On-field Interpretation Mission with the WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME (WFP) in the Matam Region

From February 17 to 19, 2026, Translab International's teams had the privilege of accompanying the World Food Programme (WFP) on a strategic field mission in the Matam region. Located over 700 kilometers from Dakar, this region of northern Senegal represents a priority area for the WFP, particularly in the fight against food insecurity and the strengthening of rural communities' resilience to climate hazards.

The mission aimed to evaluate the impact of cash transfer and nutritional support programs implemented in several remote villages of the Senegal River Valley. In these areas where infrastructure is sometimes limited, the physical presence of experts and the ability to dialogue without barriers with beneficiaries are essential conditions for the success of humanitarian interventions.

Field Interpretation: Beyond Words, a Cultural Immersion

Unlike classic conference interpretation which takes place in the relative comfort of a soundproof booth, field interpretation requires constant robustness and adaptability. In Matam, our interpreters had to navigate between French, the working language of international experts, and Pulaar, the dominant language of the local communities in the Fouta region.

The role of the Translab interpreter was not limited to simple linguistic translation. It was a true work of cultural mediation. For WFP experts to grasp the reality experienced by a farmer or a mother met in a vegetable garden, it was necessary to render not only the meaning of the words but also the emotions, silences, and politeness codes specific to the Halpulaar culture. It is this surgical precision in message transmission that allows for the establishment of an immediate bond of trust between development actors and populations.

Technical Expertise and Commitment: The Translab Method

The mission reviewed complex projects related to water resource management and women's economic empowerment. These themes require perfect mastery of sharp technical jargon: community resilience, social safety nets, climate transition, or community nutrition. Our interpreters, trained in these humanitarian themes, ensured perfect fluidity during coordination meetings and field focus groups.

Whether it was strategic discussions at the WFP sub-regional office or informal interviews in the shade of a balanzan tree, Translab International maintained a constant standard of excellence. We understand that in the humanitarian field, an interpretation error can lead to a misunderstanding of real needs, potentially impacting aid distribution or the design of future programs.

A Lasting Partnership for Senegal's Development

This three-day immersion in the heat and dust of the Ferlo region is not just a technical mission; it reflects Translab International's deep commitment to Senegal's sustainable development. By facilitating dialogue between UN agencies and rural communities, we participate, at our level, in building a more inclusive and resilient Senegal.

We thank the World Food Programme for its renewed trust. This mission confirms our unique ability to intervene anywhere in Senegal, from Dakar's conference centers to the most isolated villages in the river valley, with the same rigor and passion for linguistic excellence.