Senegal, like many countries in the Sahel region, faces major challenges in securing its food supply in the face of rapid population growth and urbanisation. The threat posed by climate change, with the increased spread of pests and transboundary diseases, poses a significant risk to the country’s agriculture and food security. In this context, the Senegalese Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Directorate of Plant Protection, has launched a major initiative to strengthen its phytosanitary system through a new STDF funded project entrusted to COLEAD.

The aim of the project is to strengthen national phytosanitary capacity in order to contribute to food security and the development of fruit and vegetable exports in Senegal. Based on the results of the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) conducted in 2023, the project proposes a series of updates and improvements to current plant health management frameworks to bring Senegal up to international phytosanitary standards. It has four main thrusts: revising the legal framework, strengthening operational capacity, improving the skills of the staff involved, and stimulating communication and cooperation between the various stakeholders.

The project targets stakeholders within the national phytosanitary system, including the NPPO, other public administrations, producers, exporters, their professional organizations, and research and academic institutions.

The “Strengthening phytosanitary capacity to promote exports of horticulture products from Senegal” project is funded by the WTO’s Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) at the request of the Senegalese Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Sovereignty’s (MAERSA) Directorate of Plant Protection.

For More information click Here