ARTS

Final report SOR4D 2023-2026

The report

The project's theory of change, explored from intended impact down to field evidence.

Impact

Contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable and just food system in Senegal

Context

From 2023 to 2026, the ARTS project supported the agroecological transition of two Senegalese territories, Bignona and Mbour, in a context of stated food sovereignty (Vision Senegal 2050) but of strong economic pressures.

In early 2026, a shock in the price of imported fertilisers (urea rising by roughly 50%) and a fiscal deterioration reinforced the project's argument: managing soil fertility locally and reorganising value chains around territorial dynamics is a resilience strategy.

Outcome 1

Context-relevant pathways toward sustainable agri-food systems are co-designed based on an improved understanding of ATFS

Research question - What are the institutional and contextual enablers and spoilers of change towards sustainable and equitable territorialised food systems?

Turn an improved understanding of enablers and spoilers into practical tools for ATFS transformation. ARTS delivered a tested methodological package combining spatial analysis, participatory inquiry, artistic methods and platform deliberation. Diagnostics, the actor database and the ATFS framework are already used as working tools by the territorial platforms and partners (CIRAD, the Joint Research Centre, PRATAM); the ATFS reading now structures how the DyTAELs interpret their own transition pathways. Validation through peer-reviewed publications remains ongoing.

Output 1.1

Territorial diagnosis in 2 living labs

Led by IPAR Université de Berne (GIUB) Mélanzé

Two complementary diagnostics. In Bignona the work consolidated an already active platform: mapping structured by the 7 ATFS dimensions, multistakeholder workshops, in-depth interviews, transect walks, video documentation. Under IPAR’s lead a diagnostic report was presented to the DyTAEL, extended by an April 2026 study on horticultural price formation. In Mbour a younger platform had to be diagnosed and structured, under intense demographic, land and coastal pressure. Methods were combined: initiative mapping, literature review, creatively facilitated workshops (forum theatre, visioning, scenario building), an artistic reading (Serge Boulaz, Odia), spatial analyses of large-scale concessions. The result is published as a technical report and an open-source geoportal. The GIUB team, with the Joint Research Centre, also completed a historical analysis of agricultural policies in Senegal.

1.1.maps-report

Reached

Land use maps and diagnostic reports

- / 2 maps, 1 report (revised into 1 unified report covering all 7 dimensions).

1 interactive open-access geoportal (Mbour diagnostic), 1 participatory map (Thiafoura living lab), 2 territorial diagnostic reports.

Verification: Copies of maps and GIS data, diagnostic report.

1.1.governance-report

Exceeded

Territorial governance analysis report

- / 1 report

2 territorial diagnostic reports including governance analysis alongside the 6 other dimensions of the ATFS framework.

Verification: Published report, presentation to DyTAEL.

On the ground · 3 events

Output 1.2

Comprehensive inventory of actors and initiatives

Led by Université de Berne (GIUB) Mélanzé

A database for both pilot areas: geolocation, photographs and more than 30 variables per initiative (actor type, activities, agroecological practices, challenges, needs). 106 documented initiatives, well above the target of 50. The first version (Survey123 / ArcGIS Online) relied on commercial licences and Unibe infrastructure, impossible to hand over. ARTS therefore developed, with support from Bey Diiwaan, a fully open-source system (Leaflet portal, data and user management backend, mobile field-collection app), connected to the global Agroecology Map database and nationally aggregable for the DyTAES. Presented at the National Agroecology Days, already taken up by Rufisque.

1.2.initiatives

Exceeded

Agroecological initiatives documented in the database

106 / 50 initiatives(100%)

106 documented and mapped initiatives, 2 interactive mapping platforms. Open-source inventory system developed and taken up by a new territory (Rufisque).

Verification: Digital copy of the database.

