Since 2019, The Ivory Foundation and Agrosemens have partnered with APAF Senegal to develop a local sector for the production of open-pollinated farmer-managed seeds. The project was initially launched on the Diokhar farm, located near Mbour. A second site, in the neighbouring village of Nobandane, was added in 2021.
Since 2023, the collaboration between The Ivory Foundation and APAF Senegal has primarily focused on the Sandiara farm, which has become the programme’s pilot site.
Thanks to the digging of a well connected to a solar-powered pump, funded by The Ivory Foundation in 2019, the Diokhar farm has gradually been transformed into a true oasis. The entire area is cultivated according to agroforestry principles, enhancing soil fertility and crop resilience.
A greenhouse dedicated to seed production has also been installed on the site, strengthening local capacity for seed multiplication.
In 2021, a second tunnel greenhouse was installed by The Ivory Foundation on the Nobandane farm, located about ten kilometres from Diokhar, in the municipality of Loul Sessène (Fatick region).
This site complements the programme by diversifying production areas and strengthening its local anchorage.
Since 2023, the Sandiara farm has become the core of the programme. The Ivory Foundation supports the development of a new market gardening site led by APAF Senegal, located near the two initial farms.
A 200 m² greenhouse dedicated to seed production has been established to structure and expand the production of open-pollinated seeds.
In just two years, the farm has become a highly successful model of agroecology and agroforestry. Each tree is planted with a specific function in mind: windbreaks, soil fertility improvement, living hedges, fruit production, and biomass generation for compost.
The integration of livestock further strengthens this sustainable system: three pigs, fed exclusively on plant-based resources, provide organic manure used to enrich the vegetable crops.
Seed production is now well underway. Seeds of peppers, aubergines, cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes — from second and third generations — have already been successfully produced and redistributed to other farmers and local projects.
Beyond its technical achievements, the Sandiara farm plays a key role as a demonstration and training site. It helps disseminate sustainable agricultural practices and strengthens seed sovereignty in the surrounding areas.