Southern Togo Research Articles

Healthcare Professionals' Perception of the Link Between Climate Variability and Respiratory Diseases in Northern and Southern Togo: A Case Study of Asthma in Savanah Region and Grand-Lome

Healthcare Professionals' Perception of the Link Between Climate Variability and Respiratory Diseases in Northern and Southern Togo: A Case Study of Asthma in Savanah Region and Grand-Lome

Exploring farmer choices in Southern Togo: Utilizing a strategy game to understand decision-making in agricultural practices

CONTEXTAgriculture plays a vital role in African countries, driving economic growth, employment, and non-agricultural sector improvements. However, persistent food insecurity and poverty among smallholder families raise concerns. Land fragmentation compounds these issues, limiting agricultural productivity and pushing farmers towards off-farm activities, despite Africa's potential agricultural markets. OBJECTIVEThe study's focus is Donomadé, a remote village in southern Togo. This study pursues a dual objective. Firstly, it investigates how household characteristics, including family size and resource availability, influence farmers' resource management decisions. Secondly, the research employs serious games to comprehend farmers' livelihood strategy choices within constrained real-world-like conditions. METHODSThe iterative and participatory Companion Modelling (ComMod) approach was utilized for the co-design and co-development of a serious game. This involved close collaboration with a local research team from the University of Lomé, a local NGO, and Donomadé village farmers. Various farming systems were characterized, and collective insights into Donomadé's agricultural dynamics were gathered through surveys, interviews, and workshops. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSRegardless of their in-game roles, farmers prioritize fulfilling basic family needs, such as food security and education instead of investing in agriculture. The study underscores the significance of household composition and resource availability when designing technology interventions or support mechanisms for farmers. Aligning interventions with farmers' overarching goals and challenges can enhance technology adoption. Furthermore, addressing food security remains crucial for sustainable development, as it not only improves human welfare and alleviates hunger but also forms the foundation for comprehensive solutions in the face of climate change, resource constraints, and population growth. SIGNIFICANCEThis research highlights that heavy investment in agriculture is not the priority for many farmers in southern Togo, despite it being their main source of sustenance and income. Addressing immediate family needs, especially food security, education, and housing, takes precedence over long-term agricultural investments. Given the persistent challenge of food security amidst global uncertainties, addressing these priorities is paramount to stimulate more significant interest in agricultural investment.

Exposure to Trace Elements Through <i>Rauwolfia vomitoria</i> and <i>Argemone Mexicana,</i> Two Medicinal Plants at Hahotoé-Kpogamé, a Polluted Area in Southern Togo

Background: Herbal drugs and mineral elements are well established for their therapeutic benefits against diseases and nutritional importance in human health. Medicinal plants contain toxic metabolites which, once consumed, become a formidable source of disease. Accumulation of toxic industrial effluents in soil, air and water is continuously increasing due to fast urbanization and intensive environmental pollution. Elements like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), uranium (U), arsenic (As) which are not used by the plants directly but accumulate in the plants are detrimental to human health when consumed. This study aims to investigate the level of trace elements through the use of two medicinal plants in a polluted area in southern Togo. The trace elements analysis in the powder of the <i>Rauwolfia vomitoria</i> and <i>Argemone Mexicana</i> leaves, was carried out by the method and protocol described by Acme Laboratory using PerkinElmer ELAN 9000 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP- MS). The result of trace elements concentrations (ppm) ranges revealed, as follows: Cadmium (0.8-1.5), Antimony (0.17-0.9), Arsenic (10.85-15.25), Lead (11.31-13.33), Iron (21.02-25.13), Manganese (84.5-140), Calcium (22.39-31.81), Zinc (73.1-82.6), Uranium (0.01-0.04) and Thorium (0.15-1.05) are significantly higher than the World Health Organization maximum permissible limit. These results suggested that the leaves of the two medicinal plants have contaminated by the trace elements. More toxicological activities need to be conduct in the area to find out the toxicity level of contaminants in herbal raw materials in the area.

