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Togo marks its commitment to pest control

Pests and diseases are a major constraint to agricultural development. In line with the National Centers of Specialization (CNS) approach promoted by CORAF, Togo, through the Institut Togolais de Recherche Agronomique (ITRA), is positioning itself as a CNS to tackle the challenge of bio-aggressors that hamper food security in sub-Saharan Africa.

ITRA and experts from the region met in Lomé, from August 09 to 11, 2023, to address issues related to pests and diseases impacting crops and livestock. This gathering of specialists, including plant pathologists, entomologists, nematologists, weed scientists, as well as veterinarians from Togo and other ECOWAS member countries and Chad, testifies to the regional commitment to a collective response to these crucial challenges.

A regional approach to pest control

The establishment of the NSC on pests and diseases in Togo, supported by CORAF, reflects the region's determination to tackle major agricultural issues from a common perspective. This step forward represents a significant contribution to food security and agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. The establishment of the Center in Togo also enjoys the support of the national authorities, and is part of the World Bank-funded Program on Food System Resilience in West Africa (PRSA/FSRP).

In addition, the concept of a National Specialization Center (CNS) is perfectly aligned with the regional commitment to integration, particularly in the ECOWAS region. This approach aims to pool research efforts to meet common agricultural challenges and exploit the comparative advantages of each country in a specific value chain.

" Instead of each country going it alone, we'll agree to make one country responsible on the basis of its comparative advantages in relation to a value chain, and it will work with the region's expertise to generate the technologies producers need to transform their agriculture," explains Dr Lamien Niéyidouba, Program Manager at CORAF.

Synergy for mutual research

Togo joins other countries in the region that have already set up NSCs in areas such as maize, dry cereals, livestock, fruit and vegetables, roots and tubers, rice, plantain, aquaculture and mangrove rice. This initiative reflects the growing importance of agricultural research and development in meeting regional food and environmental challenges.

Opening the proceedings, Dr Yao LOMBO, Director General of ITRA, stressed that the establishment of the CNS bioagresseurs was crucial to solving a multitude of agricultural problems in the region. Participants at the event also identified key research themes and drew up a roadmap to guide the Center's future activities.

Dr Rachidatou SIKIROU, a member of CORAF's scientific and technical committee, stressed the importance of the CNS bioagresseurs focusing on emerging phytosanitary problems and complementing the efforts of other research centers working on bioagressors.

By capitalizing on the experiences of previous NSCs, Togo is well positioned to advance pest management and contribute to regional food security. The successful launch of the CNS bioagresseurs testifies to Togo's willingness to tackle agricultural challenges in a proactive and innovative way, in collaboration with CORAF and other regional partners. This example illustrates how agricultural research and development can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable and resilient agriculture, while strengthening regional cooperation and partnerships.