Within UMR TETIS, Dié-Yacine Ka has explored the dynamics of the agroecological transition in Senegal.
Dié-Yacine Ka, researcher at UMR TETIS (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement).
Thesis defended in 2026.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The agroecological transition is a subject that deserves particular attention, especially in a country like Senegal, where environmental and economic issues are crucial. Indeed, Senegal, with its diversity of climates and soils, stands at the crossroads between agricultural tradition and modernity. The work of Dié-Yacine Ka highlights the need to rethink territories through local initiatives. Why is it essential to build territory around these initiatives? The answer lies in the capacity of these actions to transform not only agricultural practices but also the social and economic structures that surround them.
Agroecological transitions are not limited to agricultural techniques. They involve a reconfiguration of natural environments, economic circuits, and public policies. In Senegal, this transformation is particularly visible in the municipalities of Darou Khoudoss, Mboro, and Ndiob. Each municipality presents different dynamics: in Darou Khoudoss and Mboro, initiatives are often fragmented and individual, while in Ndiob, a collective and coordinated approach is emerging, driven by local elected officials. This diversity of approaches raises questions about the effectiveness of individual initiatives in the face of systemic challenges.
Take the example of Darou Khoudoss, where farmers are trying to introduce agroecological practices but face resistance due to well-established traditional methods. In Mboro, isolated permaculture projects have emerged, but without real synergy among the actors, their impact remains limited. In contrast, in Ndiob, the establishment of a local sustainable agriculture committee has brought together various actors around a common project, thus illustrating the potential of a collective approach.
Dié-Yacine Ka's research is based on an in-depth field survey involving 69 actors, ranging from NGOs to farmers. This hybrid methodology allows for an understanding of the complexity of interactions among different actors and territorial issues. The results show that the agroecological transition is underway, but it is hindered by constraints such as land pressure and traditional agricultural practices. How then can a more harmonious and integrated transition be promoted?
It is imperative to strengthen coordination among local actors and to promote mobilizing discourses that encourage collective engagement. This could involve training, awareness workshops, and experience exchanges among municipalities. Territorial governance must be rethought to support these initiatives and create a conducive framework for agroecological experimentation. Decision-makers must question the support mechanisms to be put in place to accompany this transition. What public policies can truly promote a sustainable transformation of territories?
Agricultural policies must adapt to encourage environmentally friendly practices. This could include subsidies for farmers who adopt agroecological methods, tax incentives for collective projects, or investments in infrastructure that facilitate access to water and markets.
In summary, Dié-Yacine Ka's research offers valuable insight into the dynamics of the agroecological transition in Senegal. It calls for a thorough reflection on how territories can be rethought to integrate local initiatives and support sustainable agriculture. The stakes are multiple and require an interdisciplinary approach to be fully understood and integrated into public policies.
It is also essential to consider the impact of the agroecological transition on local communities. By promoting sustainable practices, we can not only improve food security but also strengthen the resilience of populations in the face of climate change. By integrating traditional knowledge and modern innovations, Senegal can become a model of agroecological transition in West Africa, inspiring other countries to follow this path.
Thus, the agroecological transition in Senegal should not be seen as a mere change in agricultural practices, but as a true societal transformation, where each actor, whether a farmer, local elected official, or NGO member, plays a key role in building a sustainable future.
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Sources and Access
Dié-Yacine Ka. Faire territoire autour des initiatives locales : perspectives pour la transition agroécologique au Sénégal. Géographie. AgroParisTech; Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Dakar, Sénégal ; 1957-..), 2026. Français. ⟨NNT : 2026AGPT0006⟩. ⟨tel-05647741⟩