AfDB approves USD 102M for Agric development in Guinea, Senegal, and Togo

AFRICA – The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved $102.79 million in financing for a groundbreaking initiative aimed at boosting sustainable agricultural practices across Guinea, Senegal, and Togo.

This substantial investment targets the Multinational Program for Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), addressing critical areas such as climate change adaptation and renewable energy integration.

The approved funds will support several key projects, including the Togo Agro-Industrial Transformation Project, Senegal’s Agropole-Sud, and the Boké and Kankan Special Agro-Industrial Transformation Zones Development Program in Guinea.

These projects focus on enhancing climate resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across these regions.

The financing will be utilized to support small-scale irrigation systems over approximately 39,179 hectares. Additionally, it will fund the installation of renewable energy equipment, including 2.59 megawatts (MW) of solar power and 10.24 MW of biogas energy.

This renewable energy will aid in powering irrigation systems and biogas production from livestock manure, improving overall energy efficiency.

“Climate change risk has increased on the continent and this GCF financing will help address the urgent need to support rural communities facing climate challenges by leveraging proven technologies,” said Kazuhiro Numasawa, Division Manager of SAPZ Operations at the African Development Bank.

“This intervention is timely to strengthen support for women and youth in the agriculture and food sectors in these countries.”

A significant portion of the program’s benefits will be directed towards women and youth. The initiative includes training and resources for women to access innovative irrigation techniques and establish connections with processing cooperatives.

Additionally, women will gain access to climate information services and low-carbon technologies for drying, processing, and packaging produce.

The program is expected to directly benefit over 1 million farmers, with a total of 5.6 million people indirectly impacted. At least 50% of the beneficiaries are anticipated to be women, reflecting a strong commitment to gender equality within the project.

In Guinea, the fresh produce sector faces both potential and challenges. The country produces significant quantities of bananas, pineapples, and mangoes, yet struggles with infrastructure limitations and access to finance. Improving these areas could enhance Guinea’s export capabilities.

Senegal, with its favorable climate, continues to develop its fruit and vegetable exports. Initiatives like the urban microgardens program in Dakar highlight the country’s innovative approach to local food production despite the gradual progress in exports.

Togo is focusing on expanding agricultural development zones and has initiated several programs to increase production efficiency.

The government’s efforts include the Agricultural Development Support Programme (PADAT) and the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP-Togo), which aim to boost productivity and provide necessary training for farmers.

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