Reproduction and Milk Production Performance of Saanen Dairy Goat in Southern Togo (West Africa)

Reproduction and Milk Production Performance of Saanen Dairy Goat in Southern Togo (West Africa)

Zinc biofortified maize (Zea mays L.) grain production strategy on the rhodic Ferralsol of Southern Togo

Zinc biofortified maize (Zea mays L.) grain production strategy on the rhodic Ferralsol of Southern Togo

Prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria infection in children under two years of age in southern Togo prior to perennial malaria chemoprevention implementation

BackgroundMalaria remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent malaria in children living in moderate-to-high malaria transmission areas, the World Health Organization has recommended perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC). Prior to piloting PMC implementation in southern Togo, a household survey was conducted to estimate malaria infection prevalence in children under 2 years of age (U2).MethodsA cross-sectional community-based household survey was conducted in the Haho district in the Togo Plateaux region. A three-stage random sampling method was used to select study participants aged 10–23 months whose caretakers gave informed consent. The prevalence of Plasmodium infection, defined as a positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT), was estimated with 95% confidence interval (CI). Clinical malaria was defined as having a positive RDT plus fever (≥ 37.5 °C) or history of fever in the last 24 h. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to assess the child’s, caretaker’s, and household’s factors associated with malaria infection.ResultsA total of 685 children were included in the survey conducted January–February in 2022 (dry season). Median age was 17 months (interquartile range: 13–21). About 80% of the children slept under a bed net the night before the interview. Malaria infection prevalence was 32.1% (95% CI 27.7–37.0) with significant area variation (cluster range: 0.0–73.3). Prevalence of clinical malaria was 15.4% (95% CI 12.2–19.2). Children whose caretakers were animist (aOR: 1.71, 95% CI 1.19–2.46) and those living in mother-headed households (aOR: 2.39, 95% CI 1.43–3.99) were more likely to have a positive RDT. Living more than 5 km away from the nearest health facility (aOR: 1.60, 95% CI 1.04–2.44) and presence of two or more under-5-years children in the household (aOR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.01–2.07) were also associated with increased risk of infection.ConclusionOne-third of the children U2 who participated in this survey had malaria infection, thus PMC could be a promising strategy to reduce malaria burden in young children in Plateaux region. Reinforcement of outreach services and targeting the poorest households should be prioritized to reduce the inequity in malaria prevention in children exposed to the infection.

Impact of Climate Variability on Maize Yields in Southern Togo (Tabligbo)

Impact of Climate Variability on Maize Yields in Southern Togo (Tabligbo)

Evaluation of the Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Gneiss from Southern Togo from Non-Destructive Tests

The mechanical and physical characteristics of rocks hold significant importance across various realms of research and engineering, particularly in the field of Civil Engineering. The utilization of rocks as construction materials hinges on several of their mechanical traits (Los Angeles, Micro Deval under water presence, Young's Modulus, Compression Strength) as well as physical attributes (homogeneity, porosity, etc.). Tests for determining certain of these characteristics are expensive, challenging, and time-consuming. Among these attributes, mention can be made of determining compression strength, which necessitates substantial equipment for proper sample preparation. This renders the process very costly, laborious, and leads to the complete destruction of samples during experimental measurements. Our objective in this study is to assess the uniaxial compression strength of gneiss from southern Togo using non-destructive testing. This would help mitigate the relatively high costs associated with this test. To address this issue, the development of new methods for determining this test using non-destructive testing approaches is necessary. Among the most commonly used reference techniques for characterizing materials and determining their physical and mechanical properties are non-destructive evaluation techniques based on ultrasonic wave propagation and rebound hammer testing. The adopted methodological approach involves the collection of rock samples (amphibole and biotite gneiss) from 33 sites in southern Togo, their proper sampling, and the execution of various tests on the obtained samples. The obtained results have facilitated the examination of several approaches, notably the ANFIS model (Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System) and the MLR model (Multiple Linear Regression), for predicting the uniaxial compression strength value based on the sclerometer index and the ultrasonic wave propagation velocity (in parallel or perpendicular orientation to the foliations). It emerges from the ANFIS model, combining ultrasonic waves in the perpendicular orientation to the foliations and the sclerometer index, that the uniaxial compression strength can be predicted with an R² of 0.9884, an RMSE of 2.9271, a MAPE of 1.160, and a VAF of 98.83. In comparison, the MLR model yields an R² of 0.9832, an RMSE of 3.686, a MAPE of 1.402, and a VAF of 98.22. The derived ANFIS models can be utilized to estimate the uniaxial compression strength of gneiss in Togo and beyond. Keywords: Gneiss, Non-destructive Testing, Sclerometer Index, Ultrasonic, Compression Strength.

