Summary
Two farms in Senegal supply a large portion of the UK's vegetables, particularly during winter. The hot and dry climate near the Sahara Desert does not seem ideal for farming, but the availability of river water allows for successful cultivation. These farms export significant amounts of produce to UK supermarkets.
Key Facts
- Two British-run farms in north Senegal supply many vegetables to the UK.
- Most of the workers on the farms are women.
- The farms grow crops like corn, green beans, and spring onions.
- The area is near the Sahara Desert, but water from the Senegal River supports the farms.
- Each winter, the UK gets a high percentage of its fresh produce from these farms.
- The Saint-Louis area in Senegal provides abundant sunlight and labour.
- The larger farm started with an entrepreneur using Google Earth to scout locations.
- Vegetables are exported weekly by ship to the UK from Dakar port.
