News Project visit ReClima: progress towards climate resilience and food security in Matam

In October, the Urbis Foundation visited the project “ReClima – Climate Resilience & Food Security” in the Matam region in northeastern Senegal.

The initiative, funded by the Bavarian State Chancellery, is implemented on-site by Entrepreneurs du Monde (EdM) in close collaboration with Maschinenring Senegal. The visit provided our project manager, Franz Wanner, with valuable insights and offered the opportunity to engage directly with the project participants.

The Matam region is one of the hottest and driest areas in the country, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C and frequent droughts shaping daily life. Agriculture under these conditions is a major challenge, making initiatives that strengthen local communities, promote innovative solutions, and support sustainable food security all the more important.

Despite these difficult conditions, significant progress has already been made. The installation of solar-powered irrigation systems provides the women’s groups with reliable and cost-effective water supply – a crucial step to enable year-round cultivation. In addition, training in climate-resilient agriculture imparts essential knowledge on adapted cultivation methods, soil conservation, and efficient resource use. Another milestone is the mechanization of agricultural work: modern equipment eases physically demanding tasks, increases productivity, and sustainably improves working conditions.

A particularly notable achievement is the establishment of the first “Maschinenringe” (equipment-sharing cooperatives) in the Matam region, made possible through collaboration with the Maschinenring Foundation. These new structures create long-term prospects, support jointly organized services, and strengthen the local economy.

The Urbis Foundation is deeply impressed by the commitment of the women in Matam, who work with great dedication, creativity, and perseverance toward a better future for their communities. We look forward to continuing to advance this important project together and supporting the positive developments in the region.