Seasonal variations and other changes in the geographical distributions of different cytospecies of the Simulium damnosum complex (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Togo and Benin

Simulium damnosum s.l., the most important vector of onchocerciasis in Africa, is a complex of sibling species described on the basis of differences in their larval polytene chromosomes. These (cyto) species differ in their geographical distributions, ecologies and epidemiological roles. In Togo and Benin, distributional changes have been recorded as a consequence of vector control and environmental changes (e.g. creation of dams, deforestation), with potential epidemiological consequences. We review the distribution of cytospecies in Togo and Benin and report changes observed from 1975 to 2018. The elimination of the Djodji form of S. sanctipauli in south-western Togo in 1988 seems to have had no long-term effects on the distribution of the other cytospecies, despite an initial surge by S. yahense. Although we report a general tendency for long-term stability in most cytospecies’ distributions, we also assess how the cytospecies’ geographical distributions have fluctuated and how they vary with the seasons. In addition to seasonal expansions of geographical ranges by all species except S. yahense, there are seasonal variations in the relative abundances of cytospecies within a year. In the lower Mono river, the Beffa form of S. soubrense predominates in the dry season but is replaced as the dominant taxon in the rainy season by S. damnosum s.str. Deforestation was previously implicated in an increase of savanna cytospecies in southern Togo (1975–1997), but our data had little power to support (or refute) suggestions of a continuing increase, partly because of a lack of recent sampling. In contrast, the construction of dams and other environmental changes including climate change seem to be leading to decreases in the populations of S. damnosum s.l. in Togo and Benin. If so, combined with the disappearance of the Djodji form of S. sanctipauli, a potent vector, plus historic vector control actions and community directed treatments with ivermectin, onchocerciasis transmission in Togo and Benin is much reduced compared with the situation in 1975.

Influence of the calving period on the milk productivity of first calves in southern Togo

Influence of the calving period on the milk productivity of first calves in southern Togo

Agricultural credit supply and the performance of microfinance institutions in southern Togo

The problem of underfinancing in the agricultural sector has always been a subject of consideration for governments. Thus, for decades, programs have been implemented to eradicate poverty and facilitate access to financial services for the most disadvantaged segments of the population, represented mainly by the rural population. Among these programs, microfinance holds a predominant place. However, the latter is increasingly moving away from the agricultural sector, depending on its assessment of the risky nature of agricultural investments. This study sought to analyze the effect of agricultural credit supply on the performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs). Data from the two largest microfinance institutions (FUCEC-Togo and WAGES) were analyzed. The linear regression model was used for the analysis. The results show that the supply of agricultural credit has a negative impact on financial performance ratios of both MFIs in this study. The study recommended that microfinance institutions improve their agricultural financial services to adapt them to the needs of rural populations. The introduction of financial products should be adapted to the needs of producers and compatible with the profits of microfinance structures.

Analysis of rice farmers access to agricultural credit and profitability in South Togo

Purpose- Access to suitable production means is required for producers to improve their profitability. As a result, agricultural financing appears to be a critical tool for attaining this goal. Various programs and donors have been attempting for decades to put together initiatives that would make it easier for the most disadvantaged populations, including the primarily agricultural rural world, to access sources of financing. Due to poor performance, the majority of these programs have failed. This study aims to investigate the determinants of credit access and how loans affect rice farm profitability. Methodology - Data for this study were collected from 102 producers living in the two biggest paddy production zones in southern Togo. The treatment effect model was used to examine the data collected through the survey investigation. Findings- Gender, asset type, producer experience, access to credit information, primary occupation, and land ownership status of the producer are all factors in determining rice growers' access to credit. Gender, producer experience, access to credit information, and land ownership status all have a beneficial impact on credit availability. However, asset type and the producer's main occupation have a negative impact. It also demonstrates that whether rice farms have access to loans has little bearing on their profitability. On the other hand, the average treatment impact of credit access is statistically significant. It also shows that the farmer's degree of education, expertise in the field, and lastly, the size of rice field farmed are the most important elements affecting the profitability of rice fields. Conclusion- The findings have policy implications, increasing the channels for disseminating credible information about funding sources, access procedures and the institutions in charge of these funding sources. Integrating the enhancement of farmers' educational levels into rural support initiatives, and the extension of major agricultural landscaping works undertaken by the government to other areas suitable for rice cultivation. Keywords: Agricultural credit, rice production, Probit-2SLS model, Togo. JEL Codes: C26, D14, Q14

