"The rising sea is swallowing our homes”

The over 100,000 people who call the islands of the Saloum Delta home are facing rapid changes that threaten their continuous existence. The region is experiencing an untold climate change, forcing seawater to rise and consequently increasing salt concentration in the soil. This makes it difficult for smallholder farmers on the islands to produce food for their families and for sale at markets.

In 2023, we began working with our partner, Action for Environmental Justice (AEJ), to amplify the voices of communities demanding justice in their fight against the climate crises confronting them.

"We are all aware of the impact of climate change on the African continent, particularly in Senegal and more specifically in the Saloum Delta, where women are most affected by the phenomenon and facing countless difficulties in preserving their livelihoods," said Adja Gaye, project coordinator for Action for Environmental Justice, Senegal.

"I am from Palmarin, one of the oldest villages in Senegal. In my community, we can barely farm anymore because saltwater has destroyed our farmlands with the invasion of the sea," said Clemence Ciandene, a farmer and fish processor from Palmarin Island.

"Our parents used to tell us that the sea was a long way from our homes. All the festivities, such as wrestling sessions and women's dances, took place at the city centre and we used to have two cemeteries, a football pitch, and mosques, but all those have disappeared and taken up by the water. Right now, we have an average of 3 meters separating us from the sea," she added.

"The people living in the Saloum Delta are struggling to stem the tide of climate. Together with Oxfam Novib, we worked with members of the communities to listen to their demands. They are experiencing the harsh reality of climate change, and they are in the best position to know how to solve their problems. All they need is extra support to strengthen their resilience," Adja added.

" We have a lot of climate refugees in this northern part of Senegal who are going through a terrible ordeal. We are asking for help to stop the sea from advancing, in particular by building a protective dyke. Although a dam has been built, it is not strong enough to stop coastal erosion. We want to consolidate this structure," said Fama Sarr, a fish processor and community leader from Saint Louis.

"Our women are struggling to sustain their livelihoods and that of their families. We are looking towards entrepreneurship to generate income. We've had a lot of training, but we lack financial resources to bring our ideas life," Fama added.

"We shared all the recommendations by more than 400 community members with local authorities. Their yearnings must be integrated into territorial climate development policy," said Adja.

The consequences of climate breakdown are felt in all parts of the world, but only the richest people and countries have the wealth, power, and influence to protect themselves. Will the voices of the people of Saloum be heard in their call for increased finance to upscale the solutions they are coming up with to adapt to this harsh reality?