CEPRODED in Togo

In rural West Africa, many communities face serious economic, environmental, and social challenges. In Notse, about 90 kilometers north of Lomé, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Togo runs CEPRODED, a center for sustainable development that supports long-term improvement in living conditions.

Since 2023, agricultural engineer Kodzo Monkpoh has led the center. A key focus is agricultural training. Farmers, especially young ones, receive workshops that combine theory and practice, including cooperative organization, animal husbandry, crop production such as soy cultivation, and basic management skills like bookkeeping and budgeting. Starter support, for example with poultry, helps participants launch their own activities.

Beyond training, CEPRODED operates a tree nursery and promotes improved livestock farming. The team also visits villages to raise awareness about hygiene, disease prevention, reforestation, clean water, and waste reduction. In addition, the center offers adult literacy courses in local languages and works to strengthen civic education and women’s empowerment, aiming at comprehensive and sustainable rural development.