In 2006, the idea of creating a regional, locally-based research structure took shape among students from five West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Togo) who had completed their Master’s degrees in Sociology of Development and Adult Education (DEDA), specializing in Pedagogy of Social Change and Development (PCSD), at the University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, now known as Joseph Ki-Zerbo University. The structure was named the “Alternative Institute for Models and Methods of Economic and Social Development (IAMDES-International)” and was headquartered in Togo. It was agreed that each country should have its focal point… His vision was to conduct local scientific research on community development actions in West Africa.
In 2023, following a thorough analysis of the results of its various local research projects, IAMDES-Togo decided to redefine its coverage area, focusing it on the Lake Zowla region to concentrate its activities more effectively. To this end, two new orientations define its main objectives.
- Supporting indigenous communities to strengthen their skills and resilience in the face of biodiversity degradation and extreme poverty
- Local scientific research to evaluate the effectiveness of actions and continuously improve projects.
In May 2026, IAMDES TOGO was designated a Blue Community (see here).
See all Blue News from and about IAMDES TOGO here.
Visit IAMDES TOGO on their website.
Get the IAMDES ten-year program 2026-2035 (PDF English) – or French
