This study analyses the reactions small and medium-sized enterprises’ managers to the adverse effects of climate in Senegal’s semi-arid zones and the difficulties they face in adapting to climate risks. A mixed methodological approach was used, comprising a review of relevant documents and a field survey using a questionnaire administered to SMEs managers. The survey involved 161 SMEs managers in three regions of the country. SMEs were selected using a mixture of random and snowball sampling methods. The results of the study showed that 91% of SMEs are affected by adverse climatic conditions, including rainfall deficits, extreme heat, exceptional rainfall and flooding. 70% of them do not have a plan to deal with climate risks. In spite of all this, economic players have gone to great lengths to take measures to adapt, but their efforts are limited by a lack of support from the public authorities, etc. To this end, substantial political and financial efforts are needed to promote a favorable environment for SME adaptation.