Projects > Brief descriptions > Stabilisation of food security for peace promotion in the Casamance

Contact person

For further information please contact:
Ms Brigitte Reichelt
Email: brigitte.reichelt@gtz.de

Stabilisation of food security for peace promotion in the Casamance

Project description

Title: Stabilisation of food security for peace promotion in the Casamance
Commissioned by: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Country: Senegal
Lead executing agency: · Ministry of Economy and Finance
Overall term: November 2003 to December 2008

Context

Senegal, Casamance food security project, women harvesting bananas. © GTZ

The Casamance region in Senegal has been burdened by a smouldering conflict over independence since 1982. The conflict has led to a marked decline in agricultural production and to reduced food supplies for the people. The situation is aggravated by recurrent droughts. Sudden attacks, landmines and isolation prevent people from compensating for these difficulties with other activities, such as trade. No passenger ships have arrived since 2002, and the overland route via Gambia is heavily obstructed.

A portion of the population, the army and the rebels have created a “war economy” that erodes the social fabric, destroys the natural environment and its resources, and ultimately perpetuates the conflict. Peace agreements have been drawn up, but not all factions of the armed movement accept to them as yet.

Objective

The population of Casamance are finding ways to eliminate the food supply problem and are developing alternatives to the war economy and rebellion.

Approach

Senegal, Casamance food security project, women gathering salt. © GTZ

In 20 percent of the villages hardest hit by the conflict, the people are to get better access to municipal health and nutrition advisory services. New areas for growing rice and millet are to be created through the use of small dikes; by planting improved seed the women should be able to multiply rice yields threefold. A stronger general population will be able to pressure the conflicting parties to take decisive steps toward peace.

GTZ advises and trains local partners and participates in the financing of small-scale infrastructure measures. It assists the population’s efforts toward organisation and supports dialogue and cooperation within and between village communities. Roadways, wells and ruined facilities are being repaired, more food produced and food reserves accumulated. The civil population takes a stronger stand in local negotiations, including those with armed groups. GTZ supports the government’s reconstruction programme through the government agency ANRAC.