Fishing in Senegal: Launch of a project worth over 1 billion CFA francs for women processing fish products in Casamance

On Tuesday 27 February 2024, the launch ceremony of the project entitled “Improving the Quality of Life and Livelihoods of Women Fish Processors and their Communities in Senegal” was held at the FAO headquarters in Dakar, under the chairmanship of the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Mr Papa Sagna MBAYE, in the presence of Dr Gouantoueu Robert GUEI, FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for West Africa and FAO Representative in Senegal, and His Excellency Mr Osamu IZAWA, Ambassador of Japan to Senegal. Osamu IZAWA, Ambassador of Japan to Senegal, the launch ceremony of the project entitled: “Improving the Quality of Life and Livelihoods of Women Fish Processors and their Communities in Casamance”.

Worth USD 1,860,000 (FCFA 1,125,430,200), the project aims to secure and improve the livelihoods, sustainable incomes and quality of life of fishing communities. Casamance has been designated as the target area for this project, which will also enable women processors in Cap Skiring, Elinkin, Fanda, Goudomp, Niaguiss and Ziguinchor to ensure quality processing of fish products using FTT ovens to be installed with technical assistance from the FAO.

The Minister of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy underlined the importance of this project, saying that it was a continuation of FAO’s efforts to support the development of the sector. He expressed confidence that the infrastructure and equipment provided under this project would be used effectively, helping to improve the working conditions of women processors in the southern region of Senegal and enhancing the quality of their products.

This financial and technical injection into fish processing activities offers promising prospects for the economic empowerment of women in Casamance, while strengthening the sustainability of the region’s fisheries sector.