Partners and donors

• Research, Support and Training for Self-Development Initiatives: RAFIA
• Union of Mutual Savings and Credit Funds in the Savanes Region: UCMECS
• Association for the Support of Community Health Activities: 3ASC
• National Framework for Consultation on Mutual Insurance in Togo: CNCMUT
• Union of Social Mutual Insurance Funds in the Central and Plateau Regions of Togo: UMUS-CP
• Union of Health Mutual Insurance Funds in the Savanes Region: UMUSAS

Promoting access to healthcare/h1>

• Project duration : 2022-2026

Our objective

To facilitate access to quality healthcare for rural populations and workers in the informal sector by supporting the operational development of mutual insurance and social protection at the community, regional and national levels. This project contributes to Universal Health Coverage, protecting individuals from social risks that could push them into poverty.

Our actions

• Participation in the operationalisation of the National Social Protection in Health Policy (PSS) by supporting national mutualist movement platforms;
• Advocacy for the inclusion of the mutualist movement in the Universal Health Coverage scheme set up by the State;
• Strengthening and structuring the mutualist movement and contributing to the harmonisation of practices at the national level;
• Strengthening mutual insurance unions and federations by developing technical capacities (digitalisation, use of ICT, etc.);
• Liaising with social and solidarity economy initiatives to facilitate group membership of mutual societies for their members;
• Improving the quality of care in approved health centres;
• Raising awareness of the prevention of communicable diseases (malaria, HIV, etc.) and non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, breast and cervical cancer, etc.);
• Promoting good health practices in rural communities;

Our impact

This project enables vulnerable households, who are often forced to finance their own healthcare, to access quality care throughout the year, prevent catastrophic healthcare expenditure, and strengthen their socio-economic resilience.

The context of Togo

A country rich in diversity, but facing many challenges

Although it is one of the smallest countries in West Africa, Togo stands out for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, renowned traditional cuisine and the warm hospitality of its people. The country also has significant mineral and agricultural resources and benefits from a strategic location thanks to the port of Lomé.

However, despite these strengths, poverty and social inequality remain a concern:

• 53% of the population lives on less than €2 per day.
• Women are particularly affected: 45% of adult women are illiterate (World Bank, 2019).

An economy that is still largely rural

• 65% of the working population is employed in the agricultural sector.
• 60% of the country's land area is arable.
• Agriculture remains essentially subsistence-based, highly dependent on the seasons and vulnerable to climate change.

Significant inequalities in access to healthcare

• Only 8.4% of the population has health insurance (2017).
• The healthcare system remains fragile, with limited access in rural areas.
• The maternal mortality rate is high: 399 deaths per 100,000 live births (2020).
• 23% of children under the age of 5 suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition.

Access to education still insufficient for women

• Despite progress, illiteracy remains high among adult women: 45% (2019).
• Disparities between urban and rural areas persist.
• Girls often drop out of school due to early marriage, poverty or lack of infrastructure.

Transition to sustainable and inclusive food systems

• Project duration : 2022-2026

Our objective:

To support agricultural entrepreneurs and rural communities in the Savanes Region in their transition to sustainable food systems. This involves strengthening their individual and collective capacities to enable them to fully exercise their economic, social, cultural and environmental rights, while integrating gender equality at the heart of every action.

Our actions

• Training for agricultural entrepreneurs and producers to strengthen technical skills and promote sustainable farm management;
• Practical workshops on innovative marketing and food hygiene;
• Integration of livestock farming into agriculture;
• Deployment and strengthening of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for the certification of locally produced agroecological products;
• Creation of an online platform, EcoAgriMarket, for the sale of local agroecological products;
• Assessment and support for the agroecological transition of around 100 farms;
• Implementation of a literacy programme using the Reflect method (Regenerated Freirean Literacy through Community Techniques) comprising eight literacy centres, mainly for women;
• Facilitation of community reading, writing and listening clubs.

Our impact

This project enables agricultural producers and entrepreneurs to strengthen their skills, increase their incomes and better promote their products, while promoting the economic inclusion of women and the resilience of rural communities.