Sunu Euleuk, Sunu Ecosystème - Transition to agro-ecological territories

The Sunu Ecosystème, Sunu Ëulëuk - Supporting the transition to agro-ecological territories project aims to support the transition from rain-fed agriculture to resilient peasant farming that strengthens food sovereignty while respecting the balance of ecosystems. Sustainable restoration of production bases, control of the water cycle and easy access to land are key drivers of this desired change.

Factsheet

 
 
 
 


Donors
Fédération Genevoise de Coopération

Beneficiaries
320 producers
1,500 households (waste)
6280 community members
60 management committee members
220 local contractors
3,100 pupils and teachers
255 municipal and technical staff

Total cost
639'000 CHF

Duration
2021-2024 (36 months)



 
 

Supporting communities

Since the agricultural crisis of the 1970s, Senegal's groundnut-growing basin has been one of the main regions of departure for emigration (domestic and foreign). The Sine-Saloum is a poor, predominantly agricultural region that is having to cope with a change in the production paradigm. Low levels of agricultural productivity and attractiveness, and the lack of job opportunities within and outside the sector, are exacerbating the economic difficulties faced by families. This situation of vulnerability and food insecurity is compounded by climate change, which is accentuating extremes (drought, variability/intensity of rainfall), accelerating the gradual loss of biodiversity, soils and ecosystems.

The aim of the project is to support the transition from rain-fed subsistence farming (which is highly exposed and vulnerable to climatic hazards) to resilient small-scale farming that strengthens food sovereignty while respecting the balance of ecosystems. Sustainable restoration of production bases, control of the water cycle and easy access to land are key drivers of this desired change.


 

Disparities in access to land

The low level of education and qualifications of young people, particularly women, and their difficult access to financial services, put them in an extremely precarious situation. Many of them opt to emigrate, which has become the preferred alternative in the hope of a better future.

This difficult situation for women is exacerbated by disparities in access to land. As a result, they have not yet played a leading role in the fight against soil and ecosystem degradation. However, they generally adhere to the regulations governing areas set aside for natural or assisted regeneration. Although the local authorities are beginning to understand the need for equity in women's access to land, the project will be lobbying them and traditional chiefs. This will enable them to facilitate the provision of land for their farming activities and thus participate more actively in land restoration initiatives.

 

 

Video (VO)

 

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