• IMAIS expects production to rise after a disappointing 2024/2025 harvest.
• Senegal’s corn output fell 12.7% to 495,571 tonnes in 2024/2025.
• Corn imports rose 19% in 2024 to 512,740 tonnes.

Corn ranks as Senegal’s third most cultivated and consumed cereal after rice and millet. The first outlook for the new crop year suggests stronger production after a weak 2024/2025 season.

The Interprofession Maïs (IMAIS) anticipates a higher corn harvest in 2025/2026. “This year, farmers planted more hectares of corn. We visited the regions of Kaolack, Kaffrine, Sédhiou, Kolda, Tambacounda and Kédougou. We saw crops performing very well. We expect good yields and abundant production,” said Nimna Diayté in comments to APS on October 25.

IMAIS did not disclose the total seeded area or forecast volumes. However, the comments signal a rebound. Data from national statistics agency ANSD show that corn acreage declined 4.3% to 164,906 hectares in 2024/2025. Production dropped 12.7% to 495,571 tonnes.

The expected recovery comes as the government allocates a record budget to support the ongoing agricultural campaign. Authorities aim to improve access to subsidized inputs. In the corn sector, policymakers prioritized the availability of hybrid seeds to raise yields.

Higher output would help reduce Senegal’s reliance on imports. ANSD data show that Senegal’s corn imports increased 19% in 2024 to 512,740 tonnes. Imports rose nearly 59% in five years from 323,439 tonnes in 2020.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum