Togo study finds widespread pesticide residues in produce

TOGO – A new nationwide study has revealed that nearly one in three fruits and vegetables sold in Togo contain pesticide residues above international standards. 

Researchers also detected substances that are already banned in many countries, sparking concern among consumers and export stakeholders.

The findings, presented in Lomé during a validation workshop, highlight serious risks for both public health and the country’s agriculture sector. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Togo’s Ministry of Environment organized the event, which brought together national experts and institutions. Samples came from all five regions of the country.

Professor Abdullatif Diallo, a consultant involved in the research, warned that pesticide misuse is widespread. “We are not the biggest users of pesticides in Africa, but we use them very poorly. Several banned products are found in the residues,” he said.

The problem reaches beyond health. Agricultural exports face rejection in international markets if they fail to meet residue standards. 

This threatens key crops such as coffee, cocoa, cotton, and horticultural products that contribute significantly to the economy. Non-compliance could result in restrictions that damage trade and reduce national revenue.

Djiwa Oyétounde, FAO’s representative in Togo, urged the government to act quickly. “Authorities need to strengthen traceability systems, improve producer training, and expand the testing capacity of national laboratories,” he said.

Farmer groups have also begun to push for sustainable practices to reduce dependence on chemicals. Crop rotation, they argue, can help maintain soil fertility while cutting pesticide use. 

“We must protect consumer health and also safeguard the credibility of products labeled ‘Made in Togo,’” one farmer leader noted during the discussions.

The issue of pesticide residues is not unique to Togo. Several West African nations have faced similar concerns in recent years as regulators increase scrutiny of export products. 

Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, for example, have both struggled with residue-related trade restrictions affecting cocoa and vegetable shipments.

International agencies have consistently called for better monitoring and education campaigns to promote safe use of chemicals. In 2023, the West African Health Organization reported that unregulated pesticide imports had risen across the region, often with products not registered for local use.

Experts say that without stronger national controls, Togo risks damaging its agricultural reputation and losing access to vital export markets. At the same time, local consumers remain exposed to health risks from contaminated produce. 

The Ministry of Environment has pledged to follow up on the study’s findings with more detailed action plans, including farmer training and tighter regulation of pesticide imports.

For now, the findings serve as a warning that agricultural progress must go hand in hand with food safety and international compliance.

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