PROFITABILITY OF THE CASSAVA PRODUCTION AND PACKAGING SYSTEM IN THE DEPARTMENT OF TIVAOUANE, SENEGAL

Cassava plays a major role in improving the food security of populations and reducing poverty in rural areas. Despite its importance, its production in Senegal remains low compared to other African countries. Nowadays, it faces many constraints. It is in this context that a study was carried out on the cassava production system in the Thiès region “cassava granary”. It was carried out in eight municipalities located in the department of Tivaouane with some located in the agro-ecological zone of Niayes and the others in that of the north-central peanut basin. Surveys were carried out among the largest cassava producers in these communes. The analysis of the results showed that cassava is only cultivated in the rainy season with the same cultural practices that have remained for years. Of the five varieties listed by the president of the Interprofession Cassava of Senegal, only four are cultivated in the areas surveyed. The Terrasse (43%) and Kombo (36%) varieties are more cultivated by our contacts in the Niayes area. Soya (75%) and Wallet “Parydiey” (20% of our sample) dominate in the north-central peanut basin.