Senegal/Niaguis: presentation of the results of a 440 million FCFA smart agriculture project financed by Tokyo and a UN partner
The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented the results of a project to support intelligent, inclusive and sustainable agriculture, financed to the tune of around 440 million CFA francs, at the Niaguis educational farm (Ziguinchor, south) on Thursday.
The program, based on artificial intelligence, drones and intelligent sensors, aims to modernize agricultural practices in Casamance and strengthen the sector's climate resilience.
Taking part in the ceremony, Japan's ambassador to Senegal, Akamatsu Takeshi, described the support as "a direct contribution to peace-building" in Casamance, following demining operations in this southern part of the country.
According to him, the challenge now is to "transform a secure land into an abundant harvest".
He recalled that Japan is already supporting producers by supplying tractors, power tillers and transferring rice-growing technologies via JICA to improve seed quality and crop management.
The Japanese diplomat stressed the need to support young people and women in mastering modern agricultural production tools.
"Thanks to data from Japanese technologies, it is becoming possible to provide water and inputs in optimal quantities at the right time", he explained, believing that artificial intelligence and drones can make agriculture "attractive" to new generations.
The Japanese diplomat also praised the enterprising spirit of young Senegalese involved in innovative irrigation and digital farming projects.
Niaguis sub-prefect Massamba Mbaye noted that the project aims to modernize Senegal's agricultural sector through digital technology, with a focus on improving soil fertility, water management and the use of sustainable farming practices.
He praised the "exemplary" cooperation between Japan, the State of Senegal and UN partners.
The UNDP Resident Representative in Senegal, Njoya Tikum, felt that agriculture remains "a crucial lever of development for African countries".velopment for African countries", adding that the Niaguis experiment could become "a model" for the rest of Senegal.
The owner of the Niaguis educational farm, Moustapha Diatta, noted that the project had resulted in the installation of a 5,000-square-meter greenhouse and intelligent sensors designed to improve crop yields.
According to him, this equipment will offer better production conditions by protecting crops from insects, strong winds, heavy rain and solar rays.
"This greenhouse will really enable us to boost our production and produce in abundance," asserted Mr. Diatta.
Source: aps.sn/
