Senegal allocates $1.7 million to combat livestock theft

Senegal is launching a national strategy to combat livestock theft, backed by a CFA1 billion (approximately $1.7 million) budget. The initiative, announced by Dr. Dame Sow, coordinator of the National Integrated Livestock Development Program (PNDIES), focuses on improving animal identification and traceability.

A pilot phase will soon implement technologies such as electronic chips, collars, and ear tags to track livestock. While the specific launch date and target geographic areas have not yet been disclosed, the program aims to mitigate significant economic losses. According to estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock theft results in the loss of 22,000 to 30,000 animals annually in Senegal, totaling roughly $3.2 million in damages.

This effort builds upon existing legal and security frameworks, including the 2013 establishment of the Livestock Theft Prevention Unit (CLVB) and a 2017 law that increased criminal penalties. The national strategy also aligns with a broader proposed West African regional program for 2026–2030, which has a projected budget exceeding $345 million to harmonize security and digital traceability across 15 countries.