As part of Action A3.2 – Support for Multifunctional Agriculture and Pilot Actions under the AREA Africa Programme, the World Farmers Markets Coalition (WorldFMC) has officially launched its first mission in Senegal. The mission represents an important milestone in the implementation of the activities assigned to WorldFMC and marks the completion of the initial field assessment phase planned under its role within the project.
Over the past months, and in accordance with the project agreement, WorldFMC, together with CIHEAM Bari, has carried out a series of field missions aimed at strengthening partnerships, identifying local needs, and exploring opportunities to support sustainable food systems, multifunctional agriculture, and local agricultural development. This first phase of activities included missions to the Republic of Congo in March 2026, Ghana in April 2026, and Senegal in June 2026, laying the groundwork for the pilot actions that will be implemented during the next stages of the project.
AREA Africa programme promotes the development of sustainable and resilient food systems by supporting local production, healthy diets, biodiversity conservation, and community-led economic development. Through a multifunctional agriculture approach and the promotion of short supply chains, the programme seeks to enhance the value of local food products while creating opportunities for farmers, women, and young people across participating countries.
The Senegal mission began in the Casamance region, where project representatives from WorldFMC and CIHEAM Bari, met with several local agricultural organisations and the Municipality of Ziguinchor. From the outset, discussions highlighted a shared commitment to promoting local food production and encouraging healthy and sustainable food consumption practices within the community.
The first visit took place at Casa Agro Service, a young agricultural enterprise located near Cap Skirring and managed by a group of young agronomists. The organisation is actively engaged in the recovery and promotion of local plant and animal varieties through environmentally friendly and low-impact agricultural practices. Its nurseries produce seedlings of tomatoes, sweet and bitter eggplants, peppers, avocados, mangoes, and many other species, which are distributed and marketed locally, including directly from the farm.
The mission continued in Agnak-Petit, where the delegation visited an important women-led organisation bringing together approximately 400 farmers involved in certified organic production of fruits, legumes, and cereals. The association also plays a key role in preserving and promoting traditional crop varieties that are at risk of disappearing, including the local variety known as Made. The experience demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability: during the dry season, while waiting for the rains, women supplement their income through cashew harvesting and the production of terracotta handicrafts.
Another key stop was AJAC-LUKALL, one of the most established organisations in Casamance. At its production, research, and training centre in Ziguinchor, the delegation had the opportunity to observe a development model based on environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable use of local resources. The organisation represents an important example of how local communities can combine agricultural production, innovation, and capacity building to create long-term sustainable development.
At the institutional level, the meeting with the Municipality of Ziguinchor provided a valuable opportunity to discuss future collaboration and plan upcoming project activities. Among the most inspiring initiatives presented was the School Canteens Programme, which currently provides a daily meal to students in 15 schools across the city. AREA Africa programme highlights the value of local food production while recognising the crucial role played by women in the community, who transform locally sourced ingredients into traditional meals that contribute to the health, wellbeing, and development of younger generations.
With the completion of the missions in the Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Senegal, WorldFMC has now concluded the initial assessment and stakeholder engagement phase of Action A3.2. The knowledge gathered, partnerships established, and experiences shared during these field visits will directly inform the design and implementation of pilot actions aimed at strengthening local food systems, supporting multifunctional agriculture, promoting local products, and improving food security across participating communities.
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Le projet “AREA Africa Sénégal” s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’initiative italienne de coopération internationale, développé au sein d’un partenariat public-privé équilibré dans le cadre du Plan Mattei pour l’Afrique.
Il s’inscrit spécifiquement dans le cadre de l’Action pour le renforcement des écosystèmes agroalimentaires en Afrique (#AREA), cofinancé par le Ministère des Affaires étrangères et de la Coopération internationale (#MAECI), avec le CIHEAM Bari comme partenaire de connaissance et organisme de mise en œuvre pour la composante publique, et le BFI comme partenaire privé.
