heks

In Senegal, the contrasts between poor and rich, between urban and rural areas are stark: two-thirds of the population live below the poverty line and two-thirds of all families work in the farming sector.

The farming families must grapple with soil erosion, lack of rainfall and subsequent periodic droughts, and can therefore hardly survive on their incomes. The fertile lands still in the hands of farmers and cattle-rearing families are under a growing threat arising from land speculation and investor acquisitions. For many young people life in the countryside offers no prospects and they are consequently migrating to the cities in search of a better life.

HEKS has been active in Senegal since the 1980s. Its work priorities are the strengthening of rural development, boosting incomes by promoting small enterprises and the marketing of products, access to drinking water as well as the sustainable use and revitalisation of resources in rural areas. Local partner organisations, women's groups and grassroots organisations are implementing HEKS-funded projects in two geographic primary-focus regions.

Aims, points of focus, initiatives

The HEKS country aid strategy 2012-2015 focuses on access to natural resources and their sustainable management, the strengthening of rural communities through continuing training, informing and advising local groups and players, promoting small-scale entrepreneurs in both agriculture and cattle-rearing, as well as the sharing and transfer of know-how amongst the various partner organisations and beneficiaries.

HEKS and its local partner organisations are focusing their work on two geographic zones in the northeast of the country, namely the predominantly cattle-farming Ferlo region and the coastal region (Niayes, Petite Côte). In these regions HEKS supports sustainable fruit and vegetables farming as well as their marketing at fair prices, and good production is dependent on successfully combating soil erosion and revitalising exhausted soil. Other crucial project components include the strengthening of village grassroots organisations, rural community development, as well as awareness raising and networking. With the support of HEKS partner organisations, people are getting to know their rights and duties, and can therefore call on the State for the support to which they are entitled.