Title: The agropole of Senegal: a promising solution for the valorization of mangoes
Introduction :
In Senegal, the mango season is synonymous with abundance but also considerable losses. Every year, tons of fruit are lost due to lack of sufficient resources and infrastructure for their local processing. However, the emergence of an agropolis project could provide a glimmer of hope by offering a lasting solution to this problem.
Untapped potential:
The Casamance region of Senegal is particularly rich in mangoes, representing more than half of the national production. Unfortunately, due to a lack of adequate resources and equipment, a large part of this production is lost each year, leaving farmers and processors in a precarious situation. Women, in particular, are trained in mango processing, but they sorely lack reference units equipped to optimize their production. In addition, they encounter difficulties selling their products in a landlocked region and finding sufficient financing.
The agropole solution:
To remedy this situation, the Senegalese government invested 53 billion CFA francs in the creation of five agropoles across the country. In Casamance, the southern agropole should see the light of day by June 2024. It will include several consolidation modules and an industrial processing platform intended for small producers and manufacturers. The main objective of this agropole is to promote local processing in order to create added value and employment in the region. Processing units will thus be able to form partnerships with industries and factories located in processing areas, without having to relocate.
A lasting solution:
The Senegal agropole offers real prospects for improvement for the valorization of mangoes. Thanks to better infrastructure, processors will be able to increase their production capacity and benefit from optimal storage conditions. In addition, this initiative will promote the development of the local economy by creating new jobs and encouraging trade. Farmers and processors will thus be able to free themselves from their dependence on foreign partners and develop a real mango processing industry.
Conclusion :
The Senegal agropole represents a real opportunity to exploit the considerable potential of mangoes in the Casamance region. By investing in infrastructure and promoting local processing, the country will be able to reduce production losses and create a real economic sector around this emblematic fruit.. With the southern agropole as the pillar of this development, Senegal is positioning itself as a major player in the mango processing sector, thus offering new prospects for local farmers and processors.