The Kaffrine region hosted a regional information and outreach meeting on the complaints management mechanism of the National Integrated Livestock Development Program in Senegal (PNDIES). This initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Sovereignty aims to strengthen transparency and the buy-in of local stakeholders in the implementation of the project.

The objective of this meeting was twofold: to present the Integrated Agricultural and Pastoral Development Programme (PIDAP), one of the operational components of the PNDIES, and to raise awareness among local stakeholders about the complaints management mechanism put in place to guarantee the transparency and good governance of the project.

According to Dr. Dame Sow, national coordinator of PNDIES, this initiative aims to involve regional stakeholders in the implementation of the program and to ensure that all local concerns are taken into account.

"The complaints mechanism will allow for the fair collection, processing and resolution of all complaints related to the implementation of the program. It is an instrument of transparency and accountability," he said.

Structural investments planned in Kaffrine

As part of the PIDAP, several large-scale projects are planned in the Kaffrine region. Among them is the establishment of a community agricultural cooperative in Lour Escale, on an area of 100 hectares already approved by the local authorities. This site will house a large fodder area, a solar borehole, as well as modern animal production infrastructure: stables, sheepfolds, chicken coops, and processing units, in a circular economy approach (particularly composting).

These developments are primarily aimed at creating jobs for young people and women, while strengthening national food sovereignty.

Also in the region, PRODAC sites in Boulel have been identified to accommodate fodder areas and beef production units, in order to support meat production and strengthen the country's self-sufficiency.

Promotion of local poultry and small ruminants

The project also aims to promote the local poultry sector, with the large-scale production of farm-raised chickens from the Rimbaud and Sasso strains, known for their dual use (meat and egg production). This approach aims to improve household nutrition and generate sustainable income for women and young people.

Regarding small ruminants, the PNDIES will support professional organizations and partner NGOs, such as Heifer International, to develop business models around Tabaski sheep farming. Sheep and breeding stock will be distributed to households and young entrepreneurs to strengthen local production.

Livestock identification: a major innovation

Another essential part of the program: the fight against cattle theft through the implementation of an electronic livestock identification system.

This system, which has never been used on a large scale in Senegal, relies on the use of electronic chips and a computerized system. A national database, hosted by a public operator, will track livestock, similar to the human population identification system. A pilot phase will first be tested before deployment across the country.

Closing the meeting, Deputy Governor Lalla Camara welcomed this initiative as "a bearer of hope for the agro-forestry-pastoral stakeholders of Kaffrine", while calling for strong involvement of local authorities and beneficiaries to ensure the success of the program.