Senegalese rural women rally for climate justice ahead of COP28 summit

In Dakar, Senegalese rural women took to the streets on Saturday, rallying for climate justice and emphasizing the enduring impact of climate change on their lives. Khady Camara, the organizer, highlighted the interconnected challenges of the climate crisis, encompassing environmental, health, and socio-economic aspects, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With climate change posing significant threats to agriculture in Senegal, where only 7% of cultivated land is irrigated, the reliance on rainfall makes the sector vulnerable. The demonstration, preceding the COP28 summit set to commence in Dubai on November 30th, served as a platform for these women to voice their concerns.

Mouhamadou Lamine Seck, an environmental lawyer, stressed the difficulties in combating climate change due to the lack of resources. Women, lacking necessary human, material, and financial support, called on decision-makers to fulfill promises made at COP27 for a green fund to aid their fight against climate change.

The agricultural sector in Senegal has undergone substantial changes, particularly in the groundnut industry, historically crucial to the country’s economy, now facing a severe crisis. This crisis prompted a shift to cultivating cereals like millet, rice, and corn, as well as the production of fruits, vegetables, and manioc. Remarkably, this marks the third demonstration organized by Senegalese women advocating for climate justice.