2026-2027 agricultural campaign in Kédougou: an encouraging start despite logistical challenges.

The 2026-2027 agricultural season has gotten off to a generally favorable start in the Kédougou region. The first rains recorded on June 10th indicate the gradual onset of the rainy season, with total rainfall of 85.7 mm in Kédougou, 72.5 mm in Bandafassi, 104.12 mm in Fongolimbi, 59.6 mm in Laminia, and 118 mm in the Salémata department.

On the ground, producers are already busy with preparatory work while technical services continue to put in place agricultural inputs.

Salémata: a campaign off to a good start

In the department of Salémata, the head of the Departmental Service for Rural Development (SDDR), Babacar Diouf, is optimistic about the progress of the campaign.

"The agricultural campaign has started well in the department. Producers are currently engaged in brush clearing operations before sowing," he explains, specifying that it is not yet dry sowing but rather preparations related to soil moisture.

The official also highlighted the progress made in distributing inputs. Of the 170 tons of peanut seeds planned for the department, 151.3 tons have already been delivered, representing an 89% completion rate. Fertilizer availability is also satisfactory, with 99% distribution of 6-20-10 fertilizer, 100% of triple 15-15-15 fertilizer, and 100% of urea fertilizer.

However, Babacar Diouf laments the lack of suitable premises for the departmental service as well as the difficulties in accessing certain production areas during the winter period due to the rugged terrain.

In Saraya, the first sowings have already begun.

In the department of Saraya, plowing operations and the first sowings are already visible in several localities.

According to Balla Moussa Bodian, head of the SDDR of Saraya, 75 tons of peanut seeds were received and distributed among the different communes of the department, including Bembou, Saraya, Nafadji, Madina Baffé, Khossanto and Sabodala.

"The municipality of Saraya has already exhausted its stock while sales continue in other localities," he says.

Regarding fertilizers, 50 tons of urea have been received, representing 50% of the expected quantity. For the 6-20-10 fertilizer, 50 tons out of the 75 planned are already available. However, deliveries of the triple 15-15-15 fertilizer, as well as corn and fonio seeds, are still pending.

The manager points out several major constraints, including difficult access to certain agricultural areas, staff shortages — the department has only one agent — and the advanced state of disrepair of many storage facilities.

Kédougou: agricultural activities already underway

In the Kédougou department, despite rainfall deemed slightly deficient, agricultural services are observing a normal start to farming activities.

"The operations of clearing brush, cleaning plots and preparing soils are underway. In some localities, the first sowings of maize and fonio have even timidly begun," says Sékou Baldé, head of the SDDR of Kédougou.

Peanut seed distribution has already reached 97%, with a 53% distribution rate. For fertilizers, the distribution rate is 43% for 6-20-10 and 70.5% for urea. Producers are gradually beginning to acquire inputs after the significant expenses associated with the Tabaski festival.

Sékou Baldé, however, draws attention to the storage difficulties facing the department. Existing warehouses are insufficient to accommodate the large quantities of fertilizer expected. Added to this is the particular case of the Fongolimbi district, which remains difficult to access for trucks transporting the inputs.

Encouraging prospects despite the constraints

Overall, the indicators remain positive for the start of the 2026-2027 agricultural season in the Kédougou region. The first rains have allowed fieldwork to begin, and the distribution of inputs is progressing at a satisfactory pace.

However, constraints related to infrastructure, storage, the isolation of certain areas and the lack of personnel remain major challenges that technical services will have to overcome to ensure the success of the campaign and effectively support producers in the region.