Togo
Togo lies between Ghana and Benin on the West African coast, with a population of 5.1 million. Two thirds of the country is savannah, and the rest is forest. It is a narrow strip of land and at its broadest point the country is barely 100 miles across. French is the official language, although Ewe, Kabye and English are also taught in schools.
Nearly three quarters of the population rely on subsistence agriculture, with main products including corn, yam, millet, cassava and peanuts. Ongoing political turmoil and violence have hampered the country’s development and led to criticism of human rights violations. The last few years have seen a slow but steady economic decline in Togo leaving much of the population, especially in rural areas, to live in poverty, which is particularly detrimental to children.
Children, girls especially, have limited access to education and healthcare with only 17% of girls and 36% of boys attending secondary school; this situation can make children more vulnerable to traffickers who convince parents their children will be better provided for elsewhere. Child trafficking is a major problem in Togo and Plan is working with families, communities and other partners to ensure children’s security.
Some of the reasons why Plan works in Togo
- 1 in 7 children born die before reaching the age of five
- A quarter of all children are underweight due to poor nutrition
- Over a third of children do not attend primary school
- Two thirds of the rural population do not have access to adequate drinking water
- 85% of the rural population do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities
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