Climate risk and adaptation country profile: Vulnerability, risk reduction, and adaptation to climate change: Senegal
This country profile is part of a series of 49 priority country briefs developed by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the Global Support Programme of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF). This profile synthesizes most relevant data and information for Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation to Climate Change and is designed as a quick reference source for development practitioners to better integrate climate resilience in development planning and operations.
Senegal borders the Atlantic Ocean on the westernmost point of the African continent. Two distinct seasons characterize Senegal’s climate: a dry season from roughly October to May and a rainy season from June to September. While Senegal has enjoyed a strong economic performance and a steady growth over recent years, the population’s living standards are still very low. With a gross national income (GNI) of US$540 per capita, life expectancy hovers at 56 years and the country retains a low, 40% adult literacy rate. In 2006, Senegal ranked 156th of 177 countries in the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) human development index. Poverty in Senegal is most prevalent in rural areas, where roughly 60% of the population resides. The other 40% are found in urban areas, where the majority live in rapidly growing urban suburbs. Low agricultural production, limited capacity of the economy to create sustainable jobs, and inadequate resource allocation for social services contribute to poverty.
Explore further
![Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/por/public/2023-11/senegal.jpg?h=6a0e5f58&itok=23hF5Cbr)