Linking migrants, local authorities, investors and economic actors for local development in Diourbel Region
Ibrahima Thiam, IOM Senegal, ibthiam@iom.int
Mody Attmane, UNDP Senegal, mody.attmane.diop@undp.org
Related Sustainable Development Goals and Global Compact for Migration Objectives
Summary
The Diourbel region, along with some other regions, constitutes the ‘groundnut basin’ where low and irregular rainfalls discourage agricultural production. Most of the population, especially young people, strongly fuel the rural exodus to the capital Dakar, where they either stay permanently or migrate further towards Europe. The Agency of Regional Development (ARD) has adopted an approach to migration and development issues by supporting projects and productive partnerships carried out with or by migrants. In response to COVID-19 restrictions, efforts have intensified in raising awareness and the establishment of a job creation mechanism at the local level to counter limitations such as limited funding and little knowledge of support.
As part of the IOM-UNDP Global Programme on Making Migration Work for Sustainable Development, this project will support local sustainable development efforts through the realization of sustainable enterprises grouped in youth and migrant organizations, and strong, independent activities with high potential for growth and decent job opportunities.
Key objective
The objective of this project is to support sustainable development efforts through the creation of businesses developed by youth and migrant organizations, with high growth potential and job-generation.
Main activities
- Organizing regional consultations with young people / potential migrants and returning migrants on specific needs (identification of training centers of interest, financial or non-financial technical assistance needs) to support their economic integration;
- Establishment of a local fund to support community projects in health and employment for young people and migrants to support local initiatives in agriculture, livestock, crafts, trade (which will be used as a guarantee instrument in partnership with local financial institutions);
- Providing ongoing support to young project leaders and returning migrants - beneficiaries of the local fund to build their capacities in business running, including green jobs in particular.
Key successes or innovative factors, good practices and lessons learned (if available)
Read the case study on Diourbel's best practices and lessons learned: Overcoming the Challenges of Small Enterprises with High Growth Potential to Generate Benefits for Community Well-Being and Cohesion (English, French)
Beneficiaries
- Nearly 160 people (youth and potential migrants) were reached through 6 regional gatherings in the localities of Mbacke, Diourbel and Bambey, which has helped identify and assess their individual needs. Findings have been considered in the creation and launch of a local fund for innovative projects.
- Following the launch of the fund, 7 beneficiaries received seed funding for their ideas