Evaluation of the Effect of Variable Fertilization Formulas on the Severity of Viral Diseases of Five Tomato Cultivars in Southern Togo Using a Linear Model

One of the solution approaches to tomato viral diseases is undoubtedly the cultivation of tolerant cultivars. However, the environment in which these tomatoes are grown must allow them to favorably express their resistance to viruses. The soil nutrients brought or not are part of this environment. The objective of this study is to find ways and means from fertilization to create favorable conditions for the resistance of tomato cultivars to viruses. To do this, two experiments were conducted at the agronomic experiment station of the University of Lomé during the long rainy seasons of 2019 and 2020 under five tomato cultivars (Caraïbo, Mongal-F1, Petomech, Tropimech and Adakamenou) under the conditions of five fertilization formulas, T0 (0 fertilizer), T1 (200 kg NPK 15 15 15 and 100 kg urea 46% ha-1), T2 (10 t cattle manure ha-1), T3 [ (T1+T2)/2] and T4 (300 kg NPK 15 15 15, 67 kg urea 46% ha-1 and 5 t ha-1 of cattle manure). The split-plot design was used where the fertilizers were in main plots and the cultivars in sub-plots. The linear regression of virus severities observed during the experiment according to a rating scale from 1 to 5 made it possible to describe the behavior of the cultivars. The regression's lines slopes varied from 10.55% to 43.72% under the unfertilized plants; from 2.92% to 12.4% under fertilized Caraïbo plants; from 6.70% to 9.80% under fertilized Mongal-F1 plants; from 26.77% to 49.46% under fertilized Petomech plants; from 48.77% to 63.55% under fertilized Tropimech plants and from 5.22% to 16.76% under fertilized Adakamenou plants. It follows that the behavior of a tomato cultivar with respect to viruses differs according to the fertilization formula that has been given to it and that taking fertilization into account would be essential in the management plans for tomato viruses.

Flora and Typology of Wetlands of Haho River Watershed, Togo

Wetlands are recognized as hotspots of biodiversity and providers of several ecosystem services, including water purification, sediment stabilization, and flood, erosion, and climate regulation. This article aims to investigate the floristic diversity of the wetlands the Haho River watershed in southern Togo. Spatial data from Astrium service and Google Earth were collected, and phytosociological data were classified following the Braun–Blanquet approach. The findings indicate that 72 families in total have evolved in this environment, with Poaceae (14.95%) and Fabaceae (11.98%) dominating. The number of species was estimated to be 323; the three species that were most prevalent in the wetland’s habitats were Elaeis guineensis Jacq (2.44%), Panicum maximum Jacq (2.29%), and Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir) H. B. K. (1.71%). The most prevalent and abundant life forms in these moist habitats were micro-phanerophytes (34.70%) and therophytes (23.50%). However, the most common and abundant chorological categories included pantropical (31.05%) and Guinean-Congolese species (21.46%). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to examine how abiotic parameters, including depth/degree of immersion, influence the distribution of plant species in a wetland landscape. This research has the potential to be developed into a more robust action study for wetland classification and recognition.

Opportunistic foraging strategy of rainbow lizards at a seaside resort in Togo

AbstractRainbow lizards (Agama agama) are common in suburban areas throughout Africa, and have an opportunistic foraging strategy, with arthropods being the main prey source. In a coastal resort in southern Togo, West Africa, several individuals in a population were observed while feeding regularly upon non‐natural human‐made food (pizza) and showing a clear preference for a given type of food versus others that were offered (‘four cheeses’ being the preferred one). The fact that all monitored individuals fed upon a same type of pizza suggests that they may have some chemical cues attracting them.