On the ground · 3 events

Output 1.3

ATFS framework including actionable transformative pathways

Led by Université de Berne (GIUB)

Systemic framework of 7 interdependent dimensions (productive base, work organization, livelihoods, resource tenure systems, value chains, territorial governance, sociocultural factors). Sketched at kick-off, refined through internal work, tested in the diagnostic phase, it now structures data collection and analysis. An achieved methodological output: developed, presented and tested. Its peer-reviewed publication, applying the framework to the two living labs, is among the manuscripts still in preparation.

1.3.framework-article

Partial

Scientific article presenting the ATFS framework

- / 1 article

Framework developed, presented and tested (methodological output achieved). Scientific article applied to the two living labs not yet published, in preparation.

Verification: Article published in peer-reviewed journal.

Read · 1 publication

Output 1.4

Development options and scenarios co-developed and assessed through scientific modeling and creative tools

Led by IPAR Université de Berne (GIUB) Mélanzé

Three complementary approaches: IPAR territorial foresight (Bignona, workshops, scenarios to 2045); transformative scenario-building in Mbour ("Vision Mission" process, creative facilitation); participatory forum theatre (co-written plays, video captures) supported by photography and documentary video. The scenario target is met (1 Bignona foresight + 1 Mbour scenario-building) and the artistic strand far exceeds expectations.

1.4.scenarios

Reached

Foresight scenarios developed

2 / 2 scenarios(100%)

1 territorial foresight report (Bignona), 1 transformative scenario report (Mbour). Level of achievement: as planned.

Verification: Bignona 2045 foresight report + Mbour transformative scenario-building.

1.4.theatre-forums

Exceeded

Forum theatre plays produced

4 / 2 plays(100%)

4 theatre forums (target: 2): 5 co-written plays performed and recorded, 10 plays captured on video, plus participatory photography and video documentation.

Verification: Video captures of theatre forums.

1.4.videos

Exceeded

Videos produced linked to scenarios and theatre

13 / 2 videos(100%)

13 videos produced (target: 2), linked to scenarios, forum theatre and territory documentation.

Verification: YouTube links, AgroVoices studio archive.

Bignona

« Urbanization, jobless youth, rural and urban exodus, the agricultural succession, farmer/herder conflicts and roaming livestock, but also women’s access to land, community conflict resolution, foreign and national land grabbing with local complicity: it is all there. »

Sidy Tounkara · Environmental sociologist, IPAR, DyTAES focal point

Validation, at the DyTAEL restitution, of the play that condenses the territory’s problems, April 2025.

Why this testimony matters

Linked to

Outcome 1 - Context-relevant pathways toward sustainable agri-food systems are co-designed based on an improved understanding of ATFS

└ Output 1.4 - Development options and scenarios co-developed and assessed through scientific modeling and creative tools

On the ground · 4 events

Outcome 2

Increased synergies and effectiveness of collective action and territorial governance mechanisms in ATFS

Research question - How can context-relevant scenarios and transformative pathways be collectively designed?

Achieved most clearly at territorial level: consolidating an existing DyTAEL dynamic in Bignona and helping start and structure a new one in Mbour. A strong territorial achievement with partial national uptake, supported by roadmaps, advocacy strategies, public dialogues and digital tools. Roadmap implementation has begun but remains uneven; consolidation is carried forward through the consortium’s continuing commitment beyond the project.

Output 2.1

Joint ATFS vision negotiated through deliberative platforms at national (DyTAES) and municipal (DyTAEL) levels

Led by IPAR ENDA Pronat Mélanzé

At territorial level the target was exceeded: 10 deliberative workshops (against 5 planned) - the ARTS launch, the Bignona and Mbour DyTAEL structuring workshops, the Bignona foresight process, the Mbour transformative scenario-building, and consolidation dialogues with local authorities. Final period: a Departmental Development Committee in Mbour (250 participants, Feb. 2026), a three-day structuring workshop (~100, March 2026), a departmental dialogue in Bignona (April 2026). Nationally, the project contributed to debate and positioning (National Caravan, DyTAES, national strategy, 2 sessions at the CID/JAES forum) rather than a formally negotiated vision.

