On January 16, 2025, the historic city of Saint-Louis hosted the National Rice Conference, a major event under the presidency of Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock. Organized by the Senegal River Delta Land Development and Exploitation Company (SAED) and the Interprofessional Rice Committee (CIRIZ), these meetings aim to take stock of the challenges and opportunities of the rice sector. in Senegal.
A strategic event for the future of the rice sector
The National Rice Conference is a valuable opportunity for stakeholders in the rice sector to meet, discuss and define solutions adapted to the current challenges of the sector. Faced with the decline in plantings and the reduction in yields observed in recent years, the meeting aims to identify and analyze the main constraints which hinder the performance of Senegalese rice farming, through a participatory diagnosis involving all stakeholders in the sector; study the dynamics of rice farming practices over the last ten years to learn lessons and reorient actions and outline the contours of a multi-actor action platform, capable of sustainably improving productivity and stimulating the performance of producers while along the value chain.
Expected results: towards modern and competitive rice farming
The discussions made it possible to define priority areas to strengthen Senegal’s rice sector. Among the expected results are:
. Optimization of the productive base: valorization of rice-growing land, particularly through modern agricultural techniques.
. Increased mechanization: introduction and modernization of agricultural equipment to improve the competitiveness of the sector.
. Facilitated access to agricultural inputs: improved availability of quality seeds and fertilizers for producers.
. Strengthening the value chain: support for financing, processing and marketing of rice to ensure better profitability.
-. Organization and structuring of actors: establishment of effective coordination structures to strengthen cooperation within the sector.
. Agroecological transition: management of pests (notably seed-eating birds) and establishment of an agricultural insurance system to secure harvests.
. Improved governance: strengthening public policies and support for producers through technical advice and continuing training.
Food sovereignty: a common goal
The National Rice Conference in Saint-Louis marks a decisive step in the fight for self-sufficiency in rice and the reduction of rice imports. Senegal, supported by public and private actors, has made a strong commitment to transform the rice sector. This objective aims not only to guarantee food security for future generations, but also to strengthen the national economy through competitive local production.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock (MASAE), with its partners, renews its commitment to supporting this dynamic. By working together, the different players in the sector can build efficient and sustainable rice farming for a prosperous Senegal.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
