From Lomé’ s agricultural fair to "What's Up": when Togolese young professionals get together

In order to sensitize young people and get them interested in agriculture in Togo, YPARD Togo  participated in the International fair of Food and  Agriculture in Lomé "SIALO" from 19 to 23 August 2015, to CETEF TOGO , commonly known as 'Togo Fair 2000'.

The fair was organized by "Centaure communication" and its partners under the high patronage of the Prime Minister, Excellency Mr. Komi Klassou. The opening ceremony was attended by the authorities of the country, the Minister of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries, Col. OURO KOURA AGADAZI, Minister of Higher Education and Research Mr. OCTAVE Nicoué BHROOM, the President of the Constitutional Courts and several foreigners, entrepreneurs, producers, processors, traders, and students of the University of Lomé and several other private Universities.

During the preparations, meetings were held with the heads of students in agriculture and agribusiness. These meetings enabled the representative of YPARD Togo and members of YPARD Togo to make a brief presentation of YPARD to participants. Members also presented a concert called "green music". The idea was to use music as a mean to educate young people to become interested in agriculture. There were also exhibitions and product sales, conferences on thematic debates, and competitions. This "SIALO" fair went well, with satisfaction of all participants.

Apart from this fair which YPARD Togo took part, we, the members also have a group discussion on Whats'up where we regularly discuss the problems related to Togolese agriculture followed by discussions and a variety of solutions proposed by members to overcome the problems facing young people in agriculture.

Togolese Agriculture really needs new ways of practices and especially adequate incentive measures to encourage young people to become interested in agriculture. Materials and technologies are lacking such as financial mechanisms which paralyzes youth momentum and commitment to agriculture. If this situation persists, Togolese agriculture will take time to adjust to new global strategies and application of new technologies offered by the Today’s world.

It is therefore imperative to bring special attention to young Togolese to allow agricultural developement such as youth to express their potential, creativity and innovation in the sector.

Authors: Gbete Miss Germaine (YPARD Representative of Togo) and odah Ayifounin (General Secretary)