In Senegal, the agricultural sector plays a crucial role, contributing 15% to the GDP and employing approximately 22% of the active population.
In 2023, this sector emerged as the primary driver of the country’s economic growth.
GDP Growth and Agricultural Performance
Senegal’s real GDP experienced a 4.3% increase in 2023, surpassing the 3.8% growth recorded in 2022. This acceleration, as highlighted in the World Bank’s annual report on the country’s economic situation, was largely fueled by the dynamism of the agricultural sector, with its main segments achieving notable successes.
Impressive Production Figures
Total cereal production surged by 16% year-on-year, reaching 4.25 million tons. While rice remains the dominant cereal crop, millet production witnessed the most substantial growth, with a 23% increase. Additionally, peanut production is projected to rise by 15%, and cottonseed production by 7%.
The World Bank attributes these positive developments to a combination of factors. Favorable weather conditions played a significant role, as did supportive public policies under the Agricultural Program for Sustainable Food Sovereignty (PASAD), implemented from 2021 to 2025.
Revival of the Fishing Sub-Sector
The fishing and livestock sub-sectors also contributed to the agricultural sector’s robust performance. Fishing production increased by 4.5% in 2023, rebounding from a 5.8% decline the previous year.
This turnaround was aided by improved weather conditions, leading to increased fishing efforts and a subsequent rise in both artisanal and industrial fishing production.
Growth in Livestock Production
Livestock production also experienced a growth rate improvement, reaching 3% year-on-year in 2023, compared to 0.3% in 2022.
The World Bank attributes this progress to government efforts under the National Livestock Development Plan (PNDE), which promotes the adoption of better breeding and feeding practices for livestock.