# Centre de Recherches Agricoles de Saint-Louis **Wikidata**: [Q97621094](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q97621094) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/centre-de-recherches-agricoles-de-saint-louis ## Summary The Centre de Recherches Agricoles de Saint-Louis (CRASL) is a research institute located in Saint-Louis, Senegal, dedicated to advancing agricultural science and development in the Sahel region. It operates as part of the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA), focusing on crop improvement, soil management, and sustainable farming practices. This institution plays a critical role in supporting food security and rural development across West Africa. ## Key Facts - Located in the Dagana Department of Senegal - Geographical coordinates: latitude 16.20013888888889, longitude -16.26263888888889 - Elevation: approximately 10 meters above sea level - Part of the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) - Classified as a research institute under international standards including Geonames feature code S.ITTR and schema.org/ResearchOrganization - Focused on agricultural research relevant to the Sahelian ecological zone - Associated with the Commons category: "Centre de Recherches Agricoles de Saint-Louis (ISRA)" - Has a presence documented in Wikimedia Commons and linked through Wikidata - Sitelink count: 1 (Commons) ## FAQs ### What is the Centre de Recherches Agricoles de Saint-Louis? It is a specialized agricultural research facility situated in Saint-Louis, Senegal. It functions under ISRA and focuses on improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in the Sahel region. ### Where is it located? It is located in the Dagana Department of Senegal, with geographic coordinates at approximately 16.2001° N and -16.2626° E, at an elevation of 10 meters above sea level. ### What type of organization is it? It is classified as a research institute, specifically focused on agricultural sciences, and is recognized by international systems such as Geonames (S.ITTR) and schema.org (ResearchOrganization). ### What is its relationship with ISRA? It operates as a key field research site under the umbrella of the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA), contributing to national and regional agricultural development strategies. ### Why is this center important for agriculture in West Africa? It serves as a hub for developing climate-resilient crops, improving soil fertility, and promoting sustainable farming techniques tailored to the semi-arid conditions of the Sahel. ## Why It Matters The Centre de Recherches Agricoles de Saint-Louis plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity and agricultural challenges in one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of West Africa. By conducting field trials and research specific to the Sahel, it contributes to innovations in crop breeding, pest control, and land management that are essential for smallholder farmers. Its work supports national policies aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of climate change. As part of ISRA, it also contributes to broader scientific knowledge and informs regional strategies for sustainable development. ## Notable For - Being a specialized agricultural research site within ISRA’s network - Focused research on Sahelian agro-ecosystems and climate adaptation - Hosting field experiments critical to crop variety selection and improvement - Serving as a model site for international collaboration in agricultural research - Situated in a strategic agro-climatic zone that mirrors conditions across the broader Sahel region ## Body ### Location and Physical Context The Centre de Recherches Agricoles de Saint-Louis is located in the Dagana Department of northern Senegal, near the city of Saint-Louis. The site lies along the Senegal River, which provides both opportunities and challenges for agricultural research due to periodic flooding and irrigation needs. Its geographical coordinates are 16.20013888888889° N and -16.26263888888889° E, with an elevation of about 10 meters above sea level. This positioning makes it ideal for studying lowland rice cultivation and other flood-tolerant crops. ### Institutional Affiliation The center operates under the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA), the primary public institution responsible for agricultural research in Senegal. ISRA coordinates multiple research centers and experimental stations across the country, but CRASL stands out for its focus on Sahelian conditions and its long-term field research capabilities. ### Research Focus CRASL specializes in applied agricultural research relevant to the Sahel, including: - Crop breeding programs for millet, sorghum, and rice - Soil fertility and nutrient management studies - Water use efficiency and irrigation optimization - Pest and disease resistance in staple crops - Climate adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers ### Global and Regional Relevance Although primarily focused on local and national issues, the center's work has implications for the entire West African Sahel. Its findings contribute to regional initiatives like those led by CORAF (West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development) and international bodies such as the CGIAR centers working on dryland agriculture. ### Digital Presence and Documentation The center is documented in several digital knowledge bases: - Wikidata entry with structured classification as a research institute - Featured in Wikimedia Commons under the category "Centre de Recherches Agricoles de Saint-Louis (ISRA)" - Recognized in geographic databases using the Geonames feature code S.ITTR - Mapped to schema.org as a ResearchOrganization ### Infrastructure and Facilities CRASL maintains field experiment stations, laboratories, and demonstration plots designed to test new agricultural technologies under real-world conditions. These facilities support both short-term trials and long-term observational studies, making it a critical node in the evaluation of new crop varieties and farming systems. ### Environmental and Social Impact By focusing on locally adapted solutions, CRASL contributes to: - Enhancing food security among rural populations - Promoting sustainable land management practices - Supporting climate adaptation efforts in vulnerable communities - Informing national agricultural policy through evidence-based research ### Collaborative Networks CRASL collaborates with: - National and regional research institutions - International agricultural research centers (e.g., Africa Rice Center) - Development agencies and NGOs working in rural development - Universities and training institutions in Senegal and beyond ### Challenges and Future Directions Like many research institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, CRASL faces constraints related to funding, infrastructure maintenance, and human resource development. However, its strategic importance continues to attract partnerships and investment from both domestic and international donors interested in climate-smart agriculture and food system resilience.