2.1.events

Exceeded

Events organized through deliberative platforms

10 / 5 workshops(100%)

10 deliberative workshops in total (target: 5). Level of achievement: beyond expectation.

Verification: Workshop reports, photos, attendance lists.

Bignona

« Since we created the Bignona DyTAEL, it is only today that we have begun to point to where we want to go. With forum theatre, we will have the chance to reach the widest public, and that public can help us carry our message. »

Bintou Badji · Actress of the DyTAEL troupe, member of the Bignona DyTAEL

After the premiere of "Terre de toutes les convoitises" at the Bignona agricultural high school, April 2025.

Why this testimony matters

Linked to

Outcome 2 - Increased synergies and effectiveness of collective action and territorial governance mechanisms in ATFS

└ Output 2.1 - Joint ATFS vision negotiated through deliberative platforms at national (DyTAES) and municipal (DyTAEL) levels

Read · 1 publication

On the ground · 6 events

  • Workshop24-26 March 2026· Mbour

    Mbour Petite Côte DyTAEL structuring workshop

  • Workshop10 February 2026· Mbour

    Departmental Development Committee with Mbour Petite Côte DyTAEL

  • Workshop14 March 2024· Mbour

    Mbour DyTAEL launch workshop

  • WorkshopDecember 2023· Bignona

    ARTS project launch in Bignona

  • WorkshopDecember 2023· Bignona

    Bignona DyTAEL structuring workshop

  • WorkshopJune 2023

    ARTS launch workshop

Output 2.2

Action plans co-designed based on joint vision and transformative pathways

Led by IPAR ENDA Pronat

Target met: 1 territorial foresight report and 2 DyTAEL roadmaps. In Bignona, the foresight produced scenarios and a plan around 4 strategic levers; the roadmap was updated and an advocacy strategy co-constructed (July 2025 workshop: peasant seed bank, rehabilitation of the Affiniam dam, agrosylvopastoral and fisheries land-use planning, storage infrastructure). In Mbour, the 'Vision Mission' process and transformative scenario-building produced the roadmap (territorial governance, land and water management, short value chains, resource protection, inclusion of women and youth). The challenge remains making the roadmaps more precise and strategic. Continuity secured via Bey Diiwaan; use extended beyond the DyTAELs (Mbour intervillage committee).

2.2.action-plans

Exceeded

Action plans validated by living labs

2 / 2 plans(100%)

1 territorial foresight report + 2 DyTAEL roadmaps (Bignona, Mbour). Level of achievement: beyond expectation.

Verification: Copies of action plans.

On the ground · 10 events

Output 2.3

Open access online knowledge platform

Led by Université de Berne (GIUB) Mélanzé

Initial target: 1 platform with 300 unique users. The different components of the ARTS website reached over 10,000 unique users. The platform brings together the bilingual ARTS website, the open-source atlas and geoportal, the YouTube channel, the Facebook page, interactive reports, videos and maps (Mbour diagnostic, Bignona 2045 foresight, Bignona initiatives report). Atlas and geoportal presented at the CID/JAES forum (April 2026). Content is being migrated to the CREATES website for sustainability, including an interactive version of the final report: arts.creates.ngo

2.3.users

Exceeded

Unique users of the online platform

10000 / 300 users(100%)

Over 10,000 unique users (target: 300): ARTS project website (1500) + photo competition website (7681), plus atlas, geoportal, interactive reports and videos.

Verification: Platform URL, usage statistics.

Outcome 3

Awareness and perception of agroecology have improved among consumers, media, producers and government agencies

Research question - What communication and advocacy tools transform narratives, imaginaries and collective action?

One of the most distinctive contributions of ARTS. The project moved agroecology beyond technical and policy circles through theatre, music, film, photography, public events and digital platforms, while supporting the DyTAELs’ advocacy. Scientific publications progressed more slowly than planned, but the knowledge and communication ecosystem expanded substantially. The clearest change in policy influence is territorial: the DyTAELs gained recognition in departmental policy spaces; nationally, the project shaped debate (National Caravan, IPAR and ENDA leadership in the national strategy and the LOASPH) rather than producing a formally attributable decision.

