processing and marketing of local goods.
For those in attendance, addressing these pillars is essential for achieving economic independence and ensuring that women can contribute more effectively to the nation’s food reserves.
Showcasing local expertise and processed goods
In tandem with the strategic discussions, a mini-expo is highlighting a variety of agricultural products transformed by female entrepreneurs. This exhibition serves as a platform to market local produce and facilitate networking between producers, buyers, and potential investors.
More than just a display, this initiative demonstrates the organizers’ commitment to linking policy debates with the tangible economic realities of the field, showcasing the immense transformative potential of women-led agricultural businesses.
A global vision for local impact
The FoNAT 2026 is supported by an array of international and technical partners, including the Basque Cooperation, the World Rural Forum, the Food Systems Resilience Program in Togo (FSRP), the AgSyS/GIZ project, Crossroads International Canada, the FAO, and GIZ.
Through this collective effort, organizers aim to draft actionable proposals to influence government policies in favor of rural women. As agriculture remains the cornerstone of the Togolese economy, empowering women farmers is now recognized as a vital step toward ensuring food security, increasing household income, and building resilient communities in the face of environmental challenges.