Kaolack Hosts citizen Consultations to Revise Key Agricultural Legislation
In Kaolack, a bustling town in Senegal, citizen consultations have been launched to discuss the revision of the Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral and Fisheries Orientation Law (LOASPH). These discussions, held under the leadership of Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, aim to evaluate and update this critical legislation ahead of the upcoming Regional Development Committee meeting scheduled for this Friday.
The consultations are organized by the National Council for Consultation and Coordination of Rural People (CNCR), in collaboration with partners such as “Sen Suuf,” the Regional Directorate of Rural Development (DRDR), and other key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. These exchanges are designed to address the evolving needs of the sector and ensure that the LOASPH remains relevant and effective.
On Wednesday, January 15, participants gathered to discuss the various challenges and opportunities related to the LOASPH.over the past two decades, revisions to the law have not fully incorporated all desired orientations, particularly within the framework of Act 2 of the LOASPH. Nazirou Sall, president of the CNCR Board of Directors, emphasized the need for more detailed studies on family farms, including social protection for retired producers.
A consensus emerged on the necessity of an Investment Plan to support the implementation of the LOASPH, ensuring the smooth execution of the reform process. Additionally, stakeholders called for the establishment of an Agro-sylvo-pastoral and Fisheries Council by the end of February or early March. These initiatives aim to provide robust recommendations for youth employment and the development of presidential decrees.
Participants also stressed the importance of addressing land rights, protecting family farmers, and safeguarding natural resources.These measures are seen as essential for fostering sustainable development and ensuring the long-term viability of Senegal’s agricultural sector.
Key Highlights of the Consultations
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Objective | Revise the LOASPH to address current agricultural challenges. |
| Key Stakeholders | CNCR, Sen Suuf, DRDR, and other sector players. |
| Main Focus Areas | Family farms, social protection, land rights, and natural resource protection.|
| Proposed Initiatives | Investment Plan, Agro-sylvo-pastoral and Fisheries Council. |
These consultations underscore the commitment of Kaolack and its partners to fostering a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector. By addressing critical issues and proposing actionable solutions, they aim to create a framework that supports both current and future generations of farmers.
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Kaolack’s Citizen Consultations on Revising Senegal’s Agricultural Laws: Insights from an Expert
In Kaolack, Senegal, a series of citizen consultations has been launched to discuss the revision of the agro-Sylvo-Pastoral and Fisheries Orientation Law (LOASPH). Led by Mabouba Diagne, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, these discussions aim to evaluate and update this critical legislation. To delve deeper into the importance of these consultations and their potential impact on Senegal’s agricultural sector, we spoke with Dr. Amadou diallo, an agricultural policy expert and former advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Understanding the LOASPH and Its Importance
Senior Editor: Dr. Diallo,thank you for joining us. Can you start by explaining what the LOASPH is and why it’s so vital for Senegal’s agricultural sector?
Dr. Amadou Diallo: absolutely.The LOASPH, or the Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral and Fisheries Orientation Law, is a foundational piece of legislation that guides Senegal’s agricultural, forestry, pastoral, and fisheries activities. It was initially established to address the challenges of food security, rural growth, and lasting resource management. Over the years,it has played a critical role in shaping policies that support farmers,herders,and fishers.However, as the agricultural landscape evolves, so must the law. This is why these consultations in Kaolack are so vital—they offer an possibility to ensure the LOASPH remains relevant and effective.
Key Themes of the Consultations
Senior Editor: What are some of the key themes being discussed during these consultations?
Dr.Amadou Diallo: The discussions are quite extensive. One major focus is on family farms, which form the backbone of Senegal’s agricultural sector. participants are calling for better social protection for retired producers and more detailed studies on the challenges these farms face. Land rights are another critical topic, as secure land tenure is essential for sustainable farming practices. Additionally, there’s a strong emphasis on protecting natural resources, which are vital for the long-term viability of the sector. These themes reflect a holistic approach to agriculture, one that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Proposed Initiatives and Their Potential Impact
Senior Editor: The consultations have also proposed several initiatives, such as an Investment Plan and an Agro-sylvo-pastoral and Fisheries Council. How might these initiatives transform the sector?
Dr. Amadou Diallo: These proposals are game-changers. The investment Plan, for instance, would provide the financial resources needed to implement LOASPH reforms effectively. this could lead to better infrastructure, improved access to technology, and enhanced training for farmers. The establishment of an Agro-sylvo-pastoral and Fisheries Council, conversely, would create a dedicated body to oversee the development and implementation of agricultural policies. This council could ensure that the voices of all stakeholders—especially smallholder farmers and youth—are heard and addressed. Together, these initiatives have the potential to create a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.
challenges and the Way Forward
Senior Editor: What are some of the challenges in revising the LOASPH, and how can they be overcome?
Dr. Amadou Diallo: One of the main challenges is ensuring that the revisions are comprehensive and inclusive. Over the past two decades,updates to the LOASPH haven’t fully incorporated all the necessary orientations,notably within the framework of Act 2. To address this, it’s crucial to engage a wide range of stakeholders, from farmers to policymakers, in the revision process. Another challenge is securing the funding needed to implement these reforms. This is where the proposed Investment Plan becomes critical. By mobilizing resources and fostering collaboration among partners, Senegal can overcome these challenges and create a more sustainable agricultural future.
A Vision for Senegal’s Agricultural Future
Senior editor: Looking ahead, what is your vision for Senegal’s agricultural sector?
Dr. Amadou Diallo: My vision is a sector that is not onyl productive but also equitable and sustainable. I see a future where family farmers have the support they need to thrive,where land rights are secure,and where natural resources are protected for generations to come.I believe that the LOASPH, if revised thoughtfully, can be a catalyst for this transformation. The consultations in Kaolack are a step in the right direction, and I’m optimistic about the outcomes. With the right policies and investments, Senegal can become a model for agricultural development in the region.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr.Diallo,for sharing your insights with us today. We look forward to seeing how these consultations shape the future of Senegal’s agricultural sector.
