According to Adama Dabo, the head of the "Women and Resilient Agriculture" (FAR) project, the project has invested approximately 1 billion CFA francs in essential infrastructure to boost banana production in Senegal in the Sédhiou region (south). "With an investment of around 1 billion CFA francs, the Women and Resilient Agriculture project has developed essential infrastructure to support local agriculture," said Mr Dabo. He noted that five market garden blocks have been equipped and fenced, with boreholes and pumping equipment installed. This allows for efficient water management and protection against wandering animals.

Launched in 2019 in the Sédhiou region, the FAR project has transformed local agriculture by focusing on three main sectors: bananas, lowland rice, and market gardening, he indicated on Wednesday, during the closing ceremony of its economic development activities in Gnandanké, a village in the Diaroumé commune.

The FAR project has not been limited to infrastructure, emphasised its leader, stating that it has also supported producers in organisational development, entrepreneurship, and product marketing.

He argued that the project's achievements demonstrate the importance of investing in sustainable and resilient solutions for agriculture, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change.

He said the main objective was to improve the living conditions of farming households, focusing on women and youth while ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources.

Bassekou Camara, president of the Sédhiou Banana Producers Cooperative, testified to the project's significant impact on the region.

"The banana plantation perimeter had existed for over thirty years without good yields. The arrival of the FAR project revolutionised banana production," he explained, noting that thanks to new varieties and the infrastructure put in place, production has significantly increased since 2019.

According to Bassekou Camara, the success of the FAR project in Sédhiou has led to calls for its expansion to reach as many people as possible living around the agricultural perimeters.

He concluded that the FAR project has improved banana production in Sédhiou and strengthened women's and youth's autonomy, thus contributing to sustainable and inclusive community development.