A critical political economy approach to agroecological transitions: A social multi-criteria evaluation of agricultural policies in Senegal

Globally, food systems are at the center of an ecological, social, and health crisis. In the Global South, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the reorganization of food systems is crucial to achieving economic development while addressing the various crises. Raising agricultural productivity is important, within a broader development strategy, if it does not imply the destitution of millions of peasants. Agroecology, with its focus on labor-driven intensification, represents an opportunity to transform food systems and achieve sustainability. National policies play a significant role in promoting or hindering agroecological transitions (AETs). In this article we analyze the contents of agricultural policies in Senegal, to determine to what extent the official texts promote AETs. Senegal, a Western African country in the Sahel region, faces important challenges in terms of providing sufficient food for its inhabitants, within a context of worsening climate and persistent demographic growth. Agroecology could provide an opportunity to promote nation-focused agricultural development while preserving peasants. We draw on the categories of critical political economy to clarify the meaning of AETs, in terms of changes in the prevailing mode of production. Subsequently, we deploy social multi-criteria evaluation to analyze the most important agricultural policies since 2014 and assess to what extent the official policy documents are in line with AETs. The results indicate that the policies are still anchored to a narrative of agricultural modernization and are not particularly transformative. Nevertheless, we also note some improvements, particularly with respect to the gender issue, and to a lesser extent with respect to the management of soil fertility and pest control. We note how the emergence of social movements supporting AETs in Senegal may help to promote public policies that are more transformative. The results contribute to the wider debate on the role of public policies in supporting AETs.

CEDDIA Michele;  SENE Marie Therese Daba;  MUNDA Giuseppe;  OSTLAENDER Nicole; 

2025-12-10

UNIV CALIFORNIA PRESS

JRC139242

2325-1026 (online),   

https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2025.00019,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139242,   

10.1525/elementa.2025.00019 (online),