CARTO was created in 1982 by Bishop Pierre Barthélémy HANRION, then Bishop of the Diocese of Dapaong. The first class was welcomed and training began in 1984. The savannah region is highly agricultural, particularly the greater Kpendjal area. However, the farmland is not very fertile and has been severely degraded. Arable land and productivity are declining, while food requirements are increasing due to population growth.
The challenge is to restore and maintain soil fertility in order to produce more and better, in a sustainable way. The use of chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides is increasing year on year, with all the negative consequences for the soil and the environment, rapidly showing their limits. Faced with these challenges, CARTO is striving to train producers and promote agro-sylvo-pastoralism and Agroecological practices to preserve and restore soil fertility, protect the environment, and adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
However, the project still faces a number of needs and constraints, including: inadequate reception and training infrastructure (accommodation and workshops) for learners, insufficient effective training for qualified Agroecology trainers, semi-free-range guinea fowl rearing with a fenced enclosure, the introduction of beekeeping, the production of natural pesticides and the drip-to-drip system. The present project will work towards these goals.
The aim of this project is to promote a soil management system that increases organic matter, and makes better use of mineral elements and water in the soil, through the implementation of cropping systems under permanent soil cover. These fairly complex cropping systems combine with livestock and agroforestry systems to form state-of-the-art agroecological systems.
The training of trainers and the development of livestock and market gardening workshops will enhance skills acquisition. The project will enhance staff skills and provide the center with infrastructure, equipment and teaching materials. Training at the centers will be supplemented by internships at other centers.
General objective: To contribute to the improvement of Agroecology training in Togo
Specific objectives
01.02.03.04.The project will strengthen CARTO's infrastructure and equipment, increase its staff and enhance the skills of the administrative and training team through technical training to improve the quality of training for young people and women in AE practices. In this way, the center will extend its training offer to a larger number of young people and women everywhere. Through the training, learners will be able to lead actions in their respective environments. What's more, they will have a close relationship with other AE players. It is also possible to involve trainers from other centers such as CIDAP, which has long experience in Agroecology, and trainers from the Dapaong or Borgou technical colleges. Trainers can also take part in refresher courses, study trips and refresher courses at such centers.
Outcome 1
- 5 administrative staff have strengthened their skills in project management in general, and in the management of projects eligible for the climate fund in particular.
Outcome 2
- 20 administrative staff and trainers were trained in agroecology, andragogy, leadership and communication, and personal development.
Outcome 3
- Two exchange visits for trainers and beneficiaries took place
Outcome 4
- An external diagnosis enabled the center to readjust the training program to meet local needs.
Outcome 5
- An integrated agriculture-livestock-forestry plot has been set up with a fence and a drip irrigation system.
Outcome 6
- Beekeeping and beekeeping training introduced
