Sio River economic development project (693-0226) : operational program grant with Partnership for Productivity

Partnership for Productivity (PfP) will implement activities aimed at promoting local farmer-producer organizations, institutionalizing credit and management assistance systems, strengthening Government of Togo (GOT) institutional capabilities, and developing the productive potential of the Sio River irrigated perimeter. During Phase I, PfP will develop systems for providing credit, management assistance, and agricultural technical packages and demonstrations. These systems will be implemented in areas outside the irrigated perimeter to promote a wide range of small-scale economic activities, most of which will be agricultural or agriculturally related. PfP will also work closely with the GOT"s Ministry of Rural Development and its technical field services and the National Agricultural Bank. Both PfP and GOT extensionists (including Togolese PfP credit extensionists) will receive training. Activities will be expanded to the irrigated perimeter during Phase II. PfP"s strategy - aimed at bringing 150 ha under intensive cultivation by the project"s fifth year - will focus on promoting at least 20 viable producer groups of 10-12 farmers each and strengthening GOT capacities in extension and water management. PfP will avoid paternalistic approaches, aiming through the producer groups to give farmers maximum control over both production and marketing. Farming in the perimeter will be seasonal, integrated with farmers" overall agricultural calendar. PfP will encourage farmers to experiment with crops other than rice (e.g., corn, cassava, vegetables) and will promote laborsaving techniques such as direct seeding and use of injection planters and rototillers where appropriate. Personnel from A.I.D."s Water Management Synthesis Project will provide irrigation TA and training to GOT agents and farmers. Activities from Phase I, e.g., credit and money management help, will be integrated into the perimeter. Also, the project will develop a public health approach, with special emphasis on schistosomiasis. Overall, at least 500 farmers will be trained.