Introduction of shared mechanization to go through the dry season: a cooperation project empowering both French and Senegalese farmers.

Since 1995, Senegalese livestock farmer of the region of Kaolack, have worked with veterinaries and farmers of the French association AVEM (Aveyron department, in France) in order to improve their farming practices. As fodder’s stocks during dry season appear to be a key issue for self-sufficiency, both partners decided to develop meadows’ mowing by mechanization. Then, since 2000, the partnership have been focused on collective organization for the use of machinery. 6 groups, the GUMA (Groupes d’Utilisation du Matériel Agricole), have been created. Technical support comes from the mechanic from Agroprov- local organization of livestock farmers, and also from French farmers. Each GUMA is twinned with a CUMA (machinery farm cooperative) in France. First investments (small machinery : “motofaucheuses”) have been made thanks to money lended by French Cuma (and already reimbursed by Senegalese groups). In 2013, a second-hand tractor will be sent in Kaolack, and trainings will be organized during 2 month. Exchanges of experiences with the Beninese Cuma experience are now taking place and will certainly lead to a common project on shared mechanization for farmers.