Insecticide resistance intensity and efficacy of synergists with pyrethroids in Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) from Southern Togo

BackgroundThis study was designed to provide insecticide resistance data for decision-making in terms of resistance management plans in Togo.MethodsThe susceptibility status of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) to insecticides used in public health was assessed using the WHO tube test protocol. Pyrethroid resistance intensity bioassays were performed following the CDC bottle test protocol. The activity of detoxification enzymes was tested using the synergists piperonyl butoxide, S.S.S-tributlyphosphorotrithioate and ethacrinic acid. Species-specific identification of An. gambiae s.l. and kdr mutation genotyping were performed using PCR techniques.ResultsLocal populations of An. gambiae s.l. showed full susceptibility to pirimiphos methyl at Lomé, Kovié, Anié, and Kpèlè Toutou. At Baguida, mortality was 90%, indicating possible resistance to pirimiphos methyl. Resistance was recorded to DDT, bendiocarb, and propoxur at all sites. A high intensity of pyrethroid resistance was recorded and the detoxification enzymes contributing to resistance were oxidases, esterases, and glutathione-s-transferases based on the synergist tests. Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) and Anopheles coluzzii were the main species identified. High kdr L1014F and low kdr L1014S allele frequencies were detected at all localities.ConclusionThis study suggests the need to reinforce current insecticide-based malaria control interventions (IRS and LLINs) with complementary tools.

Effect of Iron Foliar Application on Maize Grain Yield and Iron Concentration in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grain on the Ferralsols of Southern Togo

With the aim of simultaneously improving maize grain productivity and nutritional value towards enhancing food security and fight against hidden hunger, a 2-year experiment (2020-2021) was carried out at the University of Lomé Agronomic Experiment Station. The experimental design was a split-plot with three replicates. Four maize varieties: Ikenne, Tzee, Sotubaka and Sammaz 52 and three iron application rates including a control (no iron application–Fe0), 7.50 litters ha-1 (Fe45) and 10 litters ha-1 of Feramin (Fe60) were the studied factors. Maize grain yield and grain Fe concentration were determined. Results showed that, on 2-year average basis, the highest maize grain yields under Ikenne (3.32±0.08 t ha-1) Tzee (2.49±0.10 t ha-1), Soubaka (4.03±0.10 t ha-1) and Sammaz 52 (3.85±0.19 t ha-1) was obtained with Fe60. Globaly, yield obtained under Fe60 was higher than those under Fe0 and Fe45 by 26 and 4% respectively. For the two years of study, the highest Fe concentrations were obtained in Ikenne and Tzee grains while the lowest were obtained in the first year in Sotubaka grains(55.21±2.96 mg kg-1) and in the second year in Sammaz 52 grains (41.66±2.19 mg kg-1). On 2-year average basis, the Fe concentration in Ikenne grains was higher than those in Tzee, Sotubaka and Sammaz 52 grains by 8.91; 13.92 and 19.27%, respectively. On this same basis, the highest grain Fe concentrations were obtained under the four varieties with Fe60. Globally, grain Fe concentration under Fe60 was higher than those under Fe0 and Fe45 by 141.89 and 20.31% respectively.

Assessing farm biosecurity and farmers' knowledge and practices concerning antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in poultry and pig farms in Southern Togo.

Background and Aim:Several factors contribute to the unusual incidence of antibiotic resistance, which is now a primary public health concern. However, failure in managing preventive and therapeutic antibiotic use on farms is one of the most crucial factors. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the biosecurity of farms, farmers’ competence, and practices related to antibiotics and their resistance in poultry and pig rearing in Togo.Materials and Methods:Through a cross-sectional survey, 121 commercial poultry farmers and 97 commercial pig farmers were questioned to evaluate the biosecurity of farms and farmers’ competence and practices related to antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Descriptive analyses, including the evaluation of proportions, were carried out. In addition, results from qualitative factors were evaluated in a defined grid and totaled up to assess cleanliness measures, awareness, and behavior regarding antibiotics and their resistance.Results:The results demonstrated that most farmers working on poultry farms had a university education, while most working on pig farms had secondary education. Most poultry (69%) and pig (44%) farms were of small sizes (<1000 animals in poultry and <10 animals in pig farming). The footbaths were used in just 51% of poultry farms and 4% of pig farms, respectively, with 37% and 82% of poultry and pig farms having inadequate levels of hygiene. In poultry farms, respiratory issues and periodic decline in egg-laying were the main problems. Simultaneously, skin disorders (scabies) and plagues (African swine fever) were the primary health constraints in pig farming. Tetracycline is the most commonly used antibiotic by farmers. However, in poultry and pig farms, 21% and 67% of farmers were unaware of antibiotics. In addition, 39% and 57% were unaware of antibiotic resistance. Poultry and pig farmers’ competence were substantially linked to their education level. Poultry farmers demonstrated better practices, including procuring antibiotics based on veterinary prescriptions (63%) and they knew where antibiotics should be bought (90%). Nevertheless, 43% of farmers asserted unpleasant activities – no application for laboratory testing (93%) and use of antibiotics for prevention (82%). In pig farming, most farmers (69%) reported inadequate incidents of the use of antibiotics.Conclusion:This study identified a crucial non-compliance with biosecurity measures and good practices toward antibiotic use on many farms. Therefore, training of farmers is mandatory for safe livestock products.

