From Allafrica · · 1m 50s
Togo Cotton Farmers Use Regenerative Practices
Togo cotton farmers cut pest treatments and boost yields using soil restoration techniques.
In brief
Togo cotton farmers cut pest treatments and boost yields using soil restoration techniques. Togo cotton farmers reduced pesticide use by 50% and increased yields to over two tonnes per hectare through regenerative soil practices. Originally reported by Allafrica.
Togo Cotton Farmers Rebuild Soils
Cotton farmers in Togo are rebuilding their soils, reporting higher yields and reducing pesticide applications as regenerative practices take root.
Yawa Uses Pheromone Traps
Yawa, 50 years old, reduced crop protection treatments from seven or eight to three or four using pheromone traps.
NSCT Promotes Regenerative Practices
The Nouvelle Société Cotonnière du Togo (NSCT) introduced regenerative practices in 2023 to restore farmland and strengthen farmer livelihoods.
Cotton Sector Earnings
Cotton accounts for approximately 20 percent of Togo's export earnings with raw cotton exports earning usd50.2 million in 2024.
Yield Improvements
Average cotton yields rose from 570 kilogrammes per hectare four years ago to more than one tonne during the 2025-2026 season.
Farmer Field Schools
NSCT trained 40 farmer field schools during the 2025-2026 season where producers could observe techniques and exchange knowledge.
Soil Restoration Techniques
Farmers use zero tillage, crop rotation, intercropping, erosion control and biochar to improve soil health and reduce water needs.
Douti Damessona's Results
Douti Damessona harvested 188 tonnes of seed cotton from 88 hectares achieving over two tonnes per hectare during the 2025-2026 season.
Training Progress
Over 37,000 farmers trained in zero tillage with 60 percent applying it, and 36,650 trained in crop rotation with 97 percent adoption.
Soil Benefits
Farmers report better water retention, reduced soil erosion and organic fertilizer production through regenerative techniques.
Next Steps
Yawa aims to achieve two tonnes of cotton per hectare with healthier soils and fewer pest treatments.
What matters most
Togo cotton farmers reduced pesticide use by 50% and increased yields to over two tonnes per hectare through regenerative soil practices.
