Senegal

  • Farmland in Senegal’s capital of Dakar once covered hundreds of acres. Now only a small patch remains, surrounded on all sides by development.
    Farmland in Senegal’s capital of Dakar once covered hundreds of acres. Now only a small patch remains, surrounded on all sides by development.
  • The Niayes Valley is considered the best farmland in Senegal. But despite regulations protecting the land, farms are rapidly giving way to illegal construction.
    The Niayes Valley is considered the best farmland in Senegal. But despite regulations protecting the land, farms are rapidly giving way to illegal construction.
  • Outside of Dakar, vegetable fields have been cleared to make way for the capital’s new airport.
    Outside of Dakar, vegetable fields have been cleared to make way for the capital’s new airport.
  • Senegal’s fabled Baobab trees are the only plants left standing in many suburbs of Dakar.
    Senegal’s fabled Baobab trees are the only plants left standing in many suburbs of Dakar.
  • Suburban development sprawls for miles outside of metro Dakar, blanketing the Niayes Valley, the former “green lung of Dakar” with new housing.
    Suburban development sprawls for miles outside of metro Dakar, blanketing the Niayes Valley, the former “green lung of Dakar” with new housing.
  • Despite regulations meant to protect Dakar’s farmland, politicians like borough president Ibrahima Diame lack the resources to stop illegal construction.
    Despite regulations meant to protect Dakar’s farmland, politicians like borough president Ibrahima Diame lack the resources to stop illegal construction.
  • While threatening urban farmland, Dakar’s rapid expansion has brought infrastructure like electricity and highways to residents of Senegal’s capital.
    While threatening urban farmland, Dakar’s rapid expansion has brought infrastructure like electricity and highways to residents of Senegal’s capital.
  • Senegal’s capital of Dakar sits on the westernmost point of the African mainland.
    Senegal’s capital of Dakar sits on the westernmost point of the African mainland.
  • “I have a feeling that sooner or later this land is going to disappear,” says 40-year-old Ibrahima Diallo, who has farmed vegetables in Dakar for half his life.
    “I have a feeling that sooner or later this land is going to disappear,” says 40-year-old Ibrahima Diallo, who has farmed vegetables in Dakar for half his life.
  • Some Dakar residents have begun cultivating rooftop and community plots to provide fresh vegetables for their families.
    Some Dakar residents have begun cultivating rooftop and community plots to provide fresh vegetables for their families.
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