Senegal poultry producers warn of foreign investment threats

The Interprofession Avicole du Sénégal (IPAS) has issued an alert regarding threats to the nation's poultry industry and food sovereignty. Local producers are expressing concern that the entry of large-scale foreign investors could destabilize the domestic market and undermine two decades of development in the sector.

IPAS Secretary General Mamadou Bâ reported plans for significant foreign-led projects, including a Chinese investment in the Thiès region involving a farm of one million laying hens, and a Brazilian project expected in the Diourbel region. The interprofessional body warns that if the national capacity of three million laying hens is increased to 4.5 million or more through these projects, it could cause grave market disruptions.

Industry representatives estimate that approximately 60,000 jobs are at risk. They are calling on Senegalese authorities to re-examine authorizations granted to these foreign investors to protect local small-scale producers and ensure national food security.