Renewable energies to increase productivity, efficiency and innovation in agriculture in Togo

Togo is an agricultural country. Agricultural products account for a good 20 percent of the gross domestic product and one third of the workforce is employed in the agricultural sector. However, the agricultural sector in the country is poorly structured, developed and still dominated by subsistence farming. The structural problems of the country also affect the energy sector. Especially in rural areas, coverage by the public electricity grid is very low.

The use of renewable energies can increase agricultural productivity, for example through solar irrigation. In addition, solar drying, ventilation and cold chains make it possible to improve post-harvest storage. This preserves product quality and significantly reduces crop losses.

Nevertheless, renewable energies for productive and value-adding processes are not very widespread in Togo. Through the project, Togolese stakeholders from value chains relevant to agriculture, as well as smallholder farmers, will gain expertise in introducing renewable energy solutions. The aim is to increase productivity and efficiency in agriculture in Togo.

You can find the factsheet of the project here.