Senegal Boosts Food Sovereignty with Massive Mechanized Rice Farming Initiative
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched a large-scale mechanized rice farming and production initiative under the Savoigne Rural Development Project (PDRS).
This transformative agricultural programme, primarily funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), is set to revolutionize local rice production and bolster food security.
During a recent visit to the northern town of Savoigne, President Faye personally inspected newly developed agricultural plots that form part of the expansive project.
The initiative, hailed as a cornerstone of the government’s long-term development strategy, is designed to directly benefit over 5,700 residents across 11 villages in the region.
“This project is not just about producing more rice,” President Faye emphasized during the tour.
“It is about empowering our farmers, modernizing our agriculture, and ensuring that Senegal can feed itself with dignity and independence.”
The Savoigne Rural Development Project aims to modernize traditional farming methods through the deployment of high-performance mechanized equipment and the construction of modern storage infrastructure. These upgrades are expected to significantly improve efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure better management of agricultural resources across the board.
In line with Vision Senegal 2050, the government’s roadmap for sustainable and inclusive development, the project prioritizes food sovereignty and producer autonomy. The initiative reflects the administration’s broader ambition to transition from subsistence agriculture to a modern, market-driven sector that creates jobs, drives rural development, and ensures national food resilience.
With this move, Senegal positions itself at the forefront of agricultural transformation in West Africa, setting a strong example for nations seeking to combine food production with economic empowerment.
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