In a bid to support local poultry producers struggling to sell their products, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in Togo has announced a temporary halt on the importation of frozen poultry.
According to the ministry, local producers, organized under the Council of the Inter-professional Poultry Sector of Togo (CIFA), are facing challenges in clearing their stocks, with over 70 tons of poultry meat lying idle in cold storage.
Minister of Agriculture Antoine Lekpa Gbegbeni clarified in a notice dated January 22, 2024, that the pause is intended to encourage local production and consumption.
The embargo will be lifted once the existing stock of locally-produced poultry is depleted. This decision is expected to give a boost to local producers and address the issue of competitiveness against imported products, especially concerning production costs.
The move is particularly welcomed by small Togolese poultry farmers who have been grappling with stiff competition from imported goods.
Similar challenges have been seen in neighbouring Benin, where the market is flooded with imported eggs. The temporary ban aims to alleviate the pressure on local producers, allowing them to sell their products at more competitive prices and enhancing their overall competitiveness.
This decision aligns with the Togolese government’s efforts to develop the local poultry industry and promote “Made in Togo.”
By prioritizing local production and consumption, Togo aims to create a sustainable environment for its poultry farmers, safeguarding their interests against external competition.
In another development, Togo is set to invest CFA2 billion in fishing and aquaculture this year, constituting nearly 70% of the CFA3.1 billion budget allocated to the Ministry of Maritime Economy.
Part of this funding will support the Togo Aquaculture Development Project launched in 2022, while the rest will be directed towards projects aimed at enhancing the country’s fish production and providing employment opportunities for graduates of local aquaculture training centres.
Minister of Maritime Economy, Edem Tengue, emphasized the challenges and the need for innovation in the sector, including exploring new techniques such as fish pooling systems.
The fishing sector in Togo currently employs more than 20,000 people, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP, accounting for approximately 4.5%, according to the Ministry of Maritime Economy.
