Methodology of Senegal NCAP Project
Tourism
The tourism sector, which contributes 4.6% of Senegal’s GDP is the second leading foreign exchange generator in the country. Over 20,000 international visitors per year come to Senegal, primarily to spend time on the coast which offers many magnificent beaches and many unique and interesting coastal ecosystems. This is clearly not a sector that can be ignored. While it is perhaps one step removed from the natural resource based livelihood strategies pursued by the rural poor who live below the poverty line, it offers a real potential for individuals, particularly young people who can perfect a European language, to move out of vulnerable agricultural livelihoods. It seems logical then that Senegal would target an expanded phase of it NAPA activity on this sector.
For the immediate future the Senegalese tourism sector is focused on the narrow band along its expansive Atlantic Coast. Three areas in particular are the focus of current activity and incthe Langue de Barbarie. As part of the NAPA process supported by the NCAP project, an effort was made to characterize all of the possible climate change vulnerabilities posed to the tourism sector in these three locations.
Adaptation options were then developed. In keeping with the NAPA process, consultants hired as part of the NCAP project developed a preliminary list of adaptation activities that could be presented during the public consultation process. These fell broadly into three categories. The first related to adaptations related to the management of the coastal zone itself. The second outlined adaptation strategies that could be applied to construction in the coastal zone that occurs to support the tourism sector. The final set of adaptations related to the structure of the sector itself.
At the end of the public consultation process with key players in the tourism industry, a set of general policy adaptations were prioritized, along with specific actions to be taken in the three target zones.
Transport Infrastructure
The established road network and transport fleet in Senegal plays a critical role in supporting the Senegalese economy. Estimates are that 10% of the country’s GDP is generated via the road based transport of people and goods. This is not surprising given that 90% of internal displacements and 90% of shipped merchandise are moved by road in Senegal. Rail and air transportation and shipping links either do not service large areas of the country or are cost prohibitive to large portions of the population. The level of development of the transport infrastructure, shown is a critical factor in the efficient functioning of the diverse components of the national economy.
Currently the end of each rainy season is witness to the progressive decline in the quality of the road network as evident in the number of pot holes, cracks, and ruts which are exacerbated by later use.
A comprehensive assessment of the vulnerability of the transport infrastructure was undertaken, followed by the development of several possible adaptation options in collaboration with key stakeholders in the sector. Adaptation options were then prioritised following the standard NAPA process.
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Key findings from Senegal NCAP Project
Lessons learned from Senegal NCAP Project