Senegal to Boost Agriculture With $58 Million Loan
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Despite the country being situated in the drought-prone Sahel and relying heavily on rain-fed agriculture (only 5% of land is irrigated), agriculture dominates Senegal's economy, employing 75% of the workforce. Most farmers produce for subsistence, growing millet, rice, corn, and sorghum, which are vulnerable to drought.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a $58 million loan (36.294 billion FCFA) to support Senegal's agricultural sector. The funds will be used for the second phase of a water resources project spanning nine regions.
According to the AfDB's Senegal country office director, the project includes:
The development of 9,000 hectares of land, including 1,950 hectares of salt land and 450 hectares of collective market gardening areas;
The rehabilitation and upgrading of 15 existing irrigation schemes;
The creation of numerous water points, including 10 solar-powered systems;
The development of marketing infrastructure.
The second phase of the project also provides 130 kilometres of pistes of production, of which a hundred to rehabilitate, the construction of 20 stores storage of 100 tons each and four centres-typing with cold rooms from 300 to 500 tons each.
