The project, known as PROVALE CV-2, focuses on optimizing the use of surface and groundwater resources to enhance agricultural productivity. It aims to develop 9,000 hectares of land, including saline soils and market garden areas, and revamp existing irrigated zones. Additionally, the project will install solar-powered water sources and drinking water systems, significantly improving water accessibility for both agriculture and livestock.
Empowering Agripreneurs and Enhancing Infrastructure
Building on the success of the project's first phase, the second phase will address new challenges by supporting young and female agripreneurs. This includes the construction of 1,250 farms and the establishment of agricultural mechanization centers, multifunctional platforms, and solar-powered processing units. The project also plans to construct marketing infrastructure, including storage facilities and consolidation centers with cold rooms, to facilitate better market access for farmers.
Regional Impact and Future Prospects
The project spans nine administrative regions: Louga, Thiès, Kaolack, Fatick, Kaffrine, Diourbel, Ziguinchor, Sédhiou, and Kolda. Louga, a new addition to the project, shares similar agro-climatic and socio-economic vulnerabilities with the other regions. The initiative is expected to directly benefit nearly 57,000 households, impacting approximately 570,000 people.
Mohamed Chérif, the AfDB's Country Manager for Senegal, emphasized the importance of extending opportunities to more regions, highlighting the project's role in consolidating previous achievements and ensuring sustainable agricultural development.
Complementary Initiatives in the Region
This project complements other AfDB initiatives, such as the US$102.79 million program supporting climate-resilient agricultural value chains in Senegal, Guinea, and Togo. These efforts collectively aim to enhance agricultural resilience against climate change, promote sustainable practices, and empower rural communities, particularly women, by providing access to innovative agricultural technologies and market linkages.
