African solutions for sustainable change

For more than four decades, SOS SAHEL has invested in African solutions to food security, livelihood and climate challenges — bringing lasting, sustainable development to the Sahel and Africa.

Why is the Sahel critical to sustainable development in Africa?

The Sahel is a belt of dry land countries, stretching between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, just south of the Sahara Desert. It is one of the poorest regions of the continent but also one of the most important — the leading edge of the critical Green Wall preventing encroaching desertification and promoting climate resilience in Africa.

The population of the Sahel will reach 500 million people by 2050. That means half a billion Africans who need greater livelihood opportunities in a region where more than 90% of people rely on farming. Investing in environmental restoration and agricultural innovation is essential for the security and well-being communities in the Sahel, and for Africa.

SOS SAHEL celebrates African expertise and locally led development.

Founded in Dakar, Senegal more than 40 years ago, SOS SAHEL believes in the power of locally led solutions for development. African farmers have generations of agricultural expertise at the nexus of food security, climate and livelihoods that is ready to be tapped in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and African Union Agenda.

Rather than relying on imported Western knowledge, SOS SAHEL builds a bridge between local, national, regional and international partners and resources — in particular ensuring that marginalized voices, like women and youth, are given a seat at the table to determine Africa’s future. This drives innovative partnerships and knowledge exchange to disrupt traditional models of development as we pursue greater opportunity, security and prosperity for the Sahel.

SOS SAHEL programs are led by a network of more than 1,000 local actors, committed to a greener, climate-conscious future for the Sahel.

Investing in a Green Initiative to secure Africa’s future.

Inspirational local partnerships and innovation unite a focus on food security, livelihoods and climate change to move us closer to the Sustainable Development Goals and African Union Agenda 2063.

Voices from the field

I am member of a women's shea producing group in Sidoba, Mali. I was trained by SOS SAHEL on how to select the best almonds, harvest them in an environmental manner and sell them at the best price. We were given the equipment and technical knowledge to produce quality shea butter more efficiently. The deepening of my knowledge and my skills allowed me to earn more money (about 150 euros per year) and assume the role of head of household. Through my agricultural work and this extra income, my children can eat their fill and go to school.

- Aramatou, Farmer in Mali

I am the President of Store Management Committee of Warrantage in Soukuy. With SOS SAHEL we set up an innovative storage system - the warrantage - which enables us to enhance our crops and increase our revenues. During the time of harvest, the market is flooded with grain and the selling price is low. With this system, producers may store their crop to sell at a better time. Meanwhile, the microfinance organization with which we work grants us a loan, which allows us to cover our daily expenses and to send our children to school. This allows us to feed our family throughout the year and even reinvest and grow!

- Dakio, Farmer in Burkina Faso

With SOS SAHEL we set up a literacy class for women in our village. We spend three hours, four days a week in these sessions. The facilitator, Ms. Diallo, teaches us essential bassic techniques to develop job management skills. Tasks include taking stock of activities, keeping written records of our operations, and keeping accounts. Before SOS SAHEL, only one woman in the group was able to read and count. Today, we can all commit ourselves to developing the group's activities.

- Anta Diop, Farmer in Senegal

Before SOS SAHEL, our school was made of straw and there were often fires. It was very dangerous and always needed to be renovated. The parents' association of students worked with SOS SAHEL to build a new school and adapt curricula. Today the building is secure and well equipped: it consists of 3 classrooms and latrines and has a drinking water supply. The school is now official and has a teacher sent by the state. At school, I learn civic and sports education, ethics, arithmetic, writing, and French. Later, I hope to become a doctor because we do not have one in my village.

- Moussa, Student in Chad (9 years old)

Before SOS SAHEL, the women of my village had to walk several hours each day to find water which was often drawn from unhealthy or polluted sources and then carried back in jugs with our own hands. The children were sick and had severe diarrhea. SOS SAHEL installed drilling methods in our village and I got involved personally to learn to manage drilling. After training, I am now a member of the Water Management Committee and responsible for hygiene.

- Antoinette, Farmer in Burkina Faso

SOS SAHEL helped us to enhance our knowledge and production methods in our garden. Trained in new techniques, we are better equipped and the garden size has since doubled. Today we produce over 70% of the fruits and vegetables for the village school. In addition, to avoid losses and to preserve foods and their nutritional qualities, SOS SASHEL has taught us how to use solar dryers.

- Aïcha, Farmer in Djibouti

Disrupting traditional development models with the Africa Days.

SOS SAHEL launched the annual Africa Days in Dakar as a one-of-a-kind gathering between local communities, experts, and global investors in sustainable development.

You can help build a stronger, more vibrant Sahel!

By investing in African voices and solutions, together we can overcome drought, desertification, hunger and insecurity.