The Senegalese commercial poultry sector has been very dynamic over the past 15 years with an increase in production and investment, creation of jobs and growing interest of the private sector. This study highlights the key success factors identified to better guide decision-making for the development of the poultry sector. Cross-case studies conducted made it possible to highlight the key success factors: business management and capacity strengthening, organizational support and integrated contracts, access to finance and quality equipment, increased demand, and creation of outlets for production, but also import suspension applied since 2005. Capacity strengthening is also a good way to manage risks, especially poultry diseases. Financing is also an important determinant of success. Self-financing is very common, but some enterprises benefit from financing programmes set up by the Senegalese government. Protection from foreign competition through a sanitary barrier against avian flu has been associated with important domestic investment in the poultry sector. In addition, domestic market size and expected demand growth as well as the growth of the urban middle class with associated change in consumption are essential for profitable investments. Large-scale investments, backward integration and forward linkages in feed mills, day-old chick production, slaughtering and marketing have higher success rates.

This study was published as FARA Research Report 6 (04): Pp 47.