Published by L’Harmattan-Senegal, this book immerses you in the heart of an exceptional life journey: that of Mariam Sow, who has been firmly committed for over fifty years to the rural communities from which she comes. It describes the trajectory of a woman with a modest education who rises to the top of management in an international organisation thanks to her convictions, determination, and commitment to a cause founded on ethics, social equity, and respect for human dignity.

The book is an invaluable reference tool for understanding the issues at stake in the struggles waged by actors in Senegalese, African, and global civil society. Indeed, Mariam Sow’s ability to anticipate and raise awareness of the challenges facing small-scale farming has brought the struggles in which she has been involved for several decades to the forefront of current public policy. These policies revolve around the ecological transition, the promotion of sustainable food systems through healthy and sustainable agriculture, and land tenure security via the fight against land grabbing.

We also took advantage of the presence of Jean-Michel Waly Sene, Executive Secretary of Enda Pronat, to discuss the issues and challenges of our new partnership.