The paper presents a historical sociology of the peasant movement in Senegal through three successive periods from its emergence until its internationalisation. The analysis shows that recourse to external aid has been an integral part of the Senegalese peasant movement, in that the movement has developed within a multi-level political space where the government of Senegal and external donors play a decisive role. However, the peasant movement is also a product of its own dynamics and has adjusted its strategies according to the national and international political environment.