In May 2025, Senegal was at a pivotal point of its economic development, faced with complex issues that shape the daily life of its citizens. Although macroeconomic indicators announce significant progress, including 9.3 %projected economic growth, the highest in Africa this year, this upturn is not immediately translated into a tangible improvement for the majority of the population. The central question which then arises is that of the capacity of Senegalese households to ensure their daily diet in a context where purchasing power remains fragile, in particular due to persistent inflation on basic necessities.
Senegal has experienced a notable transformation of its economic landscape in recent years. Entry into the limited circle of oil producing countries, with annual income estimated at around 700 billion FCFA, constitutes a major step in its development trajectory. This new resource offers a unique opportunity to finance public policies aimed at diversifying the economy, improving infrastructure and reducing poverty. The government launched the “Senegal 2050” plan, an ambitious long -term development project aimed at tripling GDP per capita and bringing the poverty rate to 10 %. These objectives bear witness to a clear desire to make Senegal an emerging country, endowed with a modern and inclusive economy.
However, these macroeconomic advances do not yet result in an immediate improvement in the daily life of the majority of citizens. Economic growth, if it is strong, remains concentrated in certain sectors or regions, leaving aside a large part of the population. The majority of households continue to deal with daily challenges related to access to a healthy and affordable diet. The question of inflation, especially on food prices, remains central to social and political debate.
Food inflation: a persistent threat to purchasing power
In February 2025, overall inflation was 0.6 %, an apparently moderate figure. However, this apparent stability should not hide the more complex reality of the prices of everyday consumer products. In November 2022, for example, food inflation had reached a peak of 21.4 %, causing a significant increase in basic food prices. These significant fluctuations reflect the vulnerability of households in the face of a volatile food market. The rise in rice, sugar, oil or bread prices has a direct impact on the purchasing power of families, especially those with limited income.
Senegalese households often have to face a dilemma: buy quality products or reduce their consumption, or even deprive themselves to balance their budget. The majority must adapt by modifying its consumption habits, by favoring certain foods to the detriment of others, or by reducing the amount of food. This can have serious health repercussions, especially in children, the elderly or those with chronic diseases.
Government measures to alleviate the food crisis
Faced with this critical situation, the Senegalese government has deployed several measures to try to alleviate the pressure on the purchasing power of households. An envelope of nearly 53.4 billion FCFA was mobilized to support the drop in prices for essential foodstuffs. These measures have made it possible to establish tariff ceilings on certain current consumer products, in order to limit the increase and ensure a certain stability.
For example, crystallized sugar is now sold at 600 FCFA per kilogram, compared to 650 FCFA before, which represents a significant reduction for consumers. Unfocated broken rice is set at 410 FCFA per kilo, offering a drop of 40 FCFA. Refined oil has seen its price decrease by 100 FCFA per liter, allowing a family to reduce their food expenses. The bread wand, a daily food for many Senegalese, now costs 150 FCFA for 190 grams, a drop of 25 FCFA.
These measures, although appreciated by the population, must be actually applied and controlled to guarantee their effectiveness. The implementation throughout the territory remains a logistical challenge, especially in rural or peri -urban areas where prices surveillance is often less rigorous. In addition, these interventions must be part of a larger strategy aimed at stabilizing the long -term food market, promoting local production, importation of imports and the fight against speculation.
A menu of the week at 2,500 FCFA in total
While the household basket has increased considerably in recent years, many families must deal with extremely limited budgets to guarantee three meals a day. In this context, living with 2,500 FCFA per day may seem unrealistic for those who want to eat both healthy, enough and with variety. However, by adapting its food choices, by valuing local and seasonal products, and by cooking intelligently, it is possible to develop balanced meals without exceeding this envelope. This article offers a practical and concrete approach to eat well despite the rise in prices, by combining economic tips, menus types and nutritional advice adapted to the Senegalese reality of 2025. A demonstration that a small budget does not prohibit quality food.
