Horticultural marketing and export in Senegal : constraints, opportunities and policy issues

Whereas North African and Spanish competitors must use greenhouses during the winter months, Senegalese products can be grown outdoors. Moreover, Senegal"s proximity to Europe and the large volume of air traffic from Dakar to European markets allow for low air freight costs relative to many sub-Saharan competitors. Despite these advantages, however, Senegal"s share in the European horticultural market has declined since the late 1970"s, as competition from alternative suppliers dramatically increased. This report provides an overview of Senegal"s horticultural production, marketing, and export and identifies constraints to expansion -- notably, the lack of supportive policies and incentive schemes. It describes trends in exports to Western European markets in terms of specific crops and countries and summarizes the opinions of European importers regarding Senegalese horticultural products. The report then assesses the potential for expanding exports to alternative markets, including West Africa and the United States. Final sections explore the possibility of developing joint ventures to promote Senegalese horticultural exports, identify information gaps, and present recommendations for a horticultural subsector action plan.