Sustainable Development in Rural Senegal

From cookstoves to graduation, the CREATE approach is rooted in self-reliance and participation. It provides training and support in the four development sectors of renewable energy, water, agriculture, and income generation. As a result, women in Senegalese partner communities have been able to chart a course for themselves, putting their communities into a cycle of sustainable development. They gain access to solar energy that pumps clean water year-round from renovated wells for irrigated food production that yields income from excess produce sold in local markets. The income derived from the excess food production can be used for enhancing the quality of life for participants, such as better educational opportunities and improved medical care. Additionally, extensive tree-planting programs and training for self-made improved cookstoves round out the CREATE model. Villages are rejuvenated as beneficiaries find new hope for their future and that of their children.

West Africa-particularly Senegal-bears the brunt of global climate change. Desert encroachment and decreasing rainfall result in shorter growing seasons. Deforestation compounds these changes as communities continue collecting wood for cooking and building homes. In this moment, the world is facing unprecedented threats. Yet, there is still hope.

As Country Director for CREATE’s Senegal program, Seck spearheads CREATE’s climate smart programs, leading his Senegal team to serve as inspirations for a community’s path towards a sustainable and empowered future. 

Continuously inspired by the dedication shown by the women in each of CREATE’s partner communities while they work to better their future, Seck recalls a particular incident with the women’s group in Santhie, a community situated in the Northern part of Senegal. “What impressed me the most with the Santhie group, was the willpower of the women who only lacked the necessary tools to work. We found an old well abandoned for 30 years that we rehabilitated; and to show us their determination, the women provided physical labor themselves during the rehabilitation process. Afterwards, we set up a vegetable garden giving these brave women the opportunity to work throughout the year. These days the Santhie site has become an oasis. 

Seck and his team works with many such groups and have proudly supported the “graduation” to sustainability of eight communities over the last decade. “My words will never be enough to praise CREATE’s accomplishments!” says Seck.