From Research to Impact: how an AR4D grant is supporting IFAD operations in Togo

In Togo, agricultural production in several lowland and coastal areas—particularly in the Maritime Region—is increasingly constrained by soil salinity, recurrent droughts, and land degradation, resulting in low productivity, limited crop diversification, and heightened vulnerability of smallholder farmers. These constraints are especially acute in the prefectures of Avé (Kévé) and Vo (Vogan), where saline soils and water stress have rendered large areas marginal or abandoned.

Through the Improving agricultural REsilience to SAlinity through DEvelopment and promotion of pro-poor technologies and management strategies in selected countries of sub-Saharan Africa (RESADE) Grant, implemented by ICBA in close collaboration with the Institut Togolais de Recherche Agronomique (ITRA) and national extension services, applied research and capacity development activities were deployed to address these challenges. RESADE established two Best Practice Hubs (BPHs)—one in Atti-Apédokoe and one in Kouénou (Vo)—each covering one hectare of fenced and equipped land dedicated to experimentation, demonstration, and farmer training.