In the village of Eguilaye, Senegal, a community-based agroecological center has been making strides in promoting local development. The center, known as Lama Docile, was established in 2021 by the NGO Jed and became operational in 2024. It focuses on providing vocational training and production in various areas, including market gardening, poultry farming, horticulture, and arboriculture. The center's primary goal is to empower young people and women with skills to contribute to the local economy.
The center, situated on a 10-hectare site with great agricultural potential, offers a range of facilities, including a residence, a dining hall, and training rooms. It is home to various animals, such as turkeys, geese, guinea fowl, and chickens, which provide a unique charm to the center. The center's director, Anifane Manga, explained that their objective is to support local development by providing training and production opportunities to young people who may not have had access to formal education.
The center's approach prioritizes practical training over theoretical knowledge. It works closely with local youth, women, and villagers, offering training in areas such as soap-making, market gardening, transformation, and entrepreneurship. The center also engages in production activities, including chicken and egg production. According to Manga, the center plans to expand its activities to include goat production and the construction of a transformation unit starting in January.
The project is funded by the Luxembourg NGO and aims to invest in the entire value chain. The center's goal is to facilitate conservation means and move into the secondary sector. By providing training and production opportunities, the center seeks to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the local community. The center's impact is expected to be significant, as it addresses the needs of young people and women in the region.
The center's focus on agroecology is particularly relevant in Senegal, where agriculture is a vital sector of the economy. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, the center contributes to the country's efforts to ensure food security and mitigate the effects of climate change. The center's activities also align with the Senegalese government's initiatives to promote rural development and reduce poverty.
The success of the Lama Docile center serves as a model for community-based development initiatives in Senegal. The center's approach, which combines vocational training with production activities, has the potential to be replicated in other regions. As the center continues to grow and expand its activities, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the local community and contribute to Senegal's overall development.
Kadidiatou Sonko, a correspondent for Le Soleil, reported on the center's activities and its potential to boost local development. The center's story highlights the importance of community-based initiatives in promoting sustainable development and improving the lives of local communities. As Senegal continues to strive for economic growth and development, initiatives like the Lama Docile center will play a crucial role in shaping the country's future.
Key points
- The center provides vocational training and production opportunities to young people and women in the areas of market gardening, poultry farming, horticulture, and arboriculture.
