September 2023 – The cooperative Ognidon of the canton of Goubi includes about 20 beekeepers, among them one woman. As part of the implementation of their activities, they are accompanied by our MiKaGo project, especially in the improvement of beekeeping practices. Our approach in this area is based on the concept of the Farmer Field School (FFS) promoted by the FAO. The FFS is a “school without walls” in which a group of 15 to 25 beekeepers engage in a participatory and hands-on learning process over a season/production cycle.
The groups meet regularly to learn, test, and adapt new ways of working. They learn by comparing traditional practices to new approaches through trial and error, observation, critical analysis, and discussion. Throughout the process, group members acquire technical skills, strengthen group cohesion, and develop strategies to improve their income as they define the development of business and entrepreneurial opportunities.
To support the cooperatives in this process, the MiKaGo project secured the services of Mr. Amanfo, an experienced beekeeper from Tchamba Prefecture, and Mr. Tiguibe, a zoo technician from the project team. This accompaniment is possible thanks to co-funding from the Department of Development and Cooperation SDC, the Swedish Agency for Development and International Cooperation (Sida), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Contribution by Dr. Géraud Hellow, VSF-Suisse Country Director for Togo
