The present study, whose theme is "the role of irrigation in the development of agriculture in Senegal: case of the PARIIS project in the region of Fatick ", has attempted to highlight the added value brought by the practice of irrigation in the development of agriculture. The investigations were carried out at the level of irrigated perimeters built in the department of Toubacouta by the PARIIS project for the benefit of beneficiaries mainly of women. The comparative advantages provided by the irrigated perimeters have been assessed from the angle of the agricultural production levels and the income generated. The study shows that with the introduction of irrigation, the perimeters see their production increase substantially, sometimes going from simple to quadruple. Consequently, an increase in the income of all producers has been observed. In addition to these quantitative advantages, there are other equally important advantages, such as the considerable time saving generated by the time for watering the plants, which is considerably reduced. Indeed, before the irrigated systems, the beneficiaries spent almost all day and sometimes the night drawing water from wells to water the fields. This time saving now allows them to engage in other activities, particularly family and sometimes lucrative activities. Their state of health has improved at the same time, which contributes to better living conditions. This situation does not exclude difficulties that should be resolved to make the most of the facilities. We note the need to build the capacity of farmers to better manage technical itineraries, the lack of storage infrastructure to ensure good conservation of crops, the non-availability of quality fertilizers on time, difficulties in marketing. Finally, to reinforce the achievements, recommendations are formulated for the beneficiaries, the projects and programs, and the State.
Keywords: Agriculture, irrigation, women