2018 Conference

Poster Presentation

How do power relations influence the control of consumable commodities within a neoliberal system? Using Political Ecology thoeries, I argue that through commodity marketing, Europe-based multinational dairy corporations use their position in global trade to gain capital and practice neocolonialism over Senegal's commodity sectors. Senegal’s resistance towards unequal trade agreements, and action within their national dairy market, reflect Senegal’s long standing persistence against colonial domination.

In the early 1980's, European MNCs began exporting surplus powdered milk to low-income countries as a by-product of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Milk Quotas. The quotas were established to curb excess dairy produced by EU farmers and raise the price of milk globally. In many counties, like Senegal, European powdered milk became the most widely consumed dairy product. Despite Senegal being historically pastoral, this is still the case today. In any context, switching from a local to an imported commodity - like milk - can alter natural, economic, and political enviroments. Considering this, I ask: What is the history and influence of the CAP Milk Quotas, and how has Senegal responded to/resisted changes in their dairy sector?

Using both theoretical and empirical research, my methodology is 3-fold: a historical timeline beginning in 1960, and economic analysis of powdered milk's role in the Senegalese market, and an examination of small- and large-scale political resistance in Senegal. Findings suggest that through liberalized trade agreements the EU holds structural power over some commodity sectors in Senegal. EU influence over these sectors impact Senegalese women and low-income rural families disproportionately. These power dynamics are being challenged through media, organized protest, and financial support of Senegalese dairies. While European influence over Senegal’s dairy sector could be a microcosm of established powers, Senegal’s reactions could demonstrate a microcosm of collective refusal of these standards.