Climatic Conditions and Agricultural Production in Lower Zio Valley (Southern Togo)

This study was carried out in the lower Zio valley, an area located between a latitude of 6.13o and 6.20°N and a longitude of 1.04° and 1.32°E. This zone has increasingly undergone significant climate change in recent decades. The main consequence of this climatic phenomenon is the decline in the standard of living of rural communities whose main economic activity is agriculture. This research aims not only at investigating the variations that characterize the climate but also at analyzing the impact on agricultural production at the scale of the research site. The data of certain climatic parameters such as Rainfall, temperature and evapotranspiration from the period 1981-2020 were used in order to achieve the objective of the study. The Standardized Precipitation Indices (SPI), the Martonne aridity indices, the Lamb index and the Pettit test are the statistical treatments used to describe the hydro-climatic manifestations of the research area. The results from the various statistical processing of climate data show that the lower Zio valley is undergoing more or less significant climate changes with an upward trend in cumulative rainfall. The standardized index made it possible to highlight the rainfall variations characterized by the alternation of surplus and deficit years. Indeed, the years of increased rainfall are for example: 1999 with 30.27% water surplus; 2010 with 27.2% and 2017 with 22.99%. On the other hand, some of the deficit years are 1983 with 34.70% of deficits; 1992 with -36.98% and 2000 with -34.70%. In addition, the low temperature differences are 1.05°C in Lomé and 0.59°C in Tabligbo. In the end, all these climatic phenomena disrupt the normal course of crop development cycles and provoke lower agricultural yields.

Nutritional and hygienic quality of meals served in school canteens in Togo: A cross-sectional study.

School feeding is important in terms of nutrition, as it contributes to the prevention of malnutrition, especially in low-income countries. However, the nutritional and hygienic quality of meals served at schools in several countries is rarely examined. We aimed to assess the quality of meals served in school canteens in Togo. We designed a descriptive cross-sectional study and collected data from eight school canteens located in Southern Togo. Hygiene compliance and potential sources of food contamination in the canteens were assessed using the 5 M approach, which evaluates the performance of hygiene parameters at each “M" i.e., medium (cooking environment), raw material (staples), cooking material (kitchenware), method (cooking) and manipulator (cooks) in the food preparation environment. Foods were sampled in each school and analysed for microbiological (presence of Salmonella, total coliforms, and staphylococci) and nutritional (nutrient content) quality. The 5 M analysis revealed significant hygienic violations by the food preparators, as well as poor preparation conditions and utilization of low-quality raw materials in all the school canteens. Out of the 30 meal samples collected, 10 were of poor microbiological quality with the presence of total coliforms and staphylococci exceeding established limits of 10 and 100 cfu/g in 30 and 6.6% of the meals, respectively. However, none of the meals was contaminated by Salmonella spp. Nutritional analysis revealed that none of the meals served respected the nutritional balance, especially for contents in calcium, and vitamins A and C. Nonetheless, the iron content complied with the recommendations for children aged 9–13 years. Our analyses showed that several routes of contamination exist for the meals consumed in school canteens in Togo. Also, the nutritional quality of the ready-to-eat foods served at school canteens needs to be improved, particularly with the inclusion in the diet of fruits and vegetables to cover the micronutrient requirements.