Togo: Cultivation of cocoa respectful of the environment

Morija is developing its Agroforestry project in Togo with its Togolese partner Avenir de l’Environnement (ADE). Benjamin Gasse (Director of Morija) and Gabriel Migy (President of Morija) went there to officially launch the New Generation Coffee – Cocoa project. It will enable 358 young coffee and cocoa farmers to start their agricultural production using environmentally friendly techniques.

“I would like to thank our partner Avenir de l’Environnement for steering this project and wish the best to all the young producers involved in the New Generation project. By engaging in this project, you do more than produce cocoa and coffee, you are also the first architects of the economic development of your beautiful country and the guardians of its environment”
Gabriel Migy, President of Morija

Agroforestry to respect the forest

Agroforestry allows a yield similar to conventional cocoa or coffee crops, while drastically reducing the use of pesticides (expensive to buy) and preserving biodiversity. On the principle of permaculture, fertilizer trees and crops coexist and reinforce each other. Together, these plants form a forest in which wildlife can find refuge. It is an entire ecosystem that can regenerate.

In the end, everyone is a winner: nature and its inhabitants!

In Togo, the intensive monoculture of cocoa and coffee destroys thousands of hectares of primary forest. In 20 years, the country has lost nearly 67.3 kha of vegetation cover (Source).

Despite this deforestation, populations who live mainly from agriculture need this income to survive. This is where the Morija project takes on its full meaning: reconciling cash crop agriculture, economic development and respect for the environment. Through its activities, it is intended to take care of the Earth but also to take care of the people who cultivate it.

Each farmer trained in agroforestry will become an example for his counterparts who will reproduce this efficient and profitable cultivation method.

This approach is in line with Morija’s values ​​of sustainability and ecology.
Benjamin Gasse, Director of Morija agrees: “This project is totally in line with the projects that we wish to support and which improve the conditions of the communities while preserving their environment. When I went to a cocoa field in agroforestry last Saturday, I was able to see for myself how rich the field was in biodiversity, the soil rich in humus and covered with a protective litter that promotes fertility and protects the soil.”

An event broadcast by the local media.

Various media were present at the launch ceremony of the project.

See local media video (in french): https://youtu.be/wqnMd6Yrp6A
Read the article of the Togolese Government about the project (in french): Link