Senegal Country Programme

Politically, Senegal is a stable country with relatively well-functioning state institutions. It has so far remained untouched by regional security crises, but is grappling with serious economic problems that are threatening internal social peace. The health crisis and the deteriorating security situation in neighbouring countries has hit the Senegalese economy hard, and further compounded domestic problems such as joblessness and poverty. Climate change, appreciable demographic growth and the annual influx of 300,000 young people, whom the Senegalese job market cannot absorb, are exacerbating not just social tensions but also the pressure on natural resources. Those being disproportionately affected by their depletion are rural dwellers, especially women. 

HEKS/EPER's engagement in Senegal is aimed at improving the living conditions of disadvantaged rural dwellers and people living close to cities, at the same time ensuring the sustainability of natural resources, on which 60 per cent of Senegalese depend directly. In this phase of the country programme, HEKS/EPER is therefore also focusing on rural, agricultural and livestock-rearing communities and assisting them in sustainably enhancing and preserving their livelihoods.