Decent work for social cohesion and community resilience in Togo

Savanes Region, Togo (ILO News) - The Savanes region in northern Togo is facing a convergence of challenges that disproportionately affect its most vulnerable populations. Limited access to essential services, precarious livelihoods and the impacts of forced displacement have created an urgent need for coordinated and inclusive action. In response, the Government of Togo, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and local communities, is working to create decent jobs that meet local needs and strengthen social cohesion.

A global initiative with local impact

The ILO’s Initiative on Decent Work for Peace, launched by the ILO Director-General in 2025, mobilizes resources to reinforce the role of decent work in fragile settings across the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDPN). Since its launch, the initiative has supported efforts in countries such as Afghanistan, Libya, Myanmar, Syria, Ukraine, the Sahel, and Togo—each grappling with complex issues related to displacement, vulnerability, and crisis prevention.

Built on principles of conflict sensitivity, localization and strong UN partnerships, the initiative emphasizes the vital role of workers’ and employers’ organizations in driving early recovery and fostering long-term stability.

In Togo, the initiative supports the Emergency Programme for Strengthening Resilience in the Savanes Region (PURS)—a government-led effort that brings together UN agencies to enhance community resilience through infrastructure, services and inclusive development. Within this framework, the ILO is implementing its Employment Intensive Investment Programme, engaging constituents in northern Togo to create decent work opportunities that address immediate needs while laying the foundation for sustainable livelihoods. These efforts are aligned with national and UN frameworks, including the Decent Work Country Programme and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, ensuring coherence, coordination and long-term impact.

© ILO

© ILO

Tangible progress on the ground

In line with HDP Nexus principles, communities are actively shaping project activities to reflect their priorities. Land has been secured for a new drinking water system, with technical studies underway to identify optimal drilling sites. Once operational, the system will provide safer access to water for families and support agricultural and livestock activities.

Reforestation efforts are also advancing, with communities selecting land and tree species that offer both ecological and economic benefits. By prioritizing fruit and shade trees, they are restoring ecosystems while generating food and income—linking environmental recovery with livelihood enhancement.

Community consultations remain central to the project’s success. Both host communities and displaced populations have embraced the initiatives and proposed complementary activities such as market gardening and livestock watering points. These suggestions are being integrated into project planning to ensure that interventions are locally relevant and promote lasting social cohesion.

Building peace through decent work

The Savanes project demonstrates how decent work can be a cornerstone of crisis prevention and resilience in fragile contexts. By combining job creation, sustainable resource management and participatory governance, the initiative is helping build stronger, more cohesive communities capable of adapting to change and withstanding future shocks.

As part of the broader ILO Initiative on Decent Work for Peace, the experience in Togo underscores that investing in decent employment is not only a pathway to improved livelihoods—it is also a powerful driver of peace, inclusion and sustainable development.