Our team on the ground in Senegal works with determination and passion to put your support in action and build thriving, resilient communities. We are thrilled to introduce you to Bocar Diop, our Podor Tree Project Coordinator. (Click here to see others in this series.)
Bocar joined the Andando team as a Garden Technician in October 2020. As our tree program expanded, he transitioned into coordinating our replanting efforts in the norther region of Podor.
Born and raised in the northern region of Podor, Bocar grew up helping on his family’s farm and has seen firsthand the benefits of integrating trees in agriculture and community centers.
He is the eldest in his family with seven younger brothers and sisters. When he was very young, a flood came through his village and swept away his home. The entire family relocated to Donaye Teredji, which is also home to Andando’s Podor Headquarters.
Living and working in the communities we serve allows staff to build trust and mutual respect so they can respond thoughtfully and effectively to evolving community needs.
As a child, Bocar loved learning and started attending school early, at the age of 5. After high school, he attended University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar and studied Science, Economics, and Business. After graduating, he joined Andando as a Garden Technician in October 2020. As our tree program expanded, Bocar transitioned into coordinating replanting efforts.
By supporting local tree planting efforts, Bocar is helping communities take the lead on transforming the Sahel and combating climate change in the northern Podor region.
Bocar has recently been working with a farmer who was cultivating his 25 acre farm, but because of the lack of trees to protect his crops, the wind would push down on the plants until they broke, and the dust encloses them so they don’t germinate well.
Bocar had this to say about the changes he’s seen:
“Since joining the tree program, the farmer’s harvests are safe and sound, and his income has increased considerably.
This is my vision for the program, to reforest the Diéri, to eradicate the current situation in northern Senegal.”
Salimata and Bocar on their wedding day, July 4, 2025.
To date, we have planted nearly 100,000 trees, and we aren’t stopping there!
Bocar married his wife, Salimata, in July (2025) and they live together in Donaye Teredji. When he’s not working, you may find him helping with his family’s farms, going for runs to stay active, or spending time with fellow Andando staff and community members to exchange ideas about the area’s development.
Your support enables Bocar to help his fellow citizens. Thank you for investing in their future! Click here to meet other staff.
