Bamtare Ndemowo: Agricultural Professionalization and Diversification for a Sustainable Organic Cotton Industry – Tambacounda Region

CONTEXT

Organic cotton production in Senegal has historically been led by SODEFITEX and producer organizations, including the NFCP (National Federation of Cotton Producers). Despite its recognized potential, the sector remains fragile, facing challenges such as inadequate equipment, low yields, intense competition from field crops for labor, and limited access to quality inputs and production infrastructure. 

In the targeted rural areas, family farms face multiple constraints: lack of access to water, limited cultivated land, low vegetable yields, and a decline in livestock fattening due to health crises. 

To support the consolidation of a sustainable organic cotton sector and improve farm performance, a pilot project has been launched to enhance professionalization, develop complementary activities, and improve the economic and agroecological resilience of farming families. 

OBJECTIVES

• Strengthen the performance of family farms engaged in organic cotton production  
• Promote agricultural diversification (vegetable farming, livestock fattening) as a means of ensuring food security and economic empowerment 
• Improve access to equipment and inputs through the establishment of pooling mechanisms and sustainable supply chains 
• Secure access to water and strengthen production areas to increase yields and the availability of vegetables
• Support producer organizations in professionalizing their services to members 

RESULTS

• 100 family farms supported (approximately 1,200 direct beneficiaries) 
• Support for restocking with quality inputs, using a degressive support system that enables farms to gradually become self-sufficient
• Improvement of agroecological practices: adapted crop rotation systems, sustainable fertility management, and effective use of bio-inputs
• Development of production areas
• Capacity building for producer organizations: structuring, management, and member services 

KEY PROJECT INFORMATION