The proposed project was identified to reduce inequalities between urban and rural populations through agro-processing solutions and eco-friendly essential infrastructures in rural areas. It will contribute to promote gender-equality by training and supporting rural women cooperatives. 

The initiative will also intensify the local valuation of agricultural production in a sustainable manner with improved postharvest solutions; ensure the clean water accessibility for rural communities with water improved harvesting systems; and empower youth and women for the transformation of rural areas into zones with profitable solutions catalyzing the local communities’ development and well-being.

The project aims to reach a sustainable transition in rural areas with profitable solutions supporting the development and well-being of local communities. 

The specific objectives are to increase the agricultural production value addition in a sustainable manner with improved postharvest solutions, ensure the clean water accessibility for rural communities with water improved harvesting systems, improve living conditions with eco-friendly essential infrastructures and empower youth and women for the transformation of rural areas into zones with profitable solutions catalyzing the local communities’ development and well-being. 

In Togo, limited access to essential services, low income-generating activities to boost the rural economy, and lack of business opportunities are part of the main drivers of poverty in rural areas. Efforts to improve the access to health care, safe water, and proper sanitation are needed when in rural areas, 65% of children below 59 months suffering from diarrhea have no access to the healthcare treatment in a health facility, and the prevalence of malaria among children aged 6-59 months is 57.2%. In the Maritime region, the deficit of drinking water infrastructure and the high rate of drinking water supply infrastructure’ breakdown push about 30% of the population to rely on unimproved water sources (unprotected wells, unprotected springs, surface water). Education statistics show that the enrolment rate of children at primary school is 74.1% in urban areas while in rural areas, it is 62.1%. These disparities call for an appropriate infrastructures’ response, which this project aims to provide.​