Monday
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Breakfast (300 FCFA)
Bread (1/2 baguette – 75 FCFA) + omelette (egg + onion – 150 FCFA) + sugar tea (75 FCFA) -
Lunch (900 FCFA)
Ceebu Guinar (chicken rice – 200g local rice, 1 piece of chicken, vegetables: 1 carrot, 1 cabbage – 900 FCFA) -
Dinner (1,300 FCFA)
Lakh with milk (local millet, reconstituted powdered milk, sugar) – 400 FCFA-
Local fruit (mango or papaya – 100 FCFA)
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1 liter of filtered water (free or negligible)
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Reserve on the rest of the budget (800 FCFA) to vary during the week
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Mardi
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Breakfast (400 FCFA)
Sugar and lemon millet porridge – 250 FCFA + 1 local donut – 150 FCFA -
Lunch (1,000 FCFA)
Thiébou Denbé (rice in the cowpea with seasonal vegetables – 1 onion, 1 sweet potato, oil, cube) -
Dinner (1,100 FCFA)
White rice (150 FCFA) + leaf sauce (bissap, nététou, oil – 350 FCFA) + hard egg – 200 FCFA
Wednesday
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Breakfast (300 FCFA)
Bread + local chocolate (100 FCFA each) + Touba coffee in milk – 100 FCFA -
Lunch (1,000 FCFA)
Mbakhalou Saloum (mil + peanut + dried fish) – rich in vegetable proteins and fibers -
Dinner (1,200 FCFA)
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Spaghetti with fish (1 canned sardine, oil, tomato, onion, garlic – 900 FCFA)
THURSDAY
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Breakfast (350 FCFA)
Bean fritters (Accra) – 200 FCFA + corn porridge – 150 FCFA -
Lunch (900 FCFA)
Rice at Yapp (small portion of meat – 400 FCFA + Rice – 150 FCFA + Vegetables – 200 FCFA + Oil, seasoning – 150 FCFA) -
Dinner (1,250 FCFA)
Steam sweet potato-250 FCFA + Tomato-Oignon sauce + 1 egg (500 FCFA)
Friday
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Breakfast (300 FCFA)
Bread + milk powder + sugar (200 FCFA) + 1 small fruit – 100 FCFA -
Lunch (1,000 FCFA)
Ceebu Jën (fish rice – 1 piece of fish, vegetables, rice, tomato, oil) – 1,000 FCFA -
Dinner (1,200 FCFA)
MIL couscous + peanut sauce with dried fish – 700 FCFA
SATURDAY
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Breakfast (350 FCFA)
Touba coffee + millet donuts – 200 FCFA + corn porridge – 150 FCFA -
Lunch (1,000 FCFA)
Thiéré (mil couscous) + tomato sauce + cowpea + onions – 1,000 FCFA -
Dinner (1,150 FCFA)
Sautéed vegetables (cabbage, carrot, onion) + spaghetti + egg – 900 FCFA
Sunday
-
Breakfast (400 FCFA)
F wholemend bread + onion omelet – 250 FCFA + Lemon juice – 150 FCFA -
Lunch (1,100 FCFA)
Mafé (peanut sauce + rice + 1 piece of meat – 1,100 FCFA) -
Dinner (1,000 FCFA)
Vegetable soup (potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic) – 600 FCFA
Adopt strategies for a balanced diet at a lower cost
In a context where the daily budget to cover its food needs amounts to 2,500 FCFA, it becomes crucial for households to implement effective strategies to guarantee a balanced diet. The first step is to favor local products, often cheaper and more suited to Senegalese eating habits.
Local cereals such as millet, corn and sorghum constitute essential sources of carbohydrates, rich in fiber and micronutrients. Their regular consumption makes it possible not only to reduce costs, but also to support the local economy by valuing national producers. Likewise, cowpea, a legume rich in protein, constitutes an economic alternative to meat, making it possible to ensure a sufficient protein intake while respecting the budget.
Another strategy is to buy in bulk on local markets, where prices are generally more competitive than in supermarkets. This reduces the cost per unit of product, while avoiding food waste. Home cooking, using conservation techniques such as fermentation or drying, also helps extend the life of food and limit losses.
Another essential practice of seasonal vegetables in daily diet is. These vegetables, often produced locally and available at a lower cost, provide a variety of vitamins and minerals essential for a balanced diet. For example, the Gombo, the sweet potato or the squash are nutritious and economic options, accessible to the majority of households.
Proteins, often expensive in their animal form, can be replaced or supplemented by alternative sources such as eggs, canned sardines or dried fish. These foods are rich in protein, essential fatty acids and micronutrients, while being affordable. They can be integrated into various traditional recipes to enrich the diet without exceeding the budget.
It is also crucial to engage in community initiatives, such as shared gardens or purchasing cooperatives. These structures allow access to fresh products at more competitive prices, while strengthening local solidarity. Participating in these networks can also promote the transfer of knowledge in nutrition, conservation and food preparation.
Social and political issues related to food security
Beyond individual strategies, it is fundamental that public policies play a more active role in the food security of low-income households. Stabilization or the decrease in prices of basic necessities must be a priority for the government, in particular by market regulation, support for local production and the fight against speculation.
In addition, nutrition awareness programs can help optimize the use of available resources, promoting a balanced diet adapted to the economic context. The establishment of social security nets, such as food coupons or targeted subsidies, would also support the most vulnerable households. It is also necessary to invest in local agriculture, by encouraging the diversification of cultures, the adoption of modern techniques and the reduction of production costs. These efforts will contribute to increasing local supply, reducing imports to imports and lowering prices.
Despite an overall economic context in improvement, Senegal must continue to take up the challenge of guaranteeing a healthy and balanced diet to its citizens, even with a limited budget of 2,500 FCFA per day. This implies a combination of individual, community and government strategies. Priority must be given to the promotion of local products, the reduction of production costs and market regulation. In addition, coherent and targeted public policies are essential to support vulnerable households, strengthen the resilience of the food system and ensure social justice in access to food.
