Managing Agricultural Development to Protect the Environment

The fragile Sahel ecosystem is facing severe environmental degradation due to growing rural populations and intensification of agriculture, with significant effects on food economics and food security in the region. Northern Senegal has an emerging irrigated vegetable and fruit export industry and agribusinesses and exporters are moving into the region. Farmers are seeking to meet the demand for their fruit, flowers, and vegetables by increasing production.

It is critical that this growing industry develops in an ecologically sound manner because improper irrigation and intensive management can permanently degrade these fragile soils, leading to a dustbowl effect. The region needs a workforce trained in food safety, agronomy, horticulture, irrigation, and agribusiness. However, higher education agricultural programs in the region cannot currently meet this demand.

To support this growing need, this partnership between The Ohio State University and Université Gaston Berger aims to:

1. Develop a premier innovative agronomy and crop production degree program at UGB and develop faculty capacity
2. Establish an agricultural research and development center at UGB to provide services to and strengthen connection with the local community, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders
3. Improve faculty and staff training through joint collaborative research and teaching