Strengthening Senegal’s Livestock Sector: A Collaborative Initiative

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) has recently intensified its engagement with Senegal’s livestock industry. Through a series of technical training initiatives, the Council aims to enhance productivity and feed efficiency within the poultry and dairy sectors. This effort is led by Mohamed Salah Bouthour, the Council’s deputy regional director for Africa, who steered a delegation dedicated to developing programs that directly address local industry needs.

Poultry Training Workshop: A New Approach

In partnership with the Poultry Association of Senegal, the Council successfully conducted its third poultry training workshop of 2025 at the Reference Center for Poultry Professions in Diamniadio. This workshop marks a significant milestone as it represents the first structured partnership between the Council and the national poultry association, focusing on locally driven and industry-specific capacity building in West Africa.

Extending to Dairy: Comprehensive Ruminant Management Program

Responding to a request from NMA Sanders, one of Senegal’s largest feed manufacturers, the Council expanded its efforts into the dairy sector. A three-day ruminant management program was organized, featuring support from experts at the Council’s Regional Feed Training Center in Tunisia. This program included farm visits, engaging workshops, and specialized training sessions that covered essential topics such as dairy cow nutrition, operational management, and profitability strategies.

Overcoming Challenges in Milk Production

Senegal faces challenges with high prices for consumers due to its reliance on imported milk products and limited domestic production capabilities. By delivering targeted technical support, the Council seeks to bolster local production while simultaneously increasing the demand for essential feed ingredients and raw materials.

Empowering Local Professionals in Poultry Management

The poultry workshops emphasized a train-the-trainer model, which equips local professionals with advanced knowledge in production and nutrition. This approach aims to enable them to disseminate their skills throughout their communities. Recent sessions focused on practical learning methods, attracting a diverse group of poultry farmers, on-farm feed mixers, and commercial feed producers.

Strategic Pilot Areas and Enhanced Knowledge

Local trainers identified two key poultry-producing regions to serve as pilot areas for future programming. Over three days, around 50 participants deepened their understanding of poultry management practices, processing techniques, feed formulation, and the incorporation of U.S. corn co-products in poultry diets. This training not only bolstered technical know-how but also cultivated familiarity with U.S.-origin feed ingredients.

Long-Term Vision: Building Trust in U.S. Agricultural Products

Through ongoing collaboration and hands-on education, the Council is committed to fostering strong relationships with Senegalese industry stakeholders. The initiative emphasizes the nutritional and economic advantages of U.S. corn and its co-products. By optimizing formulation practices and enhancing on-farm performance, the USGBC aims to establish enduring confidence in U.S. agricultural products within Senegal and the broader region.