Senegal communities face substantial climate change challenges, ranging from  rising temperatures to unpredictable rainfall, and the effects are undeniable. Yet, despite bold national commitments and millions of dollars in climate finance flowing into the country, the people most affected are often the least informed. Despite the country’s commitment to environmental action through plans like the Green Emerging Senegal Plan (Green ESP) and its contributions under the Paris Agreement,. However, critical financial information remains locked in technical reports and is inaccessible to everyday citizens. The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development administers various climate adaptation programs—many supported by the Green Climate Fund—yet very little is known about how these funds are spent on the ground.

This lack of transparency has real consequences, as it prevents communities from holding responsible government agencies accountable and advocating for better services in the face of climate threats. To address this, BudgIT Senegal, in collaboration with the World Resources Institute (WRI), has launched a groundbreaking initiative to demystify climate finance in Senegal’s agriculture, energy, water, and sanitation sectors. The Green Accountability Project seeks to bridge the critical information gap between government climate commitments and the citizens they aim to serve.

We will prioritize simplifying the 2024 green budget and hold community engagement meetings to empower Saint Louis, Ziguinchor, and Fatick residents to understand the climate finance projects in their communities and demand service delivery. BudgIT Senegal will also leverage our civic technology tool, Tracka, to monitor climate-related projects, equipping citizens with the information they need to track spending, assess progress, and demand better results.

This project leverages our past efforts to promote budget literacy and empower citizens to demand government accountability. Our goal is to promote inclusive climate action, encouraging citizens to take action for sustainable development in their communities. 

Transparency drives change, and every citizen should have a say in how climate resources are allocated for inclusive development. We encourage you to get involved, and let’s collectively ensure a sustainable future for the next generation. Watch this video to learn more.