Enhancing the resilience of fonio, a neglected crop in Togo, to climate change

Lare, Kokou; Atakpama, Wouyo; Koura, Kourouma; Amevivi, Akoda Kossi; Batawila, Komlan

Recherche Agronomique
Volume 23, Numéro 1, Pages 127-147
2025-12-28

Enhancing The Resilience Of Fonio, A Neglected Crop In Togo, To Climate Change

Authors : Lare Kokou . Atakpama Wouyo . Koura Kourouma . Amevivi Akoda Kossi . Batawila Komlan .

Abstract

Despite its recognized nutritional and therapeutic properties, fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf.) remains a neglected crop in Togo. Its production has decreased significantly in recent years due to the effects of climate change. This study is intended to help improve the resilience of fonio growing in Togo to climate change. In particular, the study aims to: (i) identify potential fonio growing areas in Togo, (ii) assess the impact of climate change on the distribution of fonio growing areas up to 2055, and (iii) identify priority fonio growing areas in the context of climate change in Togo. The MaxEnt algorithm was used to estimate the current and future potential distribution area (by 2055) according to the SSP 126 and 585 scenarios using fonio cultivation areas or points of presence and climate data. Zonation software was used to rank priority habitats. The variables that contributed most to the construction of the distribution models for areas suitable for fonio cultivation were the annual temperature range, temperature seasonality, mean monthly diurnal variation and annual rainfall. Approximately 63.69% of the national territory is currently considered very suitable for growing fonio. By 2055, the very favourable areas are projected to decrease by 2.57% in the SSP 126 scenario and by 3.13% in the SSP 585 scenario. To improve the resilience of the crop and make fonio production in Togo sustainable, ecological zones I, II and IV should be prioritized in policies to promote fonio cultivation.