Sanoussy Diakité, eminent scientist and inventor of the fonio huller, launched a vibrant appeal to the Senegalese State for the initiation of a special program aimed at boosting fonio production. This request was made during the general assembly for the renewal of the bodies of the Senegalese Association for the Promotion of Fonio (ASPROF), of which he is the coordinator.
“Increasing fonio production remains a major challenge in Senegal. But, the intervention of the State is needed,” insisted Mr. Diakité, stressing the need for institutional support to revive this traditional crop. He cited several successful initiatives in the sub-region to illustrate his remarks. “In Togo, the State has invested nearly 5 billion CFA francs in the sector. Mali, for its part, is currently rolling out an interesting program to support fonio,” he said.
The current situation of fonio in Senegal is far from satisfactory, deplored Mr. Diakité. “Production is around 6,000 tons, while Guinea produces ten times more and Nigeria reaches 80,000 tons,” he stressed. This comparison highlights the delay of Senegal, despite being the historical cradle of the fonio hulling machine.
For Sanoussy Diakité, fonio represents an invaluable opportunity for Senegal. “On an agronomic, nutritional and economic level, fonio is an opportunity for us. It generates income. We cannot understand why this sector is being left behind,” he declared with conviction.
This call from Sanoussy Diakité aims to alert the Senegalese authorities to the strategic importance of this culture and to encourage them to put in place concrete measures to support the development of the sector. By mobilizing the necessary resources and adopting favorable policies, Senegal could not only increase its fonio production, but also strengthen food security and improve the living conditions of local farmers.
