Zero Waste Senegal Association
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
Association Zéro Déchet Sénégal was formally established in March 2018, with its first branch opening in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. The organization’s primary mission is to tackle waste and wastefulness by addressing the root causes of waste production and enhancing the reuse of produced materials. Their goal is to reduce waste generation and promote sustainable practices through education and community engagement.
Country Information
In Senegal, single-use plastic packaging is a significant contributor to plastic waste, with approximately 5 million plastic bags used daily and 7,000 tons of water bags produced annually. This results in Senegal being the 21st most plastic-polluting country globally. Much of the waste ends up in unauthorized dumpsites, where it is either incinerated, blown into the sea, or left in landfills. Despite government efforts, such as the zero waste program and a 2020 ban on certain single-use plastics, the production of plastic waste continues to rise. The lack of alternatives and inadequate enforcement further exacerbates the problem. Association Zéro Déchet Sénégal is committed to addressing this issue by promoting waste prevention and reducing the reliance on disposable products to minimize the carbon footprint.
The Need
The urgent need is to combat the rising plastic waste in Senegal, particularly in Dakar and Saint-Louis. The goal is to empower youth associations to play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and the promotion of eco-friendly practices. With over 200 young people to be mobilized across selected associations, there is a pressing need for training to influence both individual and collective behaviors. Additionally, forming strategic partnerships with local authorities is crucial to enhancing the impact of these initiatives.
The Project We Fund
The project, titled “Eco-Fusion: Youth, Neighborhoods, and Sustainable Change,” addresses the critical issue of plastic waste in Senegal. Key elements include:
– Capacity Building: Training youth associations to improve plastic waste management and compliance with environmental laws.
– Awareness Raising: Conducting workshops and advocacy to increase knowledge about plastic waste and alternatives.
– Community Engagement: Supporting communities with practical solutions and alternatives for managing plastic waste.
– Expansion Goals: The project aims to extend its impact to 20 youth associations in the Dakar region, fostering significant change through youth involvement and creative advocacy.
The Result
Impact will be monitored and evaluated through:
– Ongoing Training: Assessing the effectiveness of workshops and ensuring continued access to AZDS training materials.
– Permanent Local Impact: Evaluating the long-term effects of initiatives like Hackathon solutions and advocacy messages.
– Local Involvement: Ensuring that youth associations work closely with local authorities and civil society for sustainable outcomes.
– Sustainable Extension: Tracking the expansion of Zéro Déchet’s actions into new areas and potential future collaborations.
Monitoring will include monthly budget reviews, detailed reports on consultation hours, marketing expenses, material purchases, and training plans. These measures will help assess the project’s effectiveness, make necessary adjustments, and produce a final evaluation based on reliable data.
2025 Midterm Report
Through the impactful Eco-Fusion project, Zero Waste Senegal Association addressed pressing environmental challenges in Senegal by executing several key activities. With a commitment to fostering eco-citizenry, the project successfully engaged the youth, whereby 90 direct beneficiaries and over 2,000 indirect beneficiaries were impacted. Activities included framing workshops, ecological training sessions, and community engagement initiatives with institutional partners like the Ministry of Environment.
Evidence of success is demonstrated by increased awareness and responsibility towards waste management among youth participants. These efforts empowered them to initiate tangible changes within their communities, reinforcing local zero-waste initiatives and fostering stronger community collaboration.
Testimonies
“As a coordinator of a youth association, it’s a relief to be part of a collective effort where my young volunteers can learn and grow. Even if they’re still a bit shy, they’re opening up, gaining awareness, and realizing how essential it is to fight for a healthy environment.” -Fatou Kine, 27-
“The advocacy workshops were eye-opening. Working in groups helped ideas emerge and gave us the confidence to speak up and believe in the value of our perspectives.” -Rafael Mendy, 22-
“During the beach cleanup, I realized how our consumption habits directly impact our living spaces. These same wastes will return if we don’t act differently.” -Monique, 18-
