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Senegal Research Briefing

In Senegal, our research found that though Senegalese know that their environment is changing, they do not know why. You can read the full Research Briefing by downloading the pdf. 

Senegal research briefingInitial insights coming out of the research include:

  • People in Senegal are aware of changes in weather patterns, especially when this leads to food and water shortages, but they do not understand climate change as a concept
  • Many feel unable to adapt to their changing environment, and will probably migrate to towns and cities when living off the land becomes too difficult.

One farmer said:

       "people used to cultivate crops, but this is no longer possible...they have left the fields."

Virtually nobody outside the government understands the science behind global warming. They see discussion of the issue as "restricted to a circle of insiders." The media report the effects of droughts and floods, but there is little talk of climate change.

The government agrees something must be done and has set up a National Programme of Action and is creating a National Committee on Climate Change, but it lacks funding. 

Senegal urgently needs to increase the availability and quality of information about climate change in order to engage the public. A clear understanding of how and why the weather is changing must be developed and communicated to people, to encourage individual involvement in an effective response to climate change.