Senegal
Feeding a growing population in Senegal - increasing at an annual rate of almost 3 percent - is a big challenge. Investment in agriculture over the past few decades has varied enormously by region, but everywhere, unpredictable seasonal rains, drought, poor farming practices and a host of other issues, from credit to land tenure, constrain development of a more sustainable and equitable agriculture.
As a result, Senegal relies on food imports to offset shortages. The demand for rice, for example, outpaces domestic production by about half. Though global food prices have come down from their 2008/09 peaks, they are still volatile, which can make food unaffordable for many poor Senegalese households, especially those faced with high levels of indebtedness or unemployment.
IPPM programme in Senegal
FAO has been carrying out IPPM activities in Senegal since 2001, supporting Government goals to improve agricultural productivity and competitiveness - a priority under the national programmes and strategies to promote rural development and combat poverty.
To this end, IPPM in Senegal strengthens capacity development through its farmer field school network, using activities to promote the production and use of certified seed and helping farmers to diversify their agriculture and livestock systems in order to boost productivity and results.
Additionally, the programme aims to increase farmers' understanding of the risks of chemical pesticides and encourage greater use of low-hazard, bio-pesticides and balanced fertilization methods. It strives to improve the capacity and financial resources of producer organizations, and to strengthen the role of women in agriculture – promoting their involvement in key decision-making. Of the 28 661 farmers trained since the programme's inception in Senegal, more than 45 percent have been women.
Furthermore, the IPPM programme in Senegal is collaborating with 24 Dimitra listeners' clubs, with an aim to improve information and knowledge exchange within and among rural communities. Focusing on men, women and youth, the initiative helps to contribute to socio-economic and political empowerment and strengthen food security. The listeners' clubs, which complement the farmer field schools, will be working closely with local radio stations to broadcast programmes on themes such as nutrition, good agriculture practices, land access, gender-based violence and health.
IPPM projects in Senegal
- All ACP Agricultural Commodities Programme, including cotton (regional)
- Initiative to boost rice production in West Africa (regional)
- Integrated Production and Protection Management in West Africa (regional)
- POPs reduction in Niger and Senegal Rivers (regional)
- Supporting competitiveness and sustainable intensification of African cotton sectors through capacity development on IPPM (regional)
- Food security in Senegal (national)
Partners
The IPPM programme in Senegal has worked closely with many partners since 2001, including: ENDA Tiers Monde, CERES Locustox; Ministère de l’Agriculture et de l’Equipement Rural; Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable; Oregon State University; producer organizations; and other partners.
FAO wishes to thank its resource partners for their continued support to the IPPM programme in Senegal, including: European Union; Fonds National de Recherche Agricole et Agroalimentaire; Global Environment Facility; Government of Canada; Government of the Kingdom of Spain; Government of the Netherlands; Government of Senegal; and United Nations Environment Programme.