"I encourage women to cultivate to achieve food security or to increase their income and take care of their family."

Faye Sokhna, Onions Producer and member of the 'Littoral Maraîchers's Union'

CONTEXT

Despite Senegal's political stability, economically the country has struggled to keep up with other sub-Saharan countries. Among the population of 13.5 million, poverty remains high at 46.7%, while slow economic growth hinders the potential for poverty reduction. 30% of rural households are estimated to face food insecurity, and the move from subsistence agriculture to production for export and sale is an increasing priority.

OBJECTIVES

• Improve the capacity of beneficiary institutions to respond to market trends.
• Improve the regulation and promotion of certain agricultural products.
• Improve the competitiveness of export products.
• Support 200 companies to implement an upgrade plan.
• Support 60 companies to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.
• Facilitate access to credit from financial institutions for targeted businesses.

RESULTS

• 28 organisations benefitting from the construction of warehouses and dryers.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Through the Strengthening Trade Capacity for Development Programme, the EU has provided €687 000 for the construction of 5 warehouses and dryers, each with a capacity of 100 tonnes.
• Facilities are located in the north-west and west of Senegal in Kébémer

TESTIMONY

 Faye Sokhna

Faye Sokhna is a 50 year old woman with seven children. Prior to the project, every morning she would rise early to prepare breakfast for the family and clean the house before travelling to her field for the morning. Initially, Sokhna sowed a low-cost variety of onion with low yields. She harvested 30 sacks of onions and sold it to a trader for €229  – twice the salary of her husband. Sokhna was thrilled: "This money was most welcome in my home."

Souahibou Diaw is the President of the 'Union of Coastal Maraîchers' – an organisation supported by the EU’s project to collectivise and improve exports from rural Senegal. Hearing of Sokhna’s work, he asked her to join the cooperative.

"I was excited. This cooperative made me discover the variety of onion called Mercedes, which gives good returns. I received a loan from the bank of €150 with the guarantee of the cooperative. In addition, a Spanish importer was willing to buy the onions." She said.

In her first harvest, Sokhna collected just under two tons and sold it through the cooperative to the Spanish importer - earning €450.

As a result of her success, Sokhana’s husband has now joined her in the field. On average they harvest 8 tons each year, selling it internationally for between €1 200 – 1 425.

Sokhana’s whole family has benefited from this income: "I managed to pay school fees for my children and provide for us." She says.

Sokhna plans to increase her production in order to continue to sell onions for export, but also wants to keep some in the warehouses built by the European Union.

"I will continue to export but I prefer to dry onions in the store to keep them and sell when the price is best. A kilo of onions is sold at €0.22 but when the market is right it’s sold for €0.45! I plan to double my income. "she said smiling.