Food Security and Disease Prevention for the Population in Togo

Background

Livestock farming is the main source of food for the population in the project region. The residents produce meat and dairy products, such as fresh cheese (Wagashi) made from surplus milk. Many people are involved in livestock farming and animal husbandry, as well as in the transport, sale, processing, and consumption of animal products. These products are not only important for the nutritional intake of the population but also as a source of income.

The SAFE project focuses on training individuals in the fields of livestock farming, processing, and marketing of animal products. The veterinary sector also needs to be strengthened so that more producers have access to services such as vaccinations and treatments. Finally, cooperatives need to be created in the various sectors of activity to sustainably address the identified issues.

Goal

The main goal of the project is to improve the health, nutrition, and income conditions of 1,000 disadvantaged households that rely on livestock farming and animal products.

Specific objectives are as follows:

1. Improve hygiene and food safety along the animal product supply chain.
2. Improve the income of those responsible for livestock farming, processing, and selling along the value chain.

Approach

The high prevalence of diseases and zoonoses in the project region is strongly linked to the consumption of unhygienic animal products. The drivers of zoonoses are the lack of knowledge among consumers and actors along the value chains, as well as unhygienic practices in farming, processing, and selling animal products.

The project aims to strengthen food safety along the value chain in the various fields of work. On the one hand, project participants will receive better training in food processing and livestock farming. On the other hand, local authorities will work on establishing a community-based veterinary system, providing better access to veterinary services. Through these activities, VSF-Suisse aims to better protect the population against zoonoses and diseases and ensure food safety.

Which of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals does this project work towards?

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