Sunday, 30 March 2025,
Senegal is launching a $6 million project to strengthen agricultural production in the Ziguinchor region. Funded by international partners, this initiative aims to improve food security and farmers’ resilience while stimulating the local economy.
A $6 million agricultural project has officially been launched in Ziguinchor, southern Senegal, to modernize farming practices and combat food insecurity.
This region is focusing on developing key sectors such as market gardening, rice cultivation, and cashew nuts. The goal is to increase yields, diversify producers’ incomes, and strengthen their adaptation to climate change.
Coordinated by the Senegalese government with the support of international partners (World Bank, EU, AFD), the project includes the rehabilitation of the Affiniam dam to maximize its agricultural potential and the development of 4.500 hectares of agricultural land mainly for rice cultivation.
It also includes a component for access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and financing through cooperatives. This project is expected to benefit more than 40.000 people in the Ziguinchor region.
In particular, it is expected that paddy rice production will increase by 6.000 tonnes per year, as well as the development of 1.500 hectares of off-season market gardening crops in the long term.
Beyond productivity, the project is part of the national emergency agricultural recovery program (PDAS), which aims to reduce rice imports and create rural jobs, particularly for young people. Local stakeholders also emphasize the importance of preserving soil and water resources, which are threatened by salinization and deforestation.