Output 3.1

Joint advocacy strategy

Led by ENDA Pronat IPAR

Advocacy was treated as emerging from research, deliberation and field engagement. Target met via 2 DyTAEL-level advocacy strategies: in Bignona, co-constructed from the territorial foresight; in Mbour, from the structuring of the DyTAEL Mbour-Petite Cote. The advocacy chain is now clearer: diagnostics and foresight generate territorial evidence, DyTAEL workshops turn it into priorities, departmental dialogues and media coverage make it visible. Continuity ensured post-project through Bey Diiwaan.

3.1.advocacy-strategy

Exceeded

DyTAES advocacy strategy co-developed

2 / 1 strategy(100%)

Output refocused on the DyTAELs (instead of DyTAES): 2 strategies developed (Bignona, Mbour). Level of achievement: modified.

Verification: Copies of strategy documents.

Read · 2 publications

On the ground · 4 events

Output 3.2

Contributions to scientific debates on ATFS

Led by Université de Berne (GIUB) IPAR CIRAD

The target of 10 events was exceeded: 15 presentations in Senegal, Switzerland and other international spaces. A distinct strand developed around feminist and decolonial epistemologies, and around the use of theatre and creative methods as research tools. It was carried in four venues: a geography-gender colloquium in Abidjan, the PACTE laboratory in Grenoble, a creative-methods seminar in Geneva, and a plural-knowledges panel at the Swiss African Research Days in Bern. The target of 5 peer-reviewed works is not yet met: 2 articles and 1 book chapter published, 2 non-academic articles, several substantial drafts (ATFS framework, land and gender, evaluation of arts-based experiments). Publication will continue after the funded period.

3.2.articles

Partial

Articles published in peer-reviewed journals

3 / 5 articles(60%)

2 articles and 1 book chapter published; 1 draft article on forum theatre, 1 on land and gender, 2 articles in non-academic magazines. Below the target of 5, but draft finalisation expected in the coming months, offset by the non-academic publications.

Verification: Copies of articles.

3.2.presentations

Exceeded

Participations in academic events

15 / 10 presentations(100%)

15 presentations at academic and policy events (target: 10), in Senegal, Switzerland and internationally, including a strand on feminist and decolonial epistemologies and creative methods. Level of achievement: beyond expectation.

Verification: Registration certificates, conference programs.

Read · 4 publications

  • Article · 2026

    Orchestrating agroecological transitions - emerging perspectives

  • Article · 2025

    Civil society in Senegal spearheads policy for agroecology

  • Article · 2024

    Agroecology on stage - bridging theatre and geography methods

  • Op-ed · 2024

    Agroecology and food systems - Grain de Sel no. 86

On the ground · 10 events

  • ConferenceApril 2026· National

    CID / JAES participation - Dakar

  • Conference25 November 2024· National

    Dak'Art Biennale - Roundtable "A feminist agroecology in action?"

