Oysters are a rich source of protein and healthy food. Many individuals in Senegal have delved into the production of oysters, known as oyster farming. Oyster farming will serve as a major boost for the economy of Senegal. Senegal is a tropical country with a vast landmass and streams. Over the years, they have conjured up a great oyster farming market for starters. However, it is still in its early years.

Though it has shown great futuristic growth and profit, it is tremendously underexploited.

In Southern Senegal, a fishing village known as Joal-Fadiouth abounds with oysters. Hunting for the oysters within the mangrove salty waters can be difficult and requires a lot of work. Thousands of workers predominantly make a living through oyster hunting. The dominating gender of this sector is women. The profits earned are on an informal and small scale.

Experts claim that the negative swamp will be boosted with more output in oyster farming. They stated this with modernization and changed input in mind. A lot of money will be pumped into oyster farming for the outputs to increase. It is also important to put Senegal on the map amongst other countries known to participate in the trade. Although the crippling Senegal economy says otherwise. According to a world bank evaluation, over 40% of the Senegal population is under the poverty marker. The country is flooded with fish, but they are also faced with food security and maintenance issues.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, farmers harvested over 15,600 tons of oysters in 2017. It may be high for the people but on an international scale, it is below the bar. China, the leading oyster exporter, produces over 3.5 million tons of oysters every year.

Environmental concerns

Though the mangrove spurs with oysters, it may also be in danger due to environmental factors and over-penetrance. The mangrove is home to plants and shrubs of a certain hierarchy. They all grow in the shallow semi-salty.

It must be protected against environmental and climate changes such as erosion, which could distort the ecosystem. However, the farmers aim to cultivate the oysters without losing a threat to the mangrove. When cultivating oysters, wooden trestles with wires across each border are placed on the waterline.

Oyster larvae begin to wound around each string and grow on them. This method protects the water body and increases yield for the women.

Local NGOs in the areas have supported several women in crafting this technique.

However, expanding the business to a foreign scale would need u contaminated water and proper maintenance. Oysters cannot survive in contaminated water. Other problems damaging production are poor transportation and storage. Oysters need to be stored in a cold store. But, with the sparse power supply, they might not last to see the foreign market. For clean water supply, it is estimated at $335,000. It is an enormous amount for a developing country.

Prospects for oyster farming

Amidst all challenges, the Senegal government has put forward a plan in conjunction with FAO and the European Union to improve techniques and breeding cultivation.

The government is urging citizens to embark on oyster farming; a few individuals cannot handle hurdles alone. Huge economic prospects await the country soon when every hand is on deck.

Reference

●      france24.com

●      fao.org