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The region

Senegal is located in West Africa and stretches from the cool Atlantic coast to the hot Sahel region on the border with Mali. Although more than 60 percent of Senegal’s population work in agriculture, agricultural products account for only 17 percent of GDP.

Solar power increases the creation of added value

The agricultural productivity in Senegal can still be significantly increased. An important condition for this is access to a reliable power supply to ensure that the harvest can be processed and preserved. As a model project, the SolarBioFarm is meant to show how a successful and sustainable operation can be organized.

Challenge

At present, the conditions for agricultural cultivation in Senegal are poor. The agricultural sector mainly consists of small and micro farms that often still use traditional cultivation methods.

Description

The heart of the SolarBioFarm is a PV stand-alone system. It generates enough electricity for the most important equipment: a pump to irrigate the fields, a dryer, a mill and an oil press. The model project was initiated by the cdw Foundation and Senesolar SUARL. The local women’s organization KAWRAL is responsible for the operation.

Result

Through the sale of its products, the women’s organization KAWRAL generates sufficient income to ensure the sustainable operation of the power supply unit and the entire SolarBioFarm. Moringa oleifera is cultivated in compliance with organic food quality standards on one of the main fields of the farm. Part of the harvest is exported to Germany, where the nutrient-rich plant is enjoying growing popularity.