Rural Development and Dynamics of Enhancing Agricultural Productivity in Senegal: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications

Understanding agricultural production dynamics is vital for addressing global food security in the least developed countries. In Senegal, the issues of rural development and enhancing agricultural productivity are still less understood. Using survey data (n = 600) from the Thiès region, this study aims to explore factors that influence agricultural productivity in Senegal. The multinomial probit model is estimated using maximum simulated likelihood (MSL) methods. This approach is necessary due to the presence of multiple-choice categories. The results highlight that young farmers aged 18–30 are less likely to achieve high production (>10 tons) compared to their older counterparts ( p < 0.01). In contrast, older farmers (31–60) report higher income stability ( p < 0.05). Education levels also impact production, with farmers having lower or upper secondary education being less likely to attain high production than illiterate farmers ( p < 0.05). Receiving subsidies reduces the likelihood of high production ( p < 0.01). Larger landholdings (>1 ha) correlate with lower production odds ( p < 0.01), suggesting diminishing returns. Gender disparities are evident, with male farmers being 45.6% more likely to report income declines ( p < 0.1). Marginal effects show that acquiring land through rental or purchase significantly boosts income ( p < 0.01), while traditional ploughing increases the sown area ( p < 0.01). Policymakers should enhance training in agriculture, improve subsidies, secure land tenure, and promote certified seeds to boost productivity. This study highlights the need for targeted policies on training, subsidies, land tenure, and sustainable practices to enhance Senegal’s agricultural productivity.