Analysis of constraints on expanding rice output in the Casamance region of Senegal

This paper identifies and analyzes several factors believed to limit rice production in the Casamance (southern) region, where 80% of Senegal"s rice is produced. The following factors are studied: (1) climatic uncertainties resulting from drought in the Sahel; (2) competition between groundnuts and rice for the allocation of family labor; (3) institutional constraints on the marketing system in general and on processing in particular; and (4) the effects of seasonal and permanent migration and of the lack of postprimary educational facilities and of agriculture-oriented schools. The possibility offered by improved production techniques and small mill processing to make rice produced in Casamance competitive with imported rice is shown, and the comparative advantage of groundnuts over rice questioned. The analysis suggests that the present rice production-marketing subsystem could be significantly improved if more consistent price and marketing policies were defined and applied, and if production and credit were reorganized. (Author abstract, modified)