Agricultural production support

The Ministry of Rural Development (MDR) will implement the project. In a restructuring of the seed sector, three experts will help two MDR units - the Senegalese Agronomic Research Institute (ISRA) and the Seed Production and Control Division (DPCS) - assist private SM and seed certification efforts. The advisors will: (1) help ISRA ensure that the selection/production of breeder seed meets farmer needs; (2) help DPCS assist SM efforts of farmer associations and private entrepreneurs; and (3) provide on-the-job training in seed certification and field level certification techniques to the DPCS and help DPCS develop a GOS seed decree in line with international norms. Seven M.S. degrees, short-term training, and study tours will be provided.The Chief of Party will promote Government of Senegal and private sector collaboration - a key project need - and short-term TA, studies, and training (especially third-country tours) promoting this dialogue will be funded. In view of Senegal"s current liquidity crisis, a $9 million revolving fund will be established through commercial banks to expand credit to agricultural suppliers, including cooperatives. Citibank will manage this component and develop a training program for bank personnel. To enable the Direction of Agricultural Statistics (DSA) to provide better data on crop production and input use, long- and short-term advisors will assist DSA in survey design and monitoring, enumerator training, data analysis, and the use of project-funded computers. DSA will be provided with training in statistics (two M.S. degrees, short courses, workshops, and study tours) and with mobylettes for 40 regional survey monitors. A mass media campaign will publicize to farmers the value of using appropriate seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs. The project will fund baseline and follow-up communications evaluation studies and study tours for this component, which will largely be implemented by the private sector with consultant help.