Country Comments

Togo has over twice as many people than can be supported sustainably with its renewable resources at its current modest consumption levels. Mongabay reported most of Togo's tropical forest areas are used for subsistence slash-and-burn agriculture and fuelwood cutting. The mining industry with many small scale miners and widespread use of mercury causes environmental degradation as well. Between 2000 and 2005 Togo had one of the highest deforestation rates in the world, and since 1990, 43.6 percent of its forests have been lost. (1)

According to the Borgen Project one of the problems that has plagued Togo in the past is inadequate education, which contributes to the country’s poverty. Education is a key component in preventing and eradicating poverty. Due to government action and help from aid organizations, which have contributed billions to the cause, the education system in Togo has improved. However, due to the gender inequality inherent in the structure of the society, women are still less likely to benefit from these improvements. According to UNICEF, 44.5 percent of Togolese women between the ages of 15 and 24 cannot read or write. Education is hard to come by regardless of gender in Togo, but inequality in the country makes it even more difficult for girls to enroll in and stay in school. Close to 30 percent of children in Togo are forced into child labor, and the majority of them are girls. “Porter children” consist mostly of young girls who transport burdens to various market stalls. (2)

Without a strong educational and social foundation as noted above fertility rates remain stubbornly high, above 4 children per woman. Population growth continues at a rate of roughly 200,000 more citizens a year with no signs this rate will be slowing anytime soon.

(1) https://rainforests.mongabay.com/20togo.htm

(2) https://borgenproject.org/girls-education-in-togo/#:~:text=Girls'%20Education%20in%20Togo%3A%20The,in%20and%20stay%20in%20school.