Feeding Senegal: Challenges and innovations in agri-nutrition

Food and nutrition insecurity pose major challenges in Senegal, particularly in rural areas where adverse climatic conditions and limited access to essential information. To address these challenges, the AVENIR project (“Adaptation and Valorization of Entrepreneurship in Irrigated Agriculture”) offers innovative solutions. Led by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) in collaboration with the Alliance and funded by Global Affairs Canada (AMC), this project exemplifies an international collaborative effort aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being and resilience of women and youth in the Tambacounda and Sedhiou regions of Senegal.

As part of the project, valuable tools for capacity building and decision support were developed: the Agri-Nutrition Picture Book and the Food Seasonal Calendar. Key partners and stakeholders attended a technical workshop on July 25 2024 in Dakar, where these tools were presented and validated. This initiative highlighted the commitment of influential partners such as Caritas Senegal, ITA, Jokalante, INP, Mlouma, ANCAR, UCAD, CNDN, ISRA, CNSA and World Vision. Together, these organizations are working toward an integrated strategy that respects Senegal’s environmental and socio-economic complexities.

This collaboration marks significant progress in how Senegal addresses food and nutrition security challenges. By leveraging adapted knowledge and advanced technologies, the partnership aims to sustainably improve the management of food and nutritional resources, thereby strengthening local food systems for a safer and more prosperous future.