Women in the Suburban Subsector of Milk Production and Processing in Senegal. Case of Kolda Area

Abstract

In 2000, a participatory survey was carried out in Kolda area, in the Sudanese zone of Southern Senegal, to analyze constraints to development of the milk subsector and to determine women’s role and contribution to this subsector. Women are often cattle legal owners. They also hand milk cows, and process and market dairy products. However, they have no control over means of production; it is difficult for them to have access to education and credit, and they little partake in farmers’ organizations. To improve their status, it will be necessary to set up a development program that will include training and basic literacy, as well as support measures, e.g. equipment availability to reduce housework, and basic infrastructure development.