Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has signed a $ 29,879,180 award with Lutheran World Relief (LWR), a nonprofit member of Corus International, through its Food for Progress Program.
The five-year project reaching 25,000 smallholder farmers improves agricultural production techniques, enhances post-harvest processing, strengthens farmers’ cooperative capacity, and expands their access to markets for horticultural products.
The initiative also facilitates agricultural lending, microfinance, and in-kind matching grants. Its overarching goal is to bolster food security and catalyze agricultural transformation in Togo through climate-smart practices and the development of post-harvest processing and small businesses.
Lutheran World Relief CEO Daniel Speckhard said, "In partnership with USDA, Lutheran World Relief is harnessing decades of experience, including collaborations with the private sector, to support Togolese farmers in enhancing their productivity and accessing both national and international markets."
In collaboration with the Government of Togo and key partners such as ODIAE, GRED, OADEL, RAFIA, and CRS, the project will be implemented in the coastal country’s northern regions of Savanes and Kara, as well as in the central region of Plateaux.
"This project is in harmony with the Togo government's strong commitment to agricultural development, as detailed in its 2025 Roadmap and National Development Plan,” Paul Macek, Lutheran World Relief's associate vice president for rural economies and agricultural livelihoods, said.
“This initiative is geared towards reinforcing inclusivity, fostering social unity and peace, and increasing income and food security through entrepreneurship and value creation in the production and marketing of horticultural goods, especially hot peppers, okra, and cassava. Lutheran World Relief and our partners are fully equipped to harness this opportune moment."
About
USDA's Food for Progress Program plays a crucial role in supporting developing countries and emerging democracies in modernizing and strengthening their agricultural sectors. The program has two primary objectives: improving agricultural productivity and expanding the trade of agricultural products. For additional information, please visit USDA Food for Progress Program
Lutheran World Relief is part of Corus International
Founded in 1945 by Lutherans in the U.S., Lutheran World Relief is an international development and aid organization working across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. We collaborate with local partners to grow inclusive and climate-resilient rural economies, reduce poverty, and we respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Lutheran World Relief is part of the Corus International family of not-for-profit and for-profit businesses including IMA World Health, CGA Technologies and Ground Up Investing. At Corus International, we bring multi-dimensional, holistic solutions needed to achieve rural economic development and achieve lasting change relying on a portfolio of specialized expertise and decades of experience around the world.
Media Contact:
Muhammad Tahir Senior Manager, Media Relations and PR Lutheran World Relief
Email: @email Phone: +1 (202) 600-0347