Senegal's Agriculture Minister, Cheikhou Oumar Ba, has highlighted the strategic importance of niébé and arachide in creating employment opportunities in the country. During a visit to several agricultural farms in the Louga region, the minister emphasized the need to structure these sectors, particularly through cooperatives, to enhance job creation and improve agricultural productivity. The minister's visit was part of his tour to monitor the 2026 agricultural campaign.
The minister praised the resilience of niébé, a crop that can mature quickly and produce with limited water, making it an ideal crop for the region. He visited several farms, including a niébé farm owned by Fatou Sarr in Dahra, an arachide farm owned by Khalifa Bèye in Ndankou Bèye, and a niébé farm operated by the COOPAKEL cooperative in Keur Mballo. These visits enabled the minister to assess the current state of agricultural production in the region and identify areas for improvement.
According to the minister, mastering niébé production techniques can significantly contribute to strengthening the resilience of agriculture in the Louga region. He also commended the modernization and organization efforts observed in the sector, noting that the structuring of producers into cooperatives is crucial for enhancing their autonomy and addressing collective challenges. The minister emphasized the need to consolidate these organizations and facilitate their access to financing and agricultural equipment.
The minister announced plans to revive the "Agri-jeunes" program, which aims to promote the integration of young people into the agricultural sector. He stressed that the development of agriculture should contribute more significantly to job creation and income improvement for young people and women. The minister's visit was aimed at monitoring the agricultural campaign and identifying the needs of producers in terms of organization, financing, and equipment.
The Senegalese government intends to continue supporting cooperatives while strengthening the structuring of various sectors through inter-professions. The minister promised to engage in discussions with stakeholders to explore possibilities for increased support for the niébé sector. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to promote agricultural development and create employment opportunities in the country.
The minister's tour of the Louga region is part of a broader effort to monitor the 2026 agricultural campaign and identify areas for improvement. The visit also provided an opportunity for the minister to interact with local producers and understand their challenges and needs. By engaging with stakeholders and promoting the development of key sectors, the government aims to boost agricultural productivity and create jobs.
The emphasis on niébé and arachide is part of a broader strategy to promote agricultural development and reduce unemployment in Senegal. The minister's visit to the Louga region highlights the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and promoting economic growth. By structuring the niébé and arachide sectors, the government hopes to create new employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
Key points
- The Senegalese government plans to revive the "Agri-jeunes" program to promote the integration of young people into the agricultural sector.
