Sustainably revitalizing horticulture in the Niayes region in Senegal
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.
HortiCôte: 3 key projects, 4 levers for change
The program consists of seven pillars that have been established based on local needs for horticultural development. The first three pillars are three 'impact cluster' projects that form the foundation of the program.
- A. Project "Horti Senegal": Approximately 3,000 small producers in the Niayes area will receive three years of training in good agricultural practices, new sustainable horticultural technologies, and profitable business practices. A horticultural demonstration and training center was established. The project was launched in March 2023.
- B. Project "Onion Farming for the Future": The goal of this project is to create a sustainable and climate-resilient onion value chain in the Niayes. Training will be conducted at a new Demonstration, Training, and Research Center (CRTD) in Kayar.
- C. Project "C": This is an innovative project on onion storage (more information to follow).
The remaining four pillars represent the levers of change towards a sustainable horticultural sector:
- D. Entrepreneurship and youth employment
- E. Agroecology
- F. Digitalization
- G. Communication on cooperation and win-win business opportunities in the Netherlands and Senegal.
Get involved: join us on 29 February in The Hague
Are you a Dutch organization and want to get involved in the horticultural sector in Senegal? Come and join us during the business opportunities seminar on 29 February in The Hague. The seminar will include presentations on a new guide on Doing Business in Senegal and a study on opportunities to boost agroecology. For more information please contact:
Renate Douwes
Hanneke van Hoof
For more information about the HortiCôte program please contact:
Viviane Faye, Agricultural Advisor, Dakar Senegal
