Hello ! Can you tell us about your background?
My name is Alexandra Badabo, and I am from the Kara region in northern Togo. From a young age, I have been passionate about nutrition and development, which inspired me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agri-food and Pharmacological Applications Chemistry, followed by a professional master’s degree in nutrition and food security. I had the opportunity to start my professional career by joining VSF-Suisse in 2022. I am still learning.
What motivated you to join VSF-Suisse?
I decided to choose VSF-Suisse due to its inspiring mission. I fully share VSF-Suisse’s objectives of fighting poverty through projects in the fields of development, nutrition and food security. My passion for this sector complements the organization’s objectives, leading to my decision to engage with VSF-Suisse.
How would you describe your role within the NGO?
As a project assistant and food security officer within the team, I facilitate the implementation of projects in the field. As a result, I collaborate closely with the operational teams. I assist the project manager in the planning and execution of tasks, ensuring adherence to VSF-Suisse methodologies. I also oversee activities to guarantee that we remain on schedule. Furthermore, as communications focal point, I expand my area of expertise beyond nutrition and food security. I would also like to emphasize that I work under the supervision of the Program Manager and the Director, as part of a dynamic and dedicated team.
Can you share an anecdote or an outstanding achievement of which you are particularly proud?
Currently, I am engaged primarily with the WOMEN project (Pilot project on income generation for women through local dairy products). I believe that this project presents a significant opportunity for the future of the dairy industry in Togo. What has profoundly impressed me about this project is witnessing the Peuhl women, who were previously shy and reserved, assert themselves and flourish because of our activities. I have been deeply moved by this transformation, as well as by the smiles that illuminate these women’s faces during our field visits and as they receive our support. At the inauguration of the water points built as part of the project, their expressions of joy were particularly touching.
Furthermore, there is a memorable anecdote associated with VSF-Suisse that I shall always remember. This story is linked to the SALVES project (Improving food security through livestock and social entrepreneurship). I recall attending the hygiene certificate ceremony when one of the participants approached me, beaming with joy regarding the journey we had undertaken together. She presented me with an envelope as a gesture of her support, expressing that she viewed me as a young individual and believed that my youth and involvement in development had a significant influence on her. This story left a lasting impression on me. In that moment, I reflected, “Alexandra, you are on the right path.”
What is your professional or personal dream for the future?
My aspiration is to enhance my skills to better contribute to the improvement of community well-being, particularly through the promotion of food security, with a specific focus on disadvantaged populations, including children, women, and girls. I want to grow professionally and acquire expertise, with the intention of utilizing these capabilities to serve these communities effectively.
The health-related aspects of food require improvement, because it takes time to bring about a change in behavior. We are doing our best, but at the end of the projects, some stakeholders tend to become complacent. Therefore, I hope to engage in further training in the field of food safety to improve my knowledge and apply it in practice. For example, during the SALVES project, we noted that skewers were frequently exposed to dust and refuse near roadways, highlighting a significant lack of hygienic practices in the sale of street food. Furthermore, a considerable portion of the milk-producing community is illiterate, which results in inadequate understanding of proper hygiene practices when handling and producing dairy products, such as the cheese known as “wagashi” and fresh milk.
Can you tell us about your hobby/passion and what it means to you?
I love discovering the culinary traditions of various countries. I embrace all culinary experiences, which is reflected in my substantial leisure time spent viewing food and culinary travel programs outside of work. Otherwise, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Furthermore, although I have not started yet, I am also drawn to tourism.
What is your favorite food ?
This is a difficult question for someone with an affinity for exploring diverse culinary recipes. I am going to talk about a typical Togolese dish. It is azeou sauce with foufou (pounded yam). This sauce is prepared using natural African basil leaves, known for their antibiotic properties.
What is your favorite animal and why?
Currently, my favorite animal is the eagle, even though it is not a domestic animal. Due to its distinctive traits, the eagle serves as a symbol of vision, courage, and determination.
In fact, I perceive the eagle as a symbol of the ability to recognize the larger context, to identify opportunities and threats well before they arise. Through this animal, I remind myself that I am capable of more than I think. The eagle is proactive, with a clear and precise vision. It does not permit any obstacles to hinder him from achieving his goals, and I aspire to embody similar qualities.
Thank you for your engagement, Alexandra!
