FAO Senegal RIPOSTES

Senegal is a country located in West Africa, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from semi-arid desert regions in the north to lush tropical forests in the south. The Fatick region is situated in the central-western part of Senegal and is characterized by its predominantly rural landscape.

Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of Senegal, employing 53% of the population. Additionally, it accounts for 9.4% of Senegal's GDP. In the Fatick region, agricultural practices are diverse and often adapted to the local environment and available resources.

The Groundnut Basin, also known as the Peanut Basin, is a region in Senegal, including parts of the Fatick region, where groundnut (peanut) cultivation is a dominant agricultural activity. This area is particularly known for its suitability for groundnut production due to its favorable climate and soil conditions.

In the Fatick region, which is located in the central-western part of Senegal, the Groundnut Basin plays a vital role in the local economy and agricultural landscape. Groundnuts are a significant cash crop in Senegal, providing income for many smallholder farmers in the region.

The Groundnut Basin in Fatick benefits from relatively fertile soils, which are well-suited for groundnut cultivation. Additionally, the region's climate, characterized by a distinct rainy season and dry season, provides favorable conditions for growing groundnuts. Farmers typically plant groundnuts at the onset of the rainy season, allowing the crop to mature during the wetter months.

Groundnut cultivation in the Fatick region often involves traditional farming methods, including manual planting, cultivation, and harvesting. However, there is also increasing interest in adopting modern agricultural practices and technologies to improve groundnut yields and sustainability.

The FAO in Senegal supports youth in the Fatick region to establish their agroecology farm. The main purpose is to contribute to fostering food security, creating green jobs in this region, and improving youth entrepreneurship and activity on their farms

Ten youths who receive land, equipment, and agroecology lectures from FAO Senegal and our partner, JARDINS D'AFRIQUE, can operate and manage their farm in their local community while considering the sustainable natural resources and implementing innovative agroecological practices. This can allow them to organize their agribusiness and agricultural value chain within their local community.