An Improved Staple Crop for Senegal
Senegal has been deeply affected by the current global food crisis. As global rice production has dropped, prices have risen dramatically in recent years, causing a reduction in local food security and an increase in social tensions, particularly in urban areas. Rural populations have begun to return to millet as a prominent staple cereal. More than fonio, corn or sorghum, millet is the principle alternative to rice in Senegal because it is cheap, nutritious, widely cultivated and part of the traditional diet. Farmers surveyed in the Kaolack region of Senegal recognize the opportunity to increase the production of millet in this current economic climate. However, they face several barriers including reduced levels of soil fertility, lack of access to inputs, and few credit and financing opportunities.
Through USDA’s Food for Progress funding, CLUSA is implementing a four-year, $5 million program that will work with 9,000 millet farmers to increase food security and address production barriers in rural Senegal by developing the millet value chain. CLUSA will establish or reorganize 260 producer organizations and 60 inter-producer group associations to provide training and services to rural farmers. The program raises funds through the monetization of 4,200 MT of soybean oil that are then put towards training and technical assistance to millet farmers. Its monetization does not undermine the local economy and in fact, provides employment opportunities through the refinement process required, and complements commercial imports in a country where foreign exchange remains scarce. With the proceeds from this monetization, CLUSA is working to:
- Strengthen Producer Organizations through training in business and financial management.
- Enhance Millet Production through the provision of improved seeds, training in more efficient production methods, and promotion of conservation farming.
- Improve Market Linkages through the development of a market information system and training in processing technologies, marketing, and business development.
- Improve Access to Financial Services by establishing a guarantee fund with a Senegalese financial institution.
The Program applies a holistic approach to improving producers’ abilities and livelihoods. Trainings are held for producer organization leaders in cooperative governance and institutional management, while organization members are trained in basic cooperative education.
As local communities are empowered in their decision making abilities, assistance is provided along the millet value chain to improve producers’ yields and incomes. Seed production and seed business planning and marketing is emphasized, and training is provided in soil fertility management and improved millet cultivation practices.
Using cell phone technology, farmers also receive market information, increasing farmers’ confidence and participation in the market. Average millet yields are expected to increase by 75% and average farmer sales revenue from millet are expected to increase 90% with the Program.
