Influence of the rural electrification program on food security in Togo

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the rural electrification program on food security in Togo. To achieve this objective, micro-econometrics methods for impact evaluation, along with Propensity Score Matching techniques, are employed. The study examines various outcomes, including production levels, household consumption expenditures, access to basic social services, rural households’ consumption behaviors, and poverty levels. The study utilizes data from the 2020 Living Standards Measurement Survey (LSMS) conducted in 2018 in Togo. The findings reveal that the rural electrification program positively influences both production levels and household consumption expenditures. It facilitates access to health and educational services and essential product outlets through their expansion and/or establishment, enhancing the quality of these basic social services. Regarding consumption behavior, households benefiting from the rural electrification program engage in fewer food reduction strategies (such as reducing meal quantities or the number of daily meals). Ultimately, access to electricity in rural areas significantly reduces poverty levels. In conclusion, the rural electrification program has played a crucial role in alleviating food insecurity in Togo.