b'The Effects of ClimateChange on Rural FarmersRural communities, particularly small-holderFarmers learn how to make their own compost, farmers bear the brunt of climate change,so they can move away from using chemical contributing the least, yet are the mostfertilisers, and instead use growth techniques affected. Increases in temperatures andthat nourish the soil.irregular rainfall cause droughts and flooding,To complement this, farmers are taught to which increases the risk of crops beingdiversify crops and include types that grow well damaged or lost. despite the heat and lack of rain. Crops such Together with climate change, unsustainableas soya can enrich the soil, allowing farmers to farming practices, and population growth,move away from reliance on chemical fertiliser. extra pressure has been put on Togos naturalFarmers are also taught how to add value to ecosystems and the resources that farmerstheir soya crop by making it into soya milk, oil depend on. and soya cheese. Land degradation now affects 85% of TogosFarmers learn about the long-term effects arable land. Nutrient-poor soils cannot absorbof using chemicals and the damage it causes water as well as healthy soils, making themto the soil and water, as well as the health more susceptible to flooding and drought. risks to humans and animals. In many of the communities we support the runoff of nitrates Agriculture provides nearly 90% of the nationalinto the ground causes contamination, making food need and the Togolese economy remainsthe water in the area unsafe to drink.dependent on it, but the sector faces many constraints:We are pleased to report that more and more cooperatives are turning to bio methods of severe soil degradationfarming.land erosion endangerment of biological diversityWe believe that tackling the climate inappropriate cultivation practicesemergency underpins all the work we do. We are committed to empowering the most In 2023, we will increase our focus on teachingvulnerable communities to become resilient farmers how to improve resilience to climateto the changes in climate, whilst working their change and protect their land, whilst improvingway out of poverty. productivity. Farmer Field Schools Members of the cooperatives can attend the farmer field school to learn sustainable, agriculturalmanagement practices. This gives farmers the knowledge to improve their productivity andprotect their land from the effects of climate change. Being able to make sustainable decisions willhave a long-lasting impact. This information is shared amongst the rest of the cooperative and thewider community, so everyone benefits.'