Togo: WACA Supports Modernization for Palm Kernel Processors in Momé Katihoé
Saturday, 05 October 2024 07:51 
(Togo First) - A project to modernize palm processing in Momé Katihoé, a village in Vo, Southern Togo. The project received CFA60.4 million under the WACA ResIP coastal resilience program.
Modernizing Production
"In the past, kneading palm nuts was extremely difficult. We sometimes did it with our feet or in mortars, which made the work tedious," explains Soutoji Komlan, president of the Development Committee of Momé Katihoé.
The newly launched project was submitted to WACA by the community. A modern processing unit has been built under the initiative. The facility has mixers, motorized extractors, and a palm kernel oil press. "With this new equipment, work is easier and our women's living conditions have improved considerably," said Komlan.
"Making palm oil used to take us very long, at least a week. With this equipment, we can now produce many 25-liter jerrycans, in just a day," said Dodjomè Adjovi Reine, one of the project's beneficiaries. The project has even allowed the beneficiaries to open an account with a local microfinance institution.
Developing the Village
The sub-project also addressed energy needs since electricity was required to operate the equipment. It also involved wood-energy plantations to combat wood shortages. The community started with 3.5 hectares of reforestation and has expanded to 25 hectares.
Oboubé Donou, president of the women's processing cooperative, expects a borehole to be completed soon. That is one of WACA's final tasks in the area.
Becoming a Role Model
Dr. Adou Rahim Alimi Assimiou, national coordinator of WACA in Togo, considers Momé Katihoé an exemplary community. "Through this sub-project, the community has achieved remarkable things that cannot be compared to others," he stated. The initiative benefits not only Momé Katihoé but also nearby villages.
Despite some remaining work like fencing and building a borehole, WACA's leadership in Togo believes the project has already positively impacted the lives of palm nut processors in the village.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
