Every year, Senegal’s Kedougou region is more and more threatened by climate change. As natural disasters like erratic rainfall, floods, prolonged droughts, and soil erosion become more frequent the “hunger” season grows longer. During which a staggering 70% of the population have to reduce their food intake to survive.

Chimpanzees are also feeling the impacts. Forests are being cut and burned to create fields – often leading to uncontrolled bushfires and significant habitat loss for chimpanzees and other animals who share their home.

Adapting agricultural practices to meet these challenges has never been more urgent. ​

Half the people meeting these challenges are women, who make up 50% of the region’s active farmers. In partnership with JGI Senegal, the Réserve Naturelle Communautaire de Dindéfélo, and community members, we’re collaborating with farmers while promoting gender equality so that women have greater decision-making roles, and people can live in better harmony with the natural world.

This project is funded in partnership with the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada.

Behind the Scenes

Impact

Forest Fires
100%

of trained community members increased their technical knowledge on how to effectively contribute to sustainable forest management, and how to prevent forest fires.

Forest Management
1392

community members (54% women) were trained on sustainable forest management and fire prevention.

Fonio Seeds
4.9kkg

of fonio seeds were distributed to women farmers in 14 villages in the Kedougou region.

Supplies
975

women farmers received agricultural supplies, including drought-resistant seeds, tarps and basins.

It’s time for women to band together, take the power, and heal the earth.

Dr. Jane Goodall

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This project is funded in partnership with the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada.