une animatrice dispense une formation auprès d'un groupe de femmes accompagnées par fansoto

Fansoto

Since 2017, Fansoto has been supporting vulnerable populations in Casamance and Matam, two regions severely affected by extreme weather events. It helps them develop income-generating activities and trains them in sustainable agriculture.

  • Economic and social inclusion
  • Sustainable agriculture and food safety
  • Senegal

Supporting vulnerable populations toward self-sufficiency

In Senegal, lacking access to salaried employment, disadvantaged individuals start small income-generating activities: a shop, a sewing workshop, livestock farming, market gardening, etc. Without support, however, they struggle to develop these activities and generate a stable income.

In Casamance and Matam, small-scale women farmers are also the first victims of the consequences of climate change, which affects the food security of their communities. Finally, in these regions, most people cook with charcoal or wood stoves, which are harmful to their health and contribute to deforestation.

Since 2017, Fansoto has been supporting these vulnerable micro-entrepreneurs, 98% of whom are women, with financial and non-financial services. 65% of them live in rural areas. By developing their businesses, beneficiaries increase their incomes and improve their living conditions and those of their families.

The entrepreneurs organize themselves into small groups and meet once a month, in the presence of a facilitator. Through these meetings, they gain access to:

  • a savings account
  • individual loans, without collateral or guarantees
  • training on economic, social, health, agricultural, environmental, and gender issues
  • agricultural advice
  • social support.

Fansoto also partners with suppliers of clean cooking stoves and offers beneficiaries loans tailored to the purchase of these products.

  • 3 animatrices de fansoto recomptent l'épargne déposée par les bénéficiaires pendant la réunion de g
  • une travailleuse sociale rend visite à une bénéficiaire de Fansoto au Sénégal

An economy that is predominantly agricultural and dependent on climatic conditions

une bénéficiaire de fansoto participe à une école aux champs et apprend à fabriquer du compost orga

Despite socio-political tensions, Senegal is a generally stable country.

The economy, which is predominantly agricultural, is struggling to reduce poverty and underemployment, particularly among young people. The agricultural sector is experiencing difficulties due to low mechanization, climate change, and lack of access to inputs and land, especially for women.

Entrepreneurs du Monde pays particular attention to these women entrepreneurs and helps them become resilient to the consequences of climate change in two remote rural regions: Casamance in the south and Matam in the north.

Encouraging results thanks to a skilled and committed local team

In recent years, the Fansoto team has been stepping up its support for smallholder women farmers. A three-year project funded by AFD was launched in early 2025 to strengthen four agencies in Casamance, promote the adoption of agroecological practices, and offer new services such as in-kind loans (seeds and single-pump water pumps).

  • 20 850 beneficiaries

  • 98 % are women

  • 97 % children of beneficiaries are enrolled in school

Testimonial

Thanks to Fansoto, Safiatou Diallo, a widow with no resources, has become an independent entrepreneur and is now a role model for her community.

portrait d'une bénéficiaire de fansoto avec 3 de ses enfants

When I lost my husband, I had to provide for my eight children on my own. With the help of my eldest son, I opened a small grocery store. Thanks to Fansoto loans, I was able to grow my business and my monthly income increased from €130 to €305. Today, I use my skills to help others. I helped a friend and a sister start their own businesses. Thanks to Fansoto's training, I learned how to set aside money to secure my business and manage unexpected events.

Safiatou Diallo

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