Senegal's economy heavily depends on the agriculture sector, which employs over 60% of the labor force. Consequently, agriculture plays a crucial role in Senegal's development policy. As part of its efforts, Senegal will begin implementing its National Food Sovereignty Strategy this year. The strategy aims to expand cultivated areas, enhance agricultural and horticultural production, and ultimately reduce the country's reliance on imports. However, achieving these goals is a challenging task that requires concerted efforts and effective implementation.
Horticultural development: some obstacles in the way
In order to succeed, the Senegalese horticultural sector faces multiple challenges. One general observation is the lack of knowledge regarding techniques for good and sustainable agricultural practices, including modern cultivation techniques both indoors and outdoors, as well as proper conservation methods for horticultural products.
Add to that (mostly young) producers face other challenges :
- low interest of young people in agriculture,
- youth unemployment,
- lack of entrepreneurship education and practical training,
- reluctance of banks and microfinance institutions to provide credit,
- low capacity and insufficient knowledge of extension officers, and
- weak organizational and management structure of cooperatives.
Bringing in Dutch business for win-win solutions
Challenges also bring about new opportunities, particularly for Dutch horticulture companies. There is significant potential to introduce technical and social solutions, and technology and expertise from the Netherlands can enhance the overall performance and sustainability of production, post-harvest management, and marketing. Dutch innovative technologies, when combined with local expertise, can enhance various aspects, such as the production and utilization of quality seeds, precision agriculture, water management, storage, and packaging. It is not surprising, therefore, that numerous Dutch companies are already engaged in activities in Sénégal.
HortiCôte: combining development and business
Through a new multiannual program dubbed "HortiCôte" the Dutch embassy wants to strengthen (business) horticultural cooperation in the Niayes region. The recently launched program aims to take advantage of the innovation and investment capacity of Dutch companies to strengthen cooperation while developing new avenues for fruitful, sustainable, and mutually profitable business relations. The program focuses on boosting vegetable production and storage through sustainable and agroecological solutions that fit with the often saline soils.
Source: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl