In the small village of Dogui Dombe in Northern Senegal, Binta poses for a photo with her successful sweet potato crop.

Erin Aquino, Peace Corps

Investments of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) complement the Government of Senegal’s (GoS) plan to reduce poverty through private sector-led, inclusive economic growth. Senegal places a high priority on agriculture as a vehicle for economic growth and food security.

USAID activities improve agricultural productivity and nutritional outcomes, enhance access to water and sanitation services, support management of coastal fisheries, improve the business environment, facilitate access to credit for small and medium enterprises, and advance energy infrastructure.

BOOSTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND CULTIVATING NUTRITION 

Senegal is a focus country for Feed the Future, the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative. The first phase of Feed the Future investments focused on scaling-up productivity for four value chains - rice, maize, millet, and fisheries - by improving market linkages, post-harvest infrastructure, access to finance, private sector business development, and public sector capacity. Investments also helped to reform Senegal’s important fisheries sector, enhancing the participation of local fishermen and women in decision-making and management, and ensuring that Senegal’s fisheries can continue to provide lasting jobs and food security.

Ongoing Feed the Future activities continue to promote healthier diets by increasing the production, marketing, and consumption of diversified, healthy and nutritious foods. USAID activities also support young people’s engagement in economic growth through the 4-H program and vocational training systems that create dynamic and profitable entrepreneurship and employment opportunities focusing especially on agricultural value chains and markets.

INCREASING PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

USAID is working with the GoS and the private sector to improve Senegal’s business environment and competitiveness. Activities are creating tools that make importing and exporting easier, and helping small and medium-sized businesses access credit needed to expand their operations and create new jobs.  

BOLSTERING THE RESILIENCE OF TARGETED COMMUNITIES AND SYSTEMS

Building resilience is a critical component in the success of all USAID activities. USAID investments are allowing farmers, herders and fishers to access and use climate information services to make better informed decisions when facing droughts, storms at sea, and other critical challenges.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO WATER AND SANITATION

USAID is increasing access to safe drinking water and modern sanitation throughout Senegal by promoting safe hygiene practices using market-based approaches, and closing financing gaps to achieve universal access to water and sanitation services.

POWERING SENEGAL

Senegal has significant potential to develop solar and wind power, and the opportunity to develop its offshore natural gas resources. Power Africa is supporting Senegal’s power sector through a diverse combination of technical assistance designed to improve electricity supply, access, and affordability. 

Download the .pdf document for further information on USAID work in Inclusive Economic Growth in Senegal.