From March 29 to April 2, 2022, agricultural entrepreneurs will present their productions at the African Memorial Square in Dakar.
Under a tent erected in the heart of this monument, on the corniche of Dakar, more than fifty farmers from five regions of Senegal exhibit their products: fresh vegetables, natural or pre-cooked cereals, juices, organic syrups, soaps and natural oils adorn the stalls.
All of them came to the event in the hope of boosting their business. This is the case of the company Dandou, specialized in the processing and sale of cereals. “Through this fair, we hope to gain visibility, increase our sales and establish partnerships,” explained Maïmouna Seck, the sales manager.
A little further on, Ousmane Gningue, in his late thirties, is patiently waiting for potential customers behind large baskets filled with onions, eggplant and okra. According to the General Secretary of the Economic Interest Grouping of Market Gardeners of Batal (Center), this fair is a godsend. “This is the first time we participate in this kind of activity. We take advantage of it to promote our products,” he said.
In addition to creating a collaborative dynamic between agricultural actors to facilitate their access to the market and improve their income, this event is positioned as a platform for the promotion and development of agricultural products of the Senegalese groundnut basin, which extends from Thies (West) to Kaolack (Center).
The start-up Club Thiossane wants to contribute to the achievement of this goal by serving as an intermediary between producers and consumers. “Our particularity is that we get most of our products fresh from the field or directly from the farmers for maximum freshness and quality control. Thus, we pay them better and give them more visibility on market opportunities,” clarified Fara Germain Gomis, the customer experience manager.
The agripreneurs’ fair is an initiative that falls within the framework of the implementation of the Support Project for the Reduction of Rural Emigration in the Groundnut Basin (PARERBA) funded by the European Union (EU).
“Through this fair, we have the opportunity to promote the products of Senegalese agriculture through a cuisine that highlights its potential for taste and positive effects on health, but also as an alternative to bad eating habits that cause major public health problems,” said Stephane Devot, representative of the EU Ambassador to Senegal, Irene Mingasson, at the launch of the fair this Tuesday.
The agripreneurs fair is four days of gathering, sharing and reflection on important themes of the agricultural value chain. These are horticulture, agri-food processing, agricultural mechanization and maintenance, and local gastronomy.
“Behind each stand, there are women, young people and men who embody success, reminding us once again that success here is possible,” said Mr. Devot.
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