Togo’s Economic Growth Clashes with Food Insecurity Amid Sahel Crisis COTONOU, Benin — Togo, a nation on the Gulf of Guinea, has been navigating a multifaceted challenge of economic growth and food insecurity, exacerbated by the spillover effects of the Sahel crisis. Despite a robust GDP growth rate of over six percent since 2023, driven by public investments and policy measures, the country grapples with the shadow of food insecurity.
The WFP Togo Country Brief for June 2026 highlights that favorable harvests and market supply have contributed to adequate food availability, with staple food prices remaining below the previous year and five-year averages.
However, localized climate — related shocks such as land degradation, soil erosion, and irregular rainfall continue to impede agricultural productivity in affected areas.
The Savanes region has been hit particularly hard by the Sahel crisis, welcoming over 51,000 refugees and more than 10,000 internally displaced persons. This influx has strained local markets, services, and natural resources, adding to the challenges faced by host communities.
In 2022, an estimated 500,000 people in Togo faced food insecurity, with another 1,400,000 at risk. Factors contributing to this situation include widespread poverty, low agricultural productivity, population growth, environmental degradation, and gender inequality in resource access.
The WFP has been actively involved in providing emergency food assistance to targeted populations, including 150,000 people in 2024. Its Country Strategic Plan for Togo aims to address the root causes of food insecurity and build resilience among vulnerable populations.
As Togo confronts security, climatic, and economic shocks, the implementation of policy measures to address structural factors is crucial. This includes enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable land management, and ensuring equitable resource access.
The success of the WFP’s strategic plans and the implementation of these measures will be a critical indicator of Togo’s ability to navigate its complex challenges and build a more food-secure future.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: World Food Programme
