The city of Kaolack hosted the 9th edition of the National Livestock Day this Saturday, presided over by the Head of State, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This day, under the theme "The valorization of animal products, a stimulator for food sovereignty," brought together many stakeholders in the livestock sector and the region's authorities.
Upon his arrival, the President of the Republic visited various stands where several innovations were presented, and discussions with the various exhibitors focused on the mobilization and the role of livestock in the country's economic and food development.
In the presence of the President of the National Assembly and the Minister of Agriculture, the Head of State presented several awards to actors whose actions contribute to the sector's prominence. Participants also took advantage of this day to exchange views on the sector's challenges and opportunities, with the aim of strengthening local production and processing of animal products.
In his speech, the Head of State praised the exceptional mobilization of the people of Kaolack and the livestock sector. Continuing his speech, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye reminded that food sovereignty is at the heart of public policies and that the livestock sector plays a major role in it. He welcomed the in-depth reflection on the sector's issues, which had enabled a clearer understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for livestock and paved the way for concrete recommendations.
Key measures to improve the livestock ecosystem were announced by President Faye. These include securing production factors, such as livestock feed, and setting up community agricultural cooperatives. These initiatives will help retain young people in their homelands and fight against unemployment and irregular migration.
Regarding livestock theft, the President of the Republic instructed the Prime Minister to organize, as soon as possible, in collaboration with the ministries and all concerned parties, a national consultation on livestock theft to agree on a consensual roadmap that takes into account the holistic dimension of the fight against this scourge.
As Senegal launches its new digital strategy "Technological NewDeal" this Monday, February 24, 2025, the Head of State encourages sector actors to further integrate digital tools in risk prevention and management to leverage all the potential offered by digital technology to enhance the effectiveness of public policies in favor of the primary sector.