Senegal is one of the most stable countries in Africa. It falls into the category of a consolidated democracy, because of the three peaceful presidential turnovers it has undergone since independence. Strategic plans to increase development in all sectors of the country are underway. The main goals involve reducing social inequality and promoting local development through education and the creation of jobs. Financing their projects are national and international investors. The country is currently dependent upon foreign aid. Yet has a high rating for progressive development.
Since independence, Senegal has experienced periods of high levels of growth. Outstripping the efforts of many fellow West African countries (Senegal …show more content…
The Casamance conflict is a major source of the tensions between the two sectors of the country. Bridging the gap is important as Senegal is still heavily reliant upon the agricultural production in the country areas. “Overall, the reduction in poverty incidence has been especially weak in rural areas (Emerging Senegal Plan, 2016.)” allowing such a large portion of the population to live in poor conditions, isolates them from the central government. By doing so, the government the government loses legitimacy as a democratic system. It is critical to stop neglecting the agriculture producing sectors, and to improve the productive capacity in these areas. There also needs to be improvements in industrial production in the urban areas, to diversify the economy (Senegal Economic Outlook, 2016). “Urban development provides opportunities linked to economic sector diversification and to transport infrastructure development” (Development Cooperation, 2012). A cohesive political system is necessary to begin to address some of the many social and economic issues in the …show more content…
While Senegal has shown encouraging signs of reaching a higher level of economic and social prosperity, in recent years that trend has plateaued. To continue as it has done over the pass decade will cause the country to backslide. Implementation of policies aimed at human and economic development is therefore necessary to moving forward. Critics of change cannot overlook the stagnation the country has experienced, the only solution to that is new strategies for progress in all sectors of the country (Emerging Senegal Plan,