Raising the voices of rural youth in Senegal
The “IN-FOCUS: Community Agreement for Young People in Senegal (ECOJES)” highlights the key achievements of ECOJES, a platform of rural youth organizations created to foster synergies and amplify young people’s voices in policy dialogue spaces.
This initiative was developed as part of the Grassroots Approach to Connect Youth Voices to Action, promoted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in partnership with Procasur.
The report showcases how ECOJES actively promotes youth participation in agricultural development, climate resilience, and the strengthening of rural communities at both local and national levels.
Collaboration and inclusion as pillars of progress
ECOJES brings together seven youth organizations with broad representation across Senegal, under the leadership of the Collège des Jeunes du Conseil National de Concertation et de Coopération des Ruraux (CJ-CNCR) and the Conseil National de la Jeunesse du Sénégal (CNJS). The platform focuses on key issues affecting youth in Senegal, including agroecology, climate change, market access, and advocacy. Through an inclusive and participatory approach, ECOJES amplifies the voices of rural youth—particularly young women and those from underrepresented sectors—ensuring their active engagement and meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Impactful engagement with key stakeholders
Through strategic partnerships, ECOJES has participated in influential national and international forums, significantly contributing to public policy dialogue, such as the on-going revision of the Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Orientation Law (LOASPH).
Looking ahead: strategic actions and advocacy
Looking ahead, ECOJES is committed to strengthening its policy advocacy by actively contributing to ongoing consultations on the LOASPH, ensuring that youth voices play a central role in shaping key agricultural and rural policies. In parallel, ECOJES will develop and implement a comprehensive action plan centered on capacity building, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement to enhance and sustain rural youth advocacy efforts across Senegal.
Discover more about the transformative work of ECOJES and its ongoing commitment to empowering Senegalese rural youth in the full report.
Also featured: The Rural Youth Alliance of Colombia
Explore the complementary IN-FOCUS report on the Rural Youth Alliance of Colombia, where 13 youth-led organizations – representing over 3.000 rural youth – are driving inclusive development and influencing national policies.
