Addressing global economic inequalities in local ways in Senegal's artisanal workshops

Abstract

Central Senegal was once a thriving agricultural area, but over the past century, it has struggled with repeated droughts, rising temperatures, and land mismanagement. In addition, global inequalities, including colonialism, unequal energy use, and international trade inequities, have escalated both climate change and economic insecurities worldwide. These inequalities in turn have affected local environments and economies. Throughout these long‐term crises, in central Senegal, communities have relied on religious networks. Leaders of local economic development projects also work through these networks to rebuild their communities. This article focuses on the extent to which residents of two towns have used these participatory networks to address environmental and economic challenges. Their varied experiences show the importance of using a region's social foundations in communities' work toward financial viability. This article argues that local development projects that use these existing strengths as organizing principles are able to adapt to persistent challenges more successfully than those that do not. Existing networks that strengthen communities also strengthen their efforts to become sustainable.