Senegal
Climate resilience and food security for women in Matam (ReClima)
Securing food, protecting the climate - with women at the center
In the Matam region in eastern Senegal, on the border with Mauritania, the emigration rate among young men and young people is one of the highest in the country. Women take on central economic and social tasks there - especially in agriculture. They are organized in women's promotion groups (Groupements de Promotion Féminine, GPF), which work collectively and promote the self-determination of women in rural areas. Despite their potential, GPFs often lack organizational, technical and material support. This is precisely where ReClima comes in - by strengthening these local structures and promoting sustainable development through women.
Total volume: € 171,174
Duration: November 1, 2024 to April 30, 2026
Project region: Matam, Senegal
Project partner: Entrepreneurs du Monde
Financial support from the Bavarian State Chancellery
To improve the food situation in Matam and offer women long-term prospects, the project supports up to 2,400 women from 16 GPFs by providing access to land, water, training and technical equipment. The aim is to promote climate-resilient, sustainable farming methods, secure the families' food supply, boost income and enable women to play an active role in local development. To achieve this, the following components are anchored in the project:
1. training in agroecological agriculture
Women are trained in agroecological farming methods that improve soil fertility and enable adaptation to climate change. 16 irrigated vegetable gardens are equipped with fences, solar pumps and seeds. Small orchards and tree nurseries complement the gardens. Local advisors accompany the implementation and provide long-term support.
2. access to economical cooking stoves
Economical cooking stoves significantly reduce wood consumption, reduce harmful smoke and relieve women of time and physical strain. Micro-credits also give low-income households access to the appliances, which can be used both for their own needs and for small business models.
3. promotion of processing and mechanization
As part of the project, local machinery rings are being set up in the Matam region, in which the women are organized as members. These structures give them joint access to soil cultivation machines (e.g. for plowing and harvesting) and to transformation machines for processing agricultural products (e.g. drying, pressing, grinding). The aim is to facilitate work processes, increase added value and create new income opportunities. The women are supported in setting up, organizing and using the machine rings and receive training on the economic use and maintenance of the technology.
The project is being implemented by the URBIS Foundation together with the French NGO Entrepreneurs du Monde in Matam. It receives financial support from the Bavarian State Chancellery.
