Cow Milk Production in the Delta of the Senegal River: Real Farming Diversification within an Irrigated System?

Abstract

Development of irrigated farming on a large scale dramatically changed the environment of the Senegal River delta. Regardless of the changes, milk production increased on the right bank (Mauritania) and remained stable on the left bank (Senegal). Studies were carried out from July 1997 to June 1999 to better assess interactions between animal husbandry and irrigated fields. Results are presented on the use of forage resources and on some technical/economical parameters. Milk production at the farm level appeared as a truly profitable activity of diversification for the relatively large population of cattle breeders/rice farmers. On the right bank, it appeared rather as a specialized field. Its future is promising as the area is on its way to becoming a milk production basin that will supply the capital cities of Nouakchott and Dakar. The central role of milk collection is highlighted.

Keywords

• Lait de vache
• Diversification
• Rentabilité
• Rizière
• Culture irriguée
• Sénégal
• Mauritanie