Senegal Expands Smart Agriculture to Strengthen Food Security

As climate change intensifies and arable land becomes increasingly scarce, Senegal is positioning itself as a regional leader in smart agriculture. With over 60% of its workforce engaged in farming, the government is investing in digital platforms, solar-powered irrigation, and AI-driven advisory tools to improve yields and resilience.

Harnessing Technology for Farmers

Senegal has begun rolling out IoT sensors in peanut and millet farms across Kaolack and Diourbel, enabling real-time monitoring of soil moisture and crop health. Mobile apps, modeled after platforms like Ghana’s Esoko, now provide farmers with weather alerts and access to market prices, reducing their vulnerability to unpredictable conditions.

Partnerships Driving Change

Through collaboration with the African Development Bank and private agritech startups, Senegal is piloting precision irrigation projects in the Senegal River Valley. These projects have already reported water savings of up to 30% while boosting rice production.

Challenges Ahead

Despite progress, adoption remains uneven. Many rural communities lack stable internet access, and the initial cost of smart tools remains prohibitive. To overcome this, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched a subsidy program and is working with NGOs to improve digital literacy among farmers.

Looking Forward

By scaling smart agriculture solutions, Senegal hopes to reduce its reliance on food imports and secure long-term resilience against climate shocks. If successful, it could serve as a model for West Africa’s broader agricultural transformation.