Senegal’s goal: self-sufficiency in the banana sector

2023-05-02 14:21:57

Senegal is aiming for self-sufficiency in bananas by 2024. Production is increasing in the country, which still needs to become more competitive.

He is sometimes nicknamed “the king of bananas” in Senegal: Mamadou Oumar Sall, in the sector for 25 years, is at the head of Yellitaare. Today, “ 66% of national production comes from its plantations “says Yaya Sall, administrative and financial director of the company, who highlights the ” 2 800 integrated producers in the regions of Tambacounda in the south-east of the country, and Kolda in Casamance. The group, a pioneer, believes in self-sufficiency.

Since 5 years, ” Senegal produces on average 36 000 tons of bananas per year explains Dr. Macoumba Diouf, director of horticulture, and needs are estimated at 50 000 tons. There is everything you need to reach themhe continues, areas, water, climate: it’s all there ».

« The main problem: quality »

But on the Dakar markets, there are most often imported bananas, mainly from Côte d’Ivoire, which are more popular with consumers. For what ? « The main problem with Senegalese bananas remains quality says agro-economist Constantino Diatta. Next to a group like Yellitaare, ” the vast majority of farms are family-run, and they lack the means, he explains traditional harvesting tools, difficulties in storage, conservation or transport “. According to Mr Diatta, “ losses can reach 25% of production ».

National program for the development of the sector

« The varieties grown in Senegal are the same as in Côte d’Ivoire “Yet says Dr. Macoumba Diouf. ” The weak link is the transfer of diets, from the foot to the conditioning stations »: during this stage, the banana can turn black, which does not correspond to market standards.

It is in particular to improve this post-harvest aspect that a national program for the development of the sector has been implemented for 5 years, with the development of 500 hectares of plantations.

And after self-sufficiency, the country is already looking further ahead, with a production target of 67 000 tons by 2028. Senegal could then position itself on export, hopes the director of horticulture, “ especially on the organic market ».