  • Conference3-4 October 2024· International

    Lausanne Agroecology Day - Territorialised food systems

  • Talk1 October 2024· International

    Midi de Justice Sociale - PACTE Grenoble

  • Talk24 October 2024· International

    Seminar - Creative methods, undisciplined methods

  • Conference24-25 October 2024· International

    50th Swiss African Research Days

  • Talk2024· National

    CID Dakar - Motivation for agroecology

  • Talk2024· National

    CID Dakar - Agroecology series

  • Conference2024· National

    Conference on sustainable food systems

  • Talk4 June 2024· International

    International Colloquium: Geography, Gender and Territorial Development

Output 3.3

Artistic communication products

Led by Mélanzé ENDA Pronat CIRAD

The project far exceeded the targets: documentary videos, portraits, theatre recordings, event summaries, long interviews, a photo competition, music videos, podcast material, artistic retreats and public interventions. A three-day retreat in each living lab brought together artists, researchers and territorial actors. The music strand became particularly visible: three videos reached approximately 12,000, 14,000 and 150,000 views. Other outputs: the national photo competition Les Gardiennes du Vivant, Dak'Art Biennale activities, forum theatre in Bignona and Mbour, the Mlomp women's theatre initiative, Guelewar capsules, the cashew reportage, a compilation video launched at the Casa Urban Festival (~800 people). At least 20 media publications, coverage by 5 national TV channels, 1 one-hour broadcast. A permanent multimedia studio is now operational in Senegal. The AgroVoices project (GIUB, funded by SNF Agora, facilitated by CREATES) raises the creative and technical standard of future outputs.

3.3.report-article

Partial

Report + academic article on co-creative communication tools

- / 2 productions

1 draft report on the forum theatre experience, 1 draft article. Below the target, finalisation expected in the coming months.

Verification: Copies of report and article.

3.3.videos

Exceeded

Videos co-produced with engaged ATFS actors

13 / 3 videos(100%)

13 videos (target: 3): 2 documentaries, 3 Jambaars portraits, 1 ARTS presentation, 3 forum theatre captures, 4 event summaries, 4 long-format interviews.

Verification: YouTube links.

3.3.songs

Exceeded

Original songs produced

4 / 2 songs(100%)

4 music videos (target: 2). Three reached approximately 12,000, 14,000 and 150,000 views; a compilation video was launched at the Casa Urban Festival in Ziguinchor.

Verification: Audio links, social media references.

3.3.podcasts

Partial

Podcasts produced

1 / 3 podcasts(33%)

Final ARTS tally: 1 podcast (target: 3). The permanent multimedia studio remains operational for recording; the AgroVoices series now belongs to the separate SNF Agora project.

Verification: Listening links.

3.3.forum-theatre

Exceeded

Forum theatre performances produced with video capture

4 / 3 forums(100%)

4 forum theatre performances (target: 3) in Bignona and Mbour, with video capture; documentary on the Kaddu Yaraax forum theatre festival.

Verification: Forum theatre reports and captures.

Bignona

« At first I told myself: at your age this is a bit much. But then I thought, it’s for the good cause. Since we committed to sustainable development through agroecology, why not. It will be my modest contribution so that tomorrow our children and grandchildren live in a better world. »

Djibril · Senior actor of the DyTAEL troupe

Creation residency in Baïla, March 2025.

Why this testimony matters

Linked to

Outcome 3 - Awareness and perception of agroecology have improved among consumers, media, producers and government agencies

└ Output 3.3 - Artistic communication products

Bignona

« It’s all right - because I have faith in theatre. »

Dev Sagna · Farmer, actor of the DyTAEL troupe

During the creation residency in Baïla, March 2025.

Why this testimony matters

Linked to

Outcome 3 - Awareness and perception of agroecology have improved among consumers, media, producers and government agencies

└ Output 3.3 - Artistic communication products

Read · 4 publications

On the ground · 9 events

  • Cultural event11 April 2026· Bignona

    Casa Urban Festival - Ziguinchor

  • Residency9-12 March 2026· Mbour

    Artistic residency with artists from the Mbour department

  • Residency21-23 July 2025· Bignona

    Artistic residency in Baïla

  • Workshop17-20 February 2025· Mbour

    Transformative scenario workshop - Mbour

  • Conference25 November 2024· National

    Dak'Art Biennale - Roundtable "A feminist agroecology in action?"

  • Cultural event4 October 2024· International

    Agroecology cultural day - Lausanne

  • Cultural event5 October 2024· International

    Agroecology festival - "Draw me agroecology" Lausanne

  • Cultural event2024· National

    30 years of Kaddu Yarax

  • WorkshopApril 2024· Mbour

    Writing and photo-elicitation workshops - Guéléwar Centre

Method

A six-step co-design process

  1. 01

    Partnership

    Define shared goals, roles and the institutional setup with existing platforms.

  2. 02

    Co-diagnostic

    Characterise food systems at territorial scale: actors, power, land, value chains, land use. Three lenses: land systems, socio-anthropology, feminist agroecology.

