Senegal Embarks on Bold Agri-Digital Shift to Transform Its Agricultural Sector

Senegal has officially entered a new chapter in its agricultural development with the launch of the 2025–2026 campaign in Tivaouane. More than a ceremonial campaign, the event marked a clear policy pivot—one that places digital transformation at the heart of the country’s agricultural strategy.

Led by Dr. Alpha BA, Secretary of State for Cooperatives and Peasant Management, the campaign’s launch underscored the government’s determination to modernise farming systems, drive transparency, and improve input management through digital tools. Backed by the World Bank,  the initiative aligns closely with the vision of Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, who has consistently advocated for a modern, equitable, and tech-enabled agriculture sector.

While the program is still in its early stages, a pilot rollout in Tivaouane and Nioro has already demonstrated measurable impact. To date, over 50,000 producers and 36 cooperatives have been enrolled, with support from 61 operators across 16 municipalities. Nearly 200 distribution documents—locally known as “car letters”—are now digitally processed, replacing opaque, paper-based systems with a more accountable, real-time framework.

Crucially, this digital shift is not just about data collection—it is driving down costs and improving access to essential resources. Fertilizer supply has risen by 29% compared to 2024, and the average price per bag has dropped by 13%, now standing at 6,400 FCFA. Seed prices have also fallen by 10%, and technical services report marked improvements in input quality.

At the launch, Dr. Alpha BA praised the strong participation of local stakeholders and positioned the initiative as a “systemic transformation” rather than a one-off reform. He also reminded producers of their right to reject substandard inputs—backed by a clear replacement mechanism—to safeguard quality and build trust in the new system.

Local leaders echoed this sentiment. The Mayor of Tivaouane welcomed the enhanced transparency and urged national rollout. Beneficiaries on the ground described the digitized process as a long-overdue fix to a system that has often left them vulnerable and uninformed.

More than a policy win, the move reflects broader political will. The launch gives tangible expression to the governance priorities of President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, both of whom have emphasized food sovereignty, equitable development, and state accountability.

By placing digital tools in the hands of farmers, Senegal is not just modernizing agriculture—it is laying the groundwork for a more resilient, transparent, and people-centered rural economy.