ITTO-BMEL PROJECT (PP-A/54-331A)
"PROMOTING QUALITY TIMBER PRODUCTION
IN SMALLHOLDERS AND COMMUNITY-BASED TEAK AND
OTHER VALUABLE SPECIES PLANTATIONS
IN THE TROPICS"
The involvement of rural communities in sustainable forest management (SFM) is a major concern throughout Togo, to combat deforestation, degradation and promote regeneration. As natural teak forests have been declining since the 1980s, plantation teak is emerging as a viable alternative in Asia-Pacific and Africa. Teak plantations, particularly when combined with food crops, generate significant economic returns, supporting local economies. The global teak trade, valued at nearly US$ 500 million annually and exceeding 1.02 million cubic meters, underscores its economic importance. Despite ongoing challenges like overexploitation and illegal logging, efforts to enhance sustainable forest management (SFM) persist across Asia-Pacific and Africa, reinforced by the urgency of resilient forestry practices amidst climate change impacts. Anticipated outcomes in Togo include increased timber production, genetic improvement, expanded microfinance availability, enhanced timber processing, and the promotion of responsible forest management through sustainable supply chains.
The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) is leading a strategic initiative in Togo spearheading Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) efforts, aligning with its Strategic Plan (2013-2018). Prioritizing smallholder integration into FLR initiatives (Photo 1), Togo aims to accelerate progress in key plan priorities through comprehensive analyses and regional workshops alongside with other West African nations. Smallholder teak and other valuable plantations covering approximately 31,275 hectares face diverse challenges but play a crucial role in Togo’s forestry sector, contributing to exports and employment. However, obstacles such as insecure land tenure and limited market access, highlighting the necessity for collaborative efforts to promote sustainable forestry practices and effectively integrate smallholders into FLR activities, despite financial constraints.
Photo 1 : ITTO Lome' Workshop in November 2019
Efforts to overcome these challenges such as insecure land tenure, policy gaps, and limited access to support are crucial for Togo’s sustainable Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) initiatives. Collaboration among smallholders, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations like ITTO is essential to strengthen forestry value chains and empower smallholders in FLR initiatives. Enhancing community organization and diversifying funding sources are vital steps towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of smallholder teak and valuable species plantations, contributing to broader regional forest restoration efforts in West Africa. In Togo, the Forest Research Laboratory at the University of Lomé, in collaboration with the Office de Développement et d’Exploitation des Forêts (ODEF), serves as the executing agency for the project. Their role includes coordinating activities, developing annual work plans, and ensuring successful implementation to strengthen smallholder and community-based teak and other valuable species plantations. Private plantation owners, organized in associations, are key stakeholders, actively participating in plantation management and collaborating with the Forest Research Laboratory and ODEF to achieve project objectives. Together, they focus on enhancing supply chains, analyzing financing schemes, and fostering regional and international collaboration for sustainable forestry practices.
Specific activities outlined in the project include conservation of teak and other valuable species genetic variation, support for smallholders and local communities in plantation management, and promoting timber legality compliance. Additionally, mapping stakeholders, producing outreach materials, facilitating teak networking, and organizing regional workshops are key components. Stakeholders range from researchers, government agencies, and private plantation owners to international partners. Through collaborative efforts and effective execution, the project aims to enhance sustainability and economic outcomes of smallholder teak and valuable species plantations in Togo while fostering regional and international knowledge exchange and policy development in forestry management.
In the implementation phase, several sites across Togo were selected for the project’s activity. The Forest Research Laboratory’s site in Zogbepime monitors seven teak provenances and two local species, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Khaya spp., intended to serve as seed orchards, and provenance/progeny trials/clonal plantations for the project. These sites conduct vital research and monitoring activities for teak and other valuable species, such as Pterocarpus erinaceus and Khaya spp., aimed at genetic conservation and sustainable management. Locations like Zogbepime and Ativémé host silvicultural research trials and seed orchards lies within the project’s framework. Additionally, the forest stations managed by ODEF at Avétonou, Tchorogo, Asrama, and Tététou are vital locations for seed orchards of teak, Cedrela odorata and trials of Pterocarpus erinaceus. These sites play a crucial role in the project’s efforts to conserve genetic variation and support the sustainable management of teak and other valuable species plantations in Togo.