  3. 03

    Co-design

    Co-design scenarios and solutions with creative tools (forum theatre, participatory video and photography).

  4. 04

    Pathways

    Negotiate a shared vision and iterative pathways in deliberative arenas.

  5. 05

    Participatory evaluation

    Review diagnostics, scenarios and pathways with a scientific and non-scientific steering committee.

  6. 06

    Upscaling

    Disseminate lessons and outputs through the DyTAES network to feed advocacy.

Research partnership

Five institutions, two continents

The consortium brought together Swiss and Senegalese research and development institutions, civil society organisations, grassroots platforms, artists and actors of agroecology. This diversity enabled the project to combine scientific quality with territorial anchoring, policy engagement and creative communication. Each partner brought distinct added value.

Working across institutional cultures was at times difficult: differences in timelines, expectations and epistemic approaches created friction, addressed through regular dialogue, joint fieldwork and the shared understanding that disagreement is part of honest collaboration.

The consortium and the team →

Assessment

What remains, what continues

The territorial hypothesis is confirmed: anchoring agroecology at the territorial scale proved tractable and, in places, went further than anticipated through the operational role of the platforms. The national hypothesis was only partially supported: policy changes have taken the form of openings rather than decisions.

Sustainability rests on the autonomy of the DyTAEL platforms and on institutional relays: CREATES (action-research centre anchored in Mbour), and spin-off projects (Bey Diiwaan, Teral).

Each platform has its own page: DyTAEL Bignona, active since March 2022, and DyTAEL Mbour-Petite Côte, being structured since 2024.

See the full logframe →

Annex

Abbreviations

ARTS
Agroecology for Resilient Territories in Senegal The project itself: action-research 2023-2026.
SOR4D
Solution-Oriented Research for Development Joint SNSF + SDC programme funding ARTS (#213294).
ATFS
Agroecology-based Territorialized Food Systems ARTS's conceptual framework: seven interdependent dimensions (productive base, work organization, livelihoods, resource tenure systems, value chains, territorial governance, sociocultural factors). Written SAAT in the French-language documents.
SAAT
Système Alimentaire Agroécologique Territorialisé (French for ATFS) The same seven-dimension framework as ATFS: the French-language reports write SAAT, the English ones ATFS.
DyTAEL
Local Agroecological Transition Platform Citizen-led multi-stakeholder platform at the territory level (Bignona, Mbour).
DyTAES
Senegalese Agroecological Transition Platform National network linking the local DyTAELs and carrying agroecology advocacy in Senegal.
GIUB
Institute of Geography, University of Bern
IPAR
Agricultural and Rural Foresight Initiative Senegalese think tank on agricultural and rural policy.
ENDA PRONAT
Environnement Développement Action pour la Protection Naturelle des Terroirs (Environment and Development Action for the Natural Protection of Territories) Senegalese NGO founded in 1982, part of the ENDA Tiers Monde network, a pioneer of West African agroecology.
CIRAD
French agricultural research centre for international development Implementing partner: value chains, farming systems, photographic reading of the territory.
CREATES
Centre de Recherche-Action sur les Transformations Écologiques et Sociales Structure born out of ARTS, based in Mbour, carrying the living lab beyond the project's funding.
FNS
Swiss National Science Foundation
DDC
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
JRC
Joint Research Centre of the European Commission
CDD
Departmental Development Committee Consultation body chaired by the prefect: the DyTAELs' institutional entry point at departmental level.
LOASPH
Senegalese agro-sylvo-pastoral and fisheries framework law Revision of the 2004 law, extended to fisheries; under adoption in Senegal, one of the project's advocacy arenas.
PRATAM
Potentiels de Résilience et d'Autodétermination des Territoires Agroécologiques Menacés Incubator project in Lower Casamance (CIRAD, INRAE, ISRA, Université Assane Seck, University of Bern) that took up the ATFS framework.
ODD
Sustainable Development Goals