The Lomé commune has officially launched a new body to develop a territorial food plan, aiming for greater food sovereignty.
The commune of Golfe 1 in Lomé has officially inaugurated its Consultation Framework on Territorialized Food Systems (SAT). Established by municipal decree on June 1, 2026, and installed on September 2, 2026, this body aims to create a Territorial Food Plan (PAT). The initiative, supported by the NGO OADEL through the ILEMSA’NU project, seeks to address declining food quality and external dependence.
Tata Yawo Ametoenyenou, president of OADEL, highlighted that the process, initiated in 2023, aims to restore food sovereignty, noting that current food is not as healthy as in previous generations and that the population's nutrition depends on external sources. He emphasized that the framework belongs to the commune, with OADEL acting solely as a technical advisor.
Recent studies by OADEL/ILEMSA’NU in 2025 revealed that only 1.2% of 591 surveyed youths aged 15-24 have a balanced diet, nearly 29% are overweight or obese, and 54.2% of households use industrial bouillon cubes as a staple condiment. These findings underscore public health concerns and the need to promote local products, environmental protection, and population well-being.
Why it mattersThe establishment of a food system consultation framework in Golfe 1 affects local producers by potentially influencing the development of a Territorial Food Plan that could prioritize local products and sustainable practices.
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