Senegal
Despite significant economic growth and decades of political stability, Senegal still faces serious development challenges. More than one third of the population lives below the poverty line.
19% of children under 5 are
chronically malnourished
Up to 1.3 million people are
facing extreme hunger
18 million people live
in Senegal
POVERTY AND hunger
The number of people experiencing extreme hunger during the lean season has increased in recent years, from 490,000 in 2021 to 880,000 in 2022 to 1.26 million in 2023. Poverty and food insecurity are particularly prevalent in rural areas of the country.
Hunger is rising due to extreme weather and economic shocks. Heatwaves, droughts and flooding have damaged food production. Limited access to land and water also affects small-scale farmers’ livelihoods. Women, who make up 60% of the agricultural workforce, have less access to resources than men, which puts them at higher risk of facing food insecurity.
WFP’s Work in Senegal
Despite the challenges, here’s how we’re fighting hunger and building sustainability in Senegal.
WFP provides nutritious meals for schoolchildren in areas with high levels of food and nutrition insecurity, with additional activities to promote attendance by girls, as well as good nutrition practices. Food is procured through local producers, which stimulates agricultural production and the local economy.
WFP provides children and pregnant and breastfeeding women with specialized nutritious food to treat and prevent malnutrition, and promotes awareness on nutrition and infant feeding practices. WFP also supports government efforts to address vitamin and mineral deficiencies including through salt iodization and food fortification.
WFP supports communities exposed to climate shocks and other risks in building resilient livelihoods and sustainable food systems through the creation of productive assets, the diversification of sources of income, access to climate insurance and the setting up of village cereal banks to minimize post-harvest losses.
You Can Help Save Lives
When you donate, you help us deliver critical food relief to the most vulnerable people in Senegal and other countries around the world. You can make difference in someone’s life – send food today.
News & Updates from Senegal
Read the latest articles on hunger issues and WFP’s work in Senegal.
