🌍 Ecovillage Centre des Hommes (ECDH)

A living model of ecological, social and economic transition in Togo

✨ vision:

To create a place of learning, living and sustainable production where humans and nature coexist in harmony.

The Ecovillage Centre des Hommes aims to become a pioneering hub in West Africa. In addition, it fosters a transition towards a resilient, ecological, and inclusive society. Therefore, below, you can explore a panoramic view of the project site.

🌱 Our mission

• In addition, we educate and train individuals in sustainable practices, including permaculture, eco-building and upcycling, green building, water management, recycling, and social entrepreneurship.

• And also, we empower local communities through agroecology, handicrafts, renewable energy, beekeeping, as well as fish and mushroom farming.

• We create economic opportunities through social enterprises by processing locally harvested agricultural products and fruits into dried goods. Additionally, we transform plants into superfoods, dried leaves, natural cosmetics, essential and culinary oils, as well as handicrafts, under the brand TogoSunny.
• Foster community living through cultural exchange, volunteer hosting and international cooperation.

🏞️ Our achievements

1. Education and training

• Organized trainings in permaculture, including principles, compost, recycling, and eco-construction.

• participatory project was carried out by national and international volunteers on the ECDH land. Activities included tree planting and raising awareness on sustainable living. Moreover, volunteers supported the renovation of school buildings and provided school support by teaching children to improve their French and English.

• In addition, we taught schoolchildren through workshops how to create batik art.

• We taught schoolchildren to plant useful species, such as medicinal and fruit trees. As a result, they can use them when sick or hungry.

• We raised awareness among schoolchildren about plastic waste. Consequently, they learned to transform bottles and bags into useful artworks.

• Furthermore, we participated in several Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) programs across Africa, including Kenya and Ghana.

🏞️ More of our achievements

2. Local products and social economy

• Furthermore, we are developing the TogoSunny brand, featuring dried fruits grown by local farmers and produced by Allbio-Togo in collaboration with Centre des Hommes. In addition, the brand includes local snacks, dried leaf teas, and handicrafts processed by the community.

• Additionally, we have partnered with the Monks of Danyi Zogbegan to enrich our product catalogue.

• We have partnered with the Ghana Permaculture Institute, which shares the same interests as Centre des Hommes. Furthermore, this collaboration allows us to offer a mix of natural cosmetics.

• We have established partnerships with artist communities in Ghana, Mali, and Niger, who cooperate with Centre des Hommes. Moreover, this collaboration helps diversify the handicrafts in our catalogue.

3. Ongoing projects in ECDH project

• The permaculture design of the project land has started; however, it is not yet finalized.

• In addition, we focus on water management, including rain and river water, and the implementation of sustainable systems.

• Also, we are preparing a crowdfunding campaign to complete the full permaculture design. Furthermore, we plan to build canopy and wooden bridges to connect the ecovillage spaces and construct a storage building for tools.

🤝 Our partners and collaborations

Firstly, local farmers contribute to agroecology and food production.

In addition, ecovillages and GEN Africa provide opportunities for learning, sharing, and innovation.

Moreover, NGOs and local associations support youth, women, and community development.

Furthermore, local authorities offer recognition and support.

Additionally, the Monks of Danyi contribute unique artisanal and spiritual products.

Similarly, GPI-Ghana collaborates on natural cosmetics based on plant products.

Finally, communities of artists from Mali, Ghana, and Niger work in collaboration with Centre des Hommes.

🌿 Expected Impact

• Firstly, Food autonomy and heightened awareness through permaculture.

• In addition, creation of green jobs and social enterprises.

• Also, transmission of ecological knowledge, skill to youth and communities.

• Moreover, networking with other African and international ecovillages.

• Finally, contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

💡 How to Support

You can contribute to the realization of the Ecovillage Centre des Hommes:

• By joining our trainings and workshops.
• By participating as a volunteer.
• By supporting our crowdfunding campaigns.
• By becoming a partner or donor.

🌳 Make a donation 🍍