We’re building something that has the potential to transform agriculture, empower farmers and improve lives across continents.
Jagger Harvey, director of Clemson University’s Global Research Initiatives
In a world increasingly shaped by environmental change, food insecurity and the need for sustainable agriculture, Clemson University and the Senegal Agricultural Research Institute (ISRA) are sowing the seeds of a transformative partnership.
This collaboration, rooted in shared ecological challenges and cultural ties, aims to foster innovation, empower farmers and strengthen food systems across continents. Farmers in the U.S. and Senegal, a country in western Africa, will benefit.
Climate and agricultural commonalities form the foundation of this partnership focused on developing practical farming technologies, enhancing crop and livestock resilience and improving food security.
During a recent ISRA-funded visit to Clemson, Aliou Faye, the head of partnerships, met with University researchers and administrators to explore joint research and capacity-building efforts. Faye, who is also ISRA’s technical and scientific advisor, toured the University’s Research and Education Centers and met with Gullah farmers.
“This partnership is not just about helping Senegal,” Faye said. “It’s about Clemson scientists working with us to solve problems that affect South Carolina farmers, too. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Shared challenges, shared solutions
Senegal and South Carolina share similarities in climate and agricultural production. Both regions grow peanuts, rice, cowpeas, leafy greens, corn, and produce poultry, among other crops. In addition, both face challenges such as soil salinity, drought and food safety concerns.
“I was impressed by the geographical and population similarities between some parts of South Carolina and the River Valley of Senegal,” Faye said. “I cannot wait to start a fruitful collaboration with Clemson, South Carolina farmers and the Gullah community.”
Jagger Harvey, director of Global Research Initiatives in Clemson’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, said the collaboration will benefit farmers in both South Carolina and Senegal.
“Senegal is a very welcoming and safe country, with strong agricultural research capacity as a leader on the African continent,” Harvey said. “It’s a place where meaningful collaboration can thrive. With such a strong partner, we’re co-creating solutions that benefit farmers on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Building capacity and community
The partnership reflects Clemson’s land-grant mission: advancing science through collaboration, education and community engagement. Plans include faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects and shared training programs.
One of the first steps in this partnership will be an ISRA-funded visit from Mame Penda Sarr, a plant pathologist, to Clemson’s Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Sarr will team up with center director Pat Wechter and Clemson scientist Sandra Branham to work on vegetable diseases, many of which threaten crop production in both locations.
In addition, Branham teaches an online bioinformatics class that Senegalese students and researchers will take to help them improve crops faster and combat diseases affecting crops and livestock in Senegal.
Cultural connections and farmer engagement
The partnership has resonated with the Gullah Farmers Cooperative Association. Gullah farmers, whose heritage traces back to West Africa, strongly support the partnership and view the collaboration as a means to reconnect with their roots while addressing modern agricultural challenges.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the Clemson Global Research Initiative to discover ways to enhance our farming practices,” said Vernita Dore, general manager for the association. “Tremendous benefits will be gained through workshops, training sessions, field demonstrations and one-on-one technical assistance.
“In addition, we are looking forward to providing our youth with compelling reasons to become new farmers and entrepreneurs by giving them a vision, pathway and tools in the field of agriculture as well as making the best use of available land and natural resources in this region.”
A vision for the future
This new venture is not the first time Clemson and ISRA scientists have worked together. The two institutions have been collaborating for more than five years through Clemson’s Crop Improvement Innovation Lab, as well as an ongoing partnership through the Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab.
“We are seeking to build a much broader partnership on that foundation, multiplying the positive impact for farmers,” Harvey said.
Others from the two institutions collaborating on this project include Aby Sène-Harper, a Clemson associate professor for parks and conservation area management, who is originally from Senegal. Sène-Harper is working to protect land in both the U.S. and Africa, which will help improve the lives of people in both countries.
With Faye’s assistance, she is speaking with the head of Senegal’s Macroeconomic Analysis Bureau about collaborating on projects that could benefit both countries.
In addition, Denise Attaway with Clemson University Marketing and Communications is working with Nani Dramé, an ISRA research officer, to share collaboration-related news with African and U.S. residents.
“This is about building capacity for scientists, students and farmers,” Harvey said. “We’re looking at how we can learn from each other, share knowledge and create technologies that are demand-driven and locally relevant.”
As Clemson and ISRA move forward, Harvey stresses their shared vision is to create agricultural solutions rooted in mutual respect and scientific excellence.
“This is not just a research collaboration – it’s an evolved model for partnership to cultivate mutual benefits for years to come,” Harvey said. “We’re building something that has the potential to transform agriculture, empower farmers and improve lives across continents.”
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