The harnessed culture introduced in Togo since the German colonial period increased with the Project of Support to Animal Traction (PROTA) and the establishment of Agricultural Equipment Production Unit (UPROMA) in the year1980. Despite a lack of interest in the use of this technology in the year 2012 in certain regions of Togo, the technology has truly taken root in the savannah region which still accounts for about 89% of the national team. Thanks to the training courses administered by the CARTO center and the follow-up of trainees, animal traction has led to changes in respect of the cropping pattern, the practice of sowing on-line, the use of improved seeds, chemical fertilizers, and phytosanitary products. The practice of harnessed cultivation led to an increase in the size of cultivated areas, a modification of the types of speculation practiced and provided additional income. This technology, however, faces natural, technical and financial difficulties that limit its adoption. To ensure the development of this technology, strategies leading to the reduction of factors limiting the development of harnessed culture in Togo have been adopted. This involves the creation of new training centers and the revitalization of the former training centers in harnessed culture, the creation of breeding centers for draft oxen and the supply of veterinary products for the health monitoring of animals. Research into the use of donkeys in animal traction and the transport of crops is a path to explore.

Published as FARA Research Report Volume 4 No: 9 (2019)