The Senegalese government has signed a €134 million agreement with Italian company Bonifiche Ferraresi International to implement an ambitious agricultural project in the Casamance region.
This public-private partnership, supported by the European Union’s Mattei Plan, aims to transform the Sedhiou region into an integrated agricultural hub, focusing on developing agriculture, livestock, and fisheries across more than 10,000 hectares of land.
The project is a key component of the “Diomaye for Casamance” Plan, a government initiative aimed at enhancing food security and reducing reliance on food imports.
The Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, Dr. Mabouba Diagne, emphasized the urgency of this project, stating that Senegal currently spends 1,070 billion CFA francs annually on food imports. This project aims to address this challenge by increasing domestic agricultural production and creating sustainable food security.
The project is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs for young people and women in the region. The establishment of Community Agricultural Cooperatives (CACs) will empower local communities and improve their livelihoods. The project will contribute to the development of essential socio-economic infrastructure in the region.
This partnership marks a significant step towards achieving Senegal’s goal of food sovereignty and enhancing the country’s agricultural sector.
TE/Sf/fss/abj/APA