Senegal artisanal fishing sector development

Senegal is undertaking various initiatives to modernize its artisanal fishing sector and infrastructure, particularly in the southern regions. In Ziguinchor, a new 1.7 billion FCFA fishing pier is under construction in Cap Skirring to improve seafood landing and commercialization. This infrastructure, funded by the Senegal Natural Resource Management Project (SENRM), is being overseen by Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Amy Mara Dièye.

Under the ‘ANARÉ DIFAL’ (Women of the Sea) project, funded by Japan and implemented by the FAO, new processing units are being constructed in Mangacounda, Baghagha, and Fanda. The project has distributed equipment for fish processing and conservation, as well as new boats to local artisanal fishing committees, to improve hygiene, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase incomes for women.

In the Kassa islands, the FAO is supporting women’s oyster farming through technical training and equipment to enhance economic resilience and food safety. Additionally, plans are underway to reconstruct the Émile Badiane bridge fish hatchery to boost aquaculture and job creation.

In Kafountine, the fishing pier serves as a major economic driver, generating an estimated annual turnover of nearly 20 billion CFA francs. However, local officials have noted a discrepancy between this economic activity and the less than 10 million CFA francs received in annual municipal fees. While the site supports thousands of fishermen, Mayor David Diatta has warned that coastal erosion poses a severe threat, suggesting the pier could disappear within 20 years without intervention.