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Internship at Yoff

Writer's picture: Adonis RichardsAdonis Richards

By Dani Brown



The mini-term abroad is divided into multiple portions, including field trips, internships, lectures, residing with host families, and more. The internships were held at various sites throughout the city to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Senegalese life and culture. I had the privilege of interning at APECSY, the Association for the Promotion of Economics, Culture, and Social of Yoff. The Yoff people are an indigenous group from the coastal village of Yoff, located just north of Dakar, Senegal's capital. Historically, the Yoff community has been deeply tied to fishing, agriculture, and a strong sense of social and cultural identity. Most of the population relies on artisanal fishing as their primary economic activity. Men head out in small pirogues (traditional wooden boats) early in the morning to catch fish such as sardines, mackerel, and anchovies. These boats, in person, are beautifully decorated and personalized, with the names of the ships beautifully painted on the sides. This practice has been passed down through generations and continues to serve as the backbone of their economy. The fish they catch are either sold fresh in local markets or preserved through drying for later consumption. 

I got to talk to one of the directors and central operation managers overseeing the fish's drying process. Unfortunately, I did not get either of their names during the discussion, as they spoke primarily in Wolof, and I managed to get minor translations from the guides. They talked about many fascinating factors that go into their business/lifestyle in Yoff and outside factors that affect them. Two primary things that struck me deeply were the effect of climate change & the environment on this business and the impact of foreign colonialism/conquest of African resources that are still in practice. First, since 2000, they have noticed a significant decrease in the fish population, leading to slower seasons than previously experienced, disproportionately affecting fishermen's incomes. The business itself tries to implement proper practices to ensure they aren’t adding to this climate crisis by using more muscular fishing lines that are less likely to break and get left in the ocean, which pollutes it and traps fish under killing them. They also drain the water in the drying process back into the sea and use the entire fish body for meat production. They sell the other parts to local businesses, eliminating the chance for waste. About 75% of this business is run by women, which is a massive deal in Senegal, proving the viability of culture and life is usually on the backbone of Senegalese women. The director of the company that I spoke to also shared with us that his mother is the person who actually started the business from the ground up and served as their first director. 

The foreign control of certain waters in Yoff also deeply troubled me. The director explained that European and Chinese fishing fleets gain access to Senegal’s waters through agreements with the government, often involving financial payments, fishing licenses, and development aid. The EU negotiates Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements, while Chinese deals are usually less transparent and involve direct investments. These agreements allow foreign fleets to exploit Senegal’s rich marine resources, driven by the global demand for seafood. However, this has led to overfishing, depleting fish stocks, and harming local fishermen who rely on these resources for their livelihoods. Limited reinvestment into local communities and weak enforcement exacerbate the negative impacts on Senegalese fisheries, depleting their economies. This is actively discussed with the new president in office, who has been seen as a savior for the Senegalese people after the last president's mistakes; he wants to begin cutting these contracts and allow the Yoff people to have their economies better stimulated and protected.

While fishing remains central to the Yoff economy, the community engages in small-scale trade through local markets. Here, products like fish, vegetables, and handmade goods are exchanged, often by women, to support their families. The growing interest in tourism has also introduced new economic opportunities for the Yoff people. Located near Dakar, Yoff is becoming a destination for eco-tourism and cultural tourism, with visitors attracted to its beaches, traditional fishing practices, and the chance to experience village life. This influx of tourism has led to the development of small guesthouses and the sale of local handicrafts, further diversifying the local economy. Despite these economic activities, the Yoff community faces significant challenges. As mentioned, the effects of climate change—including rising sea levels and fluctuating fish stocks—threaten their traditional livelihoods. The growth of Dakar has also led to urban encroachment, reducing available land for farming and limiting space for conventional practices. Additionally, younger generations are increasingly migrating to urban areas for better job opportunities, contributing to a shift in the labor force and changes in traditional economic practices.

The social and cultural life of the Yoff people is deeply intertwined with their religious practices, which are centered around the Tidian order of Islam. Family structures are tightly knit, and extended families often live together, with communal work central to their way of life. Social events, such as weddings, funerals, and religious festivals, bring the community together, often involving music, dance, and traditional food. Religious education is a priority for many families, and children usually attend Quranic schools to deepen their knowledge of Islamic teachings. Local mosques also serve as hubs for communal prayers and gatherings, reinforcing spiritual and social bonds. The Yoff people continue to navigate the tension between tradition and modernity. While their day-to-day activities are rooted in fishing, agriculture, and craft production, they also adapt to the growing forces of urbanization and climate change. Despite these challenges, the Yoff people have maintained a strong connection to their heritage, finding ways to sustain their way of life while incorporating new economic growth and cultural exchange opportunities. Their community remains a testament to the resilience of coastal peoples who maintain a delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future.


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