In Davié, Togo, a significant agricultural revolution is taking shape. At the heart of this transformation is the Agricultural Technology Park of the Togolese Institute for Agricultural Research (ITRA), a game-changing learning and innovation space for local farmers. In this park, agricultural technologies and innovations are at the service of agriculture to contribute to the improvement of agricultural productivity, food security and nutrition of populations.

Demonstration site for agricultural technologies and innovations

The ITRA agricultural technology park, located at the Littoral CRAL agronomic research center in Davié, is the result of a fruitful collaboration with CORAF as part of the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) funded by the World Bank. This park is home to a multitude of high-yielding crop varieties, from corn and soybeans to rice and sorghum. Several high-yielding varieties are highlighted in the park. The creation of this park aims to disseminate technologies and innovations resulting from research. “This park is one of the tools for disseminating technologies generated by research to producers. This park was built thanks to the support of CORAF within the framework of the FSRP to transfer technologies to producers” says Soulé Bifai Aboudoulaye, , coordinator of the Davié agricultural technology park.

“This park is one of the tools for disseminating technologies generated by research to producers. This park was created thanks to the support of CORAF within the framework of the FSRP to transfer technologies to producers” affirms Soulé Bifai Aboudoulaye; coordinator of the Davié agricultural technology park.

What makes the Technoparc so special is not only the cultures it houses, but also the awareness programs and guided tours that are organized there. Aware that ignorance of research results and the lack of good agricultural practices are major obstacles for local farmers, The initiators of the Technoparc emphasized the communication and customization of the specific needs of each region.

Dissemination of varieties with high yield potential

“ITRA agents brought us a new rice seed, the Exbaika variety with a cycle of 120 days and a potential yield of 8 tonnes per hectare. We tested it and for a first experience, we are satisfied. The rice I produced before was 4 months old. In addition, there was rain this year,” says Aglo Komi, rice producer in Akodésséwa in Togo.

“ITRA agents brought us a new rice seed, the Exbaika variety with a 120-day cycle and a potential yield of 8 tonnes per hectare. We tested it and for a first experiment, we are satisfied. The rice I used to produce was a 4-month cycle. In addition, the rain was there this year,” says Aglo Komi, a rice producer in Akodésséwa, Togo. To invite producers to discover and take ownership of innovations in the park, open days are organized with the support of CORAF. Various communication materials, ranging from television to social networks to local meetings, were also used to inform farmers about the benefits of new agricultural technologies. Guided tours were organized to allow farmers to experiment with these new techniques in the field, thus strengthening their understanding and confidence.

Apélété Fansouwodji, a local producer, says: “What delighted me is that before we produced large sorghums and the yield was not always there. But today, thanks to the visit to the Davié technopark, we saw that there are small-sized sorghums that produce correctly.”

The success of the Technoparc is not limited to its impact on local farmers. By mobilizing local stakeholders and promoting transparent and inclusive communication, the park creates synergy between the various actors in the agricultural sector. This holistic approach aims to extend the park’s long-term benefits, thus transforming the way agriculture is practiced in Togo.