In Gouloumbou, Senegal, 26 hectares of banana crops have been severely damaged due to rising waters from the Gambia River, impacting local farmers significantly. Mamadou Lamine Sarr, a farmer with a 70-hectare banana plantation, reported that the flooding has destroyed a substantial portion of his field, resulting in major financial losses. With banana yields averaging 40 tons per hectare and current prices at 250,000 CFA francs per ton, the economic impact is considerable.
The floods have also rendered access roads to other farms impassable, preventing farmers from reaching their fields for days. Since September 10, the situation has become critical, prompting calls for immediate government support. Sarr emphasized that Gouloumbou accounts for 83% of Senegal's banana production, making government intervention essential to sustain the industry. As farmers face ongoing challenges, there is an urgent need for solutions to restore access and aid recovery efforts.
Source: www.senenews.com