Twentieth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Agriculture is undoubtedly the driving sector of the Senegalese economy. It occupies an important place in public policies’ reference document entitled “Emerging Senegal Program” (PSE in French), for the period 2014-2035. The country had undeniable agricultural potential with vast exploitable lands stretching from the Senegal River valley to the natural region of Casamance. Going up the Baol Region known for its historic peanuts basin, value chains were visible through the cultivation of that cash crop, alongside processing industries, especially oil mills. However, the agricultural potential the country was once known of seems to have disappeared. With all the production capacity, Senegal is still nailed to the status of importer of food products, never having been able to manage to move to that of exporter. Rice self-sufficiency would have had such positive macroeconomic consequences by reducing imports. The rice sector mobilizes on average CFAF 150 billion in foreign exchange per year and represent 16% of the trade balance deficit. Given that most Senegalese farmers rely on the rain to work the land, this study goes in line with FAO’s (2020) recommendations to invest in water recovery and conservation in rainfed areas, in the modernization of irrigation systems, and the adoption of agronomic practices that would withstand drought. After thorough investigation and interviews with farmers’ associations and women cooperatives, this study demonstrates that sustainable access to water will give agriculture its former glory in rural Senegal.