Amadou Kanouté, Executive Director of CICODEV Afrique, has called for the Senegalese government to simplify the process of obtaining the Autorisation de Fabrication et de Mise en Vente (FRA). This authorization is crucial for women food producers to access markets and sell their products. Kanouté made this plea during a workshop on the challenges and constraints related to the transformation and consumption of local products.
The FRA is essential for protecting consumers and assuring them of the quality of food products. However, Kanouté noted that women food producers often struggle to obtain this authorization due to administrative, financial, and sanitary requirements. He proposed identifying potential obstacles that hinder the consumption of local products and advocated for supporting women producers to overcome these challenges.
Kanouté expressed concern about Senegal's heavy reliance on imported food products, with over 1,000 billion FCFA spent annually on imports. He emphasized the need to promote local food production and transformation to reduce this dependence. The Executive Director of CICODEV Afrique also highlighted the importance of empowering women food producers to contribute to the country's food security.
Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Ndao, Director of Domestic Trade, pledged to support women food producers in overcoming the challenges associated with obtaining the FRA. He acknowledged that the current procedure is often difficult for women to navigate and committed to working with them to identify solutions and improve access to the authorization.
Ndao emphasized the critical role women play in the food production chain and the need to support them in valorizing their products. He recognized that the FRA procedure involves stringent requirements, but expressed his willingness to collaborate with women producers to help them meet these standards.
The workshop, which focused on the challenges and constraints related to the transformation and consumption of local products, aimed to bring together stakeholders to discuss solutions to these issues. Kanouté's call for easier access to the FRA reflects the need for a more supportive environment for women food producers in Senegal.
The Senegalese government has been urged to take concrete steps to facilitate access to the FRA and promote local food production. With the right support, women food producers can play a more significant role in contributing to the country's food security and economic development. The issue remains a pressing concern for stakeholders in the food sector.
Key points
- Amadou Kanouté calls for simplification of FRA procedures to empower women food producers
- Senegal relies heavily on imported food products, with over 1,000 billion FCFA spent annually
- Women play a critical role in the food production chain, but face challenges in obtaining the FRA authorization
