The population of sub-Saharan Africa increased from 578.5 million in 1995 to 659 million in 2000 with annual growth of about 2.5 percent (World Bank, 2001). It continues to grow, following the projections of the World Bank, this figure of 1010 million in 2010 will increase to 1500 million inhabitants in 2020. This growth will create a strong demand for food needs, especially rice. In fact, in many developing countries, the real unemployment rate would be 40 to 50%, ie 400 to 500 million people (GERM, 2001) and 792 million people suffer from undernourishment in developing countries (SEDES, 2002). Over the coming years, African agriculture will be challenged to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. It will need to increase food production and income sufficiently to ensure food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The challenge of Agricultural Research is huge. It must increase the productivity and competitiveness of agriculture by improving crop yields, product quality while conserving the environment.Among the main crops that can lead to this food security is rice, the main imported commodity.Rice is produced in all regions of Togo on mostly individual farms (Kombate, 2008) and occupies an important place in the diet of the population.The quantities produced are still insufficient to meet the needs of the country. The causes of these low yields of rice are mainly related to non-control of water, unsuitable traditional farming practices leading to soil degradation and declining fertility, increased pressure of weeds, and loss of soil use of traditional varieties.With the promotion of rice growing in recent years, several development projects have introduced technological innovations in rural areas.However, there is little use of these technologies. This study has examined the dynamics and obstacles to the adoption of technologies introduced in rice farming in Togo.

Published as FARA Research Results Vol 2 (5).