The National Agency for Agricultural and Rural Counseling (ANCAR) has organized a forum to strengthen the capacities of actors in agricultural value chains in Senegal's central zone. The event, held in Kahone, Kaolack, brought together stakeholders from the vegetable value chain, including producers, buyers, transformers, input suppliers, and financial institutions. The goal is to establish business relationships between producers and other actors in the horticultural value chain, reducing information asymmetry.
The forum is part of the second phase of the Sustainable Horticulture Development Project (SHEP 2), which aims to improve the productivity and competitiveness of horticultural producers in Senegal. The project has been implemented in four regions: Fatick, Kaffrine, Diourbel, and Kaolack. According to Serigne Modou Mbaye, director of ANCAR in the central zone, the project seeks to empower producers to make informed decisions based on market realities.
The forum also aims to facilitate discussions on financing, input supply, and agricultural equipment, as well as the marketing of produce. The event was attended by representatives from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is supporting the project. The JICA representative noted that the forum provides an opportunity for producers to interact with partners who can offer solutions to their challenges.
The Agropole Centre project has partnered with ANCAR to improve the productivity of agricultural value chains in the four regions. The partnership, worth over 200 million FCFA, is financed by the African Development Bank (BAD) and will run for three years. The project focuses on supporting producers, intensifying production systems, and developing contractualization in various agricultural sectors.
Producers have welcomed the initiative, but have also highlighted the persistent challenges they face in marketing their produce. The forum has provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and establish business relationships. According to Babou Dramé, national coordinator of the Agropoles Sud and Centre project, the partnership with ANCAR is strategic in promoting a value chain approach.
The event has brought together a range of stakeholders, including producers, buyers, transformers, input suppliers, and financial institutions. The goal is to create a more efficient and competitive agricultural value chain in Senegal's central zone. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of producers and other actors in the value chain.
The training and exchange forum is a significant step towards improving the agricultural sector in Senegal. By strengthening the capacities of actors in the value chain, the project aims to increase productivity, improve market access, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the sector. The project's success will depend on the effective implementation of the new mechanisms and the continued support of stakeholders.
Key points
- The project aims to empower producers to make informed decisions based on market realities.
- The partnership between Agropole Centre and ANCAR focuses on supporting producers, intensifying production systems, and developing contractualization in various agricultural sectors.
- The project is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of producers and other actors in the value chain.
