After a long time in the works, IAFN supported a capacity building activity with Les Compagnons Ruraux, a Togolese NGO that has been active in the restoration of Togo’s mountain ecosystems. This was IAFN’s first major activity in French West Africa, though LCR’s work in the area has shown the potential of analog forestry as a tool for the restoration of ecosystems and improving rural livelihoods.

Participants from Burkina Faso, Benin, and Togo converged on LCR’s home in Kpalimé, close to the Missahoé forest, where LCR has been active for many years. Through group discussions and a short field visit to LCR’s projects in Missahoé, participants got a feel for the analog forestry method and considered how best to apply it in their home countries. Most came into the workshop with little or no prior exposure to analog forestry, however all returned home with plans to work the method into their restoration activities.

IAFN thanks Jules Adjima of Les Compagnons Ruraux for facilitating and organizing the workshop, and Youndjie Gabriel Koleoko for acting as co-trainer.

A poster that details some of LCR’s work in Togo’s mountain ecosystems can be downloaded through the link below. The workshop report can be downloaded here.

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Photo Credit: Les Compagnons Ruraux