Senegal Rural Roads: A Food for Progress Project

The Problem: In the Casamance Region in southern Senegal, decades of conflict have left the neglected road network in a state of disrepair, while the heavy annual rain season leaves rural roads almost unpassable for extended periods of time. The poor condition of the roads, particularly feeder roads, has constrained access to agricultural inputs (seed, fertilizer, pesticides), fuel and construction materials, along with the delivery of agricultural extension and health services to rural communities.

The Solution: In order to reduce these limitations and expand the trade of agricultural products, our project engaged the local community in cash-for-work programs that focused on rebuilding feeder roads in the region. This involved: restoring farm-to-market feeder roads and constructing drainage systems.

The Impact: As a result of this project, 134 Kilometers of well-drained feeder roads were restored or constructed, travel times and vehicle operation costs decreased and volume of goods transported for sale increased. In addition, local communities reported increases in community cohesion, security and peacebuilding. In turn, the region now has a more efficient road infrastructure, and closer and more reliable points of sale between producers and transporters.

Funder: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Duration: 2012-2017

 

Mustafa Omar, CEO

Mustafa Omar
Chief Executive Officer

Mustafa Omar has worked for Shelter For Life International in the field and Headquarters management positions; managing projects, leading new business development, and guiding operations around the world. Mr. Omar was born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan and has worked in post-conflict reconstruction, Disaster Risk Reduction caused by human or natural phenomena, and market-revitalization efforts in Central Asia, East and West Africa, Europe, and Middle East for the past twenty (20) plus years. Mustafa holds graduate degrees in business administration and urban planning and is working on a PhD at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. Topics of research and professional interest include Market Resilience and Social Risk-Management, Influence of Environmental Degradation on Fragile Markets, Impact of Improving Physical Space on Lasting Peace, and the Interaction between Modern Governance and Informal Market Structures.

Gordon Wright
Vice Chairman

Gordon A. Wright is Founder and President of over 40 years with JIMI International and is an Elder at Tulsa Christian Fellowship. Mr. Wright owned and operated a lawn and tree service business for nearly 15 years. Mr. Wright also served with the US Army for three years in the 1960s.Two of Mr. Wright’s years were spent in South Korea as a Brigade Intelligence Sergeant. Mr. Wright has provided mentoring and counseling to spiritual leaders around the world; with specific attention to individuals in Russia, Ukraine and former Soviet Bloc countries. Mr. Wright helped to found and direct East/West Resources International and Global Assistance Partners International. Mr. Wright has served as one of the original founding board of directors for Shelter For Life International. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Gordon grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma.