The Republic of Senegal is hard hit by climate change. The Administrator of the Center of Environmental Monitoring, Dr. Jacques André Ndione, explained: 'Development in Senegal is dependent on agriculture, for which we need water.' According to his analysis precipitation is likely to continue declining, even as temperatures continue to rise. This is compounded by the fact that the coasts of Senegal are affected by the rising sea level. Aida Mbaye Dieng, Deputy Mayoress of the City of Saint-Louis, which is located on the northern coast in the River Senegal delta, said: 'With regard to climate change Saint-Louis is like an experimental laboratory. We face many challenges. Together with our various partners we have begun to develop solutions.'
The Director of the Competence Center of the West African Scientific Center for Adaptation to Climate Change and Sustainable Land Use (WASCAL), Dr. Boubacar Barry, told participants of similar challenges in other West African countries. In his presentation he drew attention the fact that barely any data are available. In many countries the meteorological data available are inadequate, and obtaining them is very costly, even for scientists. He urged scientists and policy-makers to work together more closely: 'We need to share data, analyse them and make them available to decision-makers in municipalities so that they can take the appropriate action'.
