About SOS Sahel | Sahel Region | Food security and nutrition

Our mission

SOS SAHEL invests in African solutions to food security, livelihood and climate challenges, bringing lasting sustainable development to the Sahel.

Our vision

A green, thriving Sahel that celebrates local ingenuity and knowledge to unlock the full potential of its resources and people.

As the only organization present in all 11 countries of the Sahel, SOS SAHEL is dedicated to core values that celebrate African voices and expertise.

Inclusivity

We believe in amplifying the voices of all people with a stake in the Sahel’s development, especially marginalized groups like women and youth.

Sustainability

We believe in a greener, climate-conscious future, as well as facilitating independence through secure, prosperous livelihoods.

Respect

We believe that local communities hold invaluable knowledge and history that must be celebrated in pursuing sustainable development.

Collaboration

We believe in bridging the gaps between local, national, regional and international levels to make greater prosperity accessible to all people.

Innovation

We believe Western-led development is insufficient, and we must expand who is at the table to innovate solutions to today’s challenges.

Accountability

We believe our success is only possible through partnership, and maintaining transparency is a sign of respect and good faith.

WHO WE WORK WITH

The initiatives of local people are the driving force behind all of our actions. In each of our programs, rural communities, farming families and local entrepreneurs are the key program implementers. Supported by SOS SAHEL’s expertise and approach, they identify their needs and their priorities and work every day to realize their projects. SOS SAHEL is made up of about 400 people; and 95% of them are based in the field.

As active program implementers, we do not call these people beneficiaries; instead they are “actors”.

They are the active agents of their own change!

SOS SAHEL coordinates a network of local groups, regional offices, national governments and international organizations to further diffuse knowledge and best practices, and to advocate for the needs of civil society organizations in the policy development process on an international scale.

1972-1973

The Crisis

Severe droughts hit the Sahel causing an unprecedented food crisis: more than one million people died of hunger in West Africa.

1976

A Solution

SOS Sahel was created, with the support of President Léopold Sédar Senghor, in order to respond to the massive food emergency in the Sahel.

1984

Tragedy In Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, a severe drought resulted in over a million deaths.

2000

Development Goals

The Millennium Development Goals were adopted by the United Nations. The first of which is "eradicating hunger and extreme poverty."

2012

Emergency In The Sahel

Another drought leaves nearly 20 million people in the Sahel in an emergency situation.

2016

The Next Chapter

On the 40th anniversary SOS SAHEL launched the Food Security and Nutrition Initiative 2025.

AÏCHA, FARMER IN DJIBOUTI "OUR GARDEN PROVIDES FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO THE SCHOOL CANTEEN"

"My name is AIsha Ilive in Randa, Djibouti. In our village we are lucky to have a school that can accommodate 500 children. The mothers of the village createdd a garden to provide fruits and vegetables to the school canteen. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to grow good products throughout the year, due to the heat and lack of water. Despite our efforts, we managed to supply the canteen at only 30%. Thanks to SOS Sahel, we have been trained and are better equipped. The area of the garden has since doubled to 10,225 ft2 today. Today we produce over 70% of fruit and vegetables of the canteen and the food is better."