Blitta Prefecture

Prefectures of Centrale

Blitta is a prefecture and town located in the Centrale Region of Togo. Blitta has an area of 2,973 miles and there is roughly 200 or more villages in the area.

History of Blitta

Blitta is created by the settlement of several ethnic groups in the colonial period. This settlement follows three phases and was retaken by French colonizers between 1924 and 1956. The migratory movement takes its paroxysm in the year 1925 and 1928, with the construction of the railway system. The railroad has been assembled in phases by beginning in the village Agbonou (Atakpamé) and ending in Blitta, which is 112 miles long. The area has developed from once only being known as Blitta-Gare to expanding into one of the biggest areas in the Central Region. With the incorporation of the four town villages, which consist of Blitta-village, Waragni, Doufouli, and Yaloumbè. Blitta is also crossed by the National Road, which has a length of about 260 miles from Lomé to Blitta. However, this road is not in the best condition. It has many potholes and is very narrow. It is the only road that goes from the main port in Lomé to the northern part of the region, so there are all types of traffic that travel on it ranging from 18-wheelers, motto’s, taxis cars, bicycles, and people traveling on foot. Safety is a priority while traveling on this road.

Demographic Evolution of the Population

Blitta has grown due to the successful settlement. Initially, Blitta-Gare and Blitta-carrefour together formed the commune. This area went from about 2,611 inhabitants in the first census in 1960 to 6,636 inhabitants for the second in 1981 and 26,095 inhabitants in 2011. The new communal perimeter, includes three other villages: Doufouli, Waragni, Yaloumbe. These territories have helped increase the population as of today to 30,065 inhabitants.

The Population

There are many different ethnic groups in Blitta. The majority of ethnic groups that reside here are Kabye, Agnanga, Losso, Tem, Tchamba, Logba, Bassar, Ewe, Djerma, Moba, Peulh, and Adja.

The Religion

Concerning the religion, the majority of the population is Christian and Muslim. However, some citizens still practice traditional African religion. Catholicism is one of the faiths practiced by Christians here. In Blitta, there are two cathedrals, one in Blitta-Gare and the other in Blitta-Carrefour. Protestantism is another very popular faith group in Blitta. Another faith that is practiced here is Jehovah Witness. It is one of the smaller communities here in Blitta, but they do exist. Islam is very prominent in Blitta among Kotokoli people.

The Festivals

Many festivals are performed in Blitta. The names of these celebrations are Kamou, Akpema, Kondona, Sintoudjandjagou, Kpatchama, and Boyila. Kamou is the traditional dance of the Kaybè people. This takes place during the period of harvest, which begins in December. Akpéma and Kondona are the festivals that are held for the youth. This ceremony is an initiation that every adolescent goes through to initiate them into adulthood. Sintoudjandjagou and Kpatchama rituals focus on being joyful of life and the blessing they have received throughout the year. Boyila has a literal meaning, which is to do something for tomorrow. This commemoration is a feast of yams. It takes place on the 18th of August every year. This ceremony announces the maturity of the yams. On that day, every native returns home to begin the celebration early the next morning. The drums are what announce that the feast has begun; it is called Atumpé drum call. The priest then pours Tchoukoutou, the local beer of Togo, and cooked yam with palm oil over the Gods. After eating Foufou, pounded yam the people go the main square to dance. These performances are meant to remind the community of their origin and their cultural values. They represent the true value of the indigenous community.

The Agriculture

The agriculture is the most important activity in Blitta because the majority of the population farms. They grow crops such as corn, beans, cassava, yams, millet, soy, cotton, and rice. Sometimes their stores are empty because of infertility of the land and rarity of rain. They use out dated farming tools such as hoes and machetes. The work is very difficult on the farmers. For the trade, women sell many things along the roadside such as gari, tapioca, groundnut, yams, charcoal, and cheese. All these activities allows them to save money to use to pay their children’s school fees.

The Climate

The climate of Blitta is tropical and semi humid with two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. From the beginning of April to the middle of October is the rainy season. Then at the end of October, early November the dry season begins until the following April.

The Rivers

The river Anié and other neighboring rivers such as You, Toulé, and Kpawa water the town of Blitta. All these rivers are characterized by seasonal variations. In the dry season the flow of the rivers are at zero. At this time the people of Blitta really suffer because the water level is so scarce.

The Infrastructure

There are two markets that are held in Blitta. One of the markets is in Blitta-Gare, which is opened every Friday. The other market is located in Blitta-Carrfour and is held every Sunday. In these markets you can find anything from yams, corn, beans, goats, chickens, to school supplies and clothes. It is Blitta’s shopping mall. Tchoukoutou, Togo’s local beer is also a big commodity sold here. Both markets are easily accessible no matter where you are in Blitta. For people needing a place to stay, there are couple of hotels in Blitta: Sapin, Boyila, le balafon, le Campement... There is also a cultural center in Blitta-Gare that holds conferences and most of the town’s festivals.

Communication

Blitta has only one way to announce information, The Radio Etincèle. This radio station was created in 2001 and is on the air everyday from 5 o’clock in the morning to 10 o’clock in the evening. It is located in Blitta-Gare, across from the high school, Lycée de Blitta.

The Education

Blitta is a town of many schools that still need improvement to their education system. This being said there are not enough schools for the children to attend to lower class sizes, which would advance their educational experience. There is one senior high school called Lyceé de Blitta, three secondary schools, two of which are in Blitta-Gare, making it difficult for Blitta-Carrfour children to attend.

Health Facilities

There are two hospitals in this region. The main hospital is located in Blitta-Gare. This facility can provide many services to the community. There is a smaller clinic located in Blitta-Carrfour. Many technical services cannot be handled here but if the situation is not too serious, this dispensary provides great care.

Safety

Blitta is a very safe community because it is extremely peaceful and quiet town. There are many soldiers, policeman, and National Guard officers that help enforce the laws as well. People who visit the region of Blitta will feel at easy and comfortable here.

See also

• Railway stations in Togo