CREATE! was honored to present at 2019 Cracking the Nut Conference along with many other outstanding organizations. This year, we were thrilled to learn that the conference would be held in Senegal’s capital, Dakar. Cracking the Nut focuses on “tough nut” topics with the world’s leading experts in rural development, sustainable agriculture, water sanitation, health, and nutrition, including representatives from the private sector, governments, donors and development practitioners.

The focus of the 2019 conference was balancing public concerns for food security with private, market-based solutions through three themes. These themes included reducing systemic risks, improving nutrition, health, and access to water, and finally, increasing inclusion in commercial markets.

The CREATE! Team Travels to Senegal’s Capital

On October 12, members of the CREATE! team headed to Senegal’s capital for the two-day conference. CREATE!’s presentation in Dakar focused on renewable energy and appropriate technology for drinking water, nutrition, and health in rural Senegal. CREATE!’s Country Director, Omar Ndiaye Seck, and Field Coordinator, Amadou Diouf presented at the conference. They were accompanied by Communications Coordinator, Ndeye Fatou Thiam and U.S. Communications Coordinator, Natalie Deehan-Clark.

“We are delighted to have participated in such an informative and inspiring conference. We met many other people in our field of intervention who are also concerned about issues related to food security, climate change, and the challenges of rural communities. Meetings like CTN support a better and more open mindset and encourage the spread of new knowledge.”

– Amadou Diouf, CREATE! Field Coordinator.

The CREATE! Philosophy

Since 2008, CREATE!’s mission directly focuses on helping rural populations in Senegal cope with water, food, and fuel shortages resulting from the impacts of climate change. Using local and renewable technologies and strategies, CREATE! works with communities to combat the effects of climate change and empower families to improve their livelihoods for generations to come. While many villages benefit from CREATE!’s self-development programs, CREATE! also works directly with women’s groups to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunity using a participatory approach.

From the CREATE! team, we are grateful to have joined such an insightful conversation of transforming our food system towards a more sustainable future for all! It reminds us of the significance of our global community, and how it is essential to take care of our neighbors because together we can spread the wealth of opportunity and kindness around the world.