The village of Thiobon, located in the department of Bignona, constitutes a strategic starting point for various localities in the Ziguinchor region, crossed by the bolongs of the Casamance river. This place is vital for the transport of people and goods, mainly via canoes. This is where the women of the Karonguène Soul Economic Interest Group (EIG), specializing in oyster farming, leave to go to their oyster fields located in the Kaalolaal Blouf Marine Protected Area (MPA). -Fogny.
Creation of the Kaalolaal Blouf-Fogny MPA: a unique ecosystem
The Kaalolaal Blouf-Fogny Marine Protected Area (MPA) was formalized by decree on May 27, 2020. It covers an area of 83,854 hectares and includes the municipalities of Diouloulou, Kataba 1, Djinacky, Mlomp, Thionck Essyl, Diégoune, Kartiack, Suel and Djibidione. This area is characterized by a rich ecosystem, composed of a mangrove, mudflats, continental and coastal forests, as well as small estuaries. These are natural resources of great value for local communities, particularly for oyster farming.
The SPS project: a step forward for sustainable oyster farming
In Thiobon, the oyster industry is undergoing a transformation thanks to the project “Strengthening the shellfish industry in Senegal through compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards”. This project, supported by FAO and the Government of Senegal, with the support of the Standards and Trade Development Fund (STDF) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), aims to improve health security shellfish to make them suitable for export while guaranteeing their quality.
Since January 2024, monthly samples have been taken from 50 production sites in the regions of Saint-Louis, Louga, Thiès, Fatick, Kaolack, Kolda, Sédhiou and Ziguinchor. The aim is to ensure that the shellfish produced meet strict health standards, thus allowing their export to international markets. This project allowed the women of Thiobon to modernize their oyster farming practice, combining traditional and innovative techniques.
Modern oyster farming: a partnership between ANA and FAO
The partnership between the National Aquaculture Agency (ANA) and the FAO has made it possible to introduce modern oyster farming techniques. The GIE Karonguène Soul oyster field uses garlands, wires stretched between eucalyptus branches supported by stakes planted near the mangrove. These strings are used to capture oyster larvae, which can then be transferred to pouches for further growth. This system allows oysters to be harvested in a more sustainable way, without harming the local ecosystem.
Women and oyster farming: a paradigm shift
The GIE Karonguène Soul, led by Arabiatou Diémé, brings together more than 100 members, mainly women. Thanks to support from FAO, these women learned advanced oyster processing and preservation techniques. Aïssata Diédhiou, vice-president of the GIE, explains that before, we dried the oysters, but now we boil them and put them in jars to better preserve and sell them. The transition to oyster farming has been gradual, and this season the results are promising. Women are now pleading for better access to markets and for the acquisition of canoes and equipment necessary to professionalize their activity.
A sustainable and environmentally friendly oyster farming model
Ousmane Coly, president of the management committee of the Kaalolaal Blouf-Fogny MPA and member of the GIE Karonguène Soul, underlines the importance of the transition to modern oyster farming. Previously, the women of Thiobon used rudimentary tools, such as cutters, to detach oysters from the roots of the mangroves. This method damaged the roots and threatened biodiversity. Today, thanks to the support of the State and the ANA, exploitation is more respectful of the environment, with better management of resources.
The FAO, already present before the creation of the MPA, provided a working framework for the rational management of the oyster resource. This partnership made it possible to move from local production intended for internal consumption to a commercial activity capable of targeting international markets. The health certification of oysters and the improvement of processing techniques open up promising prospects for export.
The disgorging center and revenue optimization
Oyster certification is a priority within the STDF project. This would increase the profitability of the sector. Today, the only disgorging center in the region is located in Katakalousse, in the commune of Diémbéring. This technique consists of storing oysters in purification compartments to remove impurities and guarantee their safety before being placed on the market.
The disgorging process allows producers to multiply their income. Dr Mamadou Ndiaye, Sub-Regional Project Coordinator at FAO, explains that “with certification, we can sell fresh oysters at a much higher price, thus multiplying the income of producers, more than 80% of whom are women “.
A participatory and sustainable approach
Lieutenant Lamine Loum, deputy curator of the MPA, emphasizes that the exploitation of the MPA's natural resources is strictly regulated to guarantee their sustainability. Local communities play a central role in the management of the MPA, guaranteeing responsible and environmentally friendly exploitation. This participatory approach ensures sustainable management of the oyster resource, beneficial for future generations.
The future of oyster farming in Thiobon
The FAO and ANA project in Thiobon marks a turning point in the history of local oyster farming. Modern techniques and improved health standards open up new economic prospects for the women of GIE Karonguène Soul and, more broadly, for the populations of the region. With the export of fresh oysters and the improvement of working conditions, Senegal's oyster farming potential is on the verge of becoming a real lever for sustainable development.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
