The FAO on Tuesday commended Senegal’s progress in water resource management and its commitment to pastoralism, stating that the country is poised to become a regional benchmark for
water governance in support of livestock farming.
Speaking at the opening of the national multi-stakeholder workshop on water tenure and pastoralism, held in Dakar until April 30, Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for West Africa, emphasised that water remains a vital resource for agricultural and pastoral systems.
“Water is life. For the agricultural sector, and particularly for pastoralism, it is essential for both feeding and watering livestock,” she told the participants gathered in Dakar.
According to her, Senegal was selected as the pilot country for this continental initiative due
to the efforts already undertaken by national authorities in mobilising water resources and supporting rural communities.
The workshop aims in particular to popularize the principles of water tenure, raise awareness of the Water Code, and educate users – farmers and livestock breeders alike – about their rights and obligations regarding access to, management of, and preservation of water resources.
For the UN official, this approach is all the more strategic given the context of the growing effects of climate change, which are increasing pressure on water points and pastoral areas.
“We must demonstrate how we can cope with climate risks by using water resources rationally,” she emphasized. Ms. Stephen-Tchicaya also indicated that the conclusions of the Dakar meeting should inform the discussions planned for a global conference on water governance, scheduled for November 2026 in Rome.
She said she expected Senegal to bring not only its best institutional practices to the conference, but also the voice of pastoral communities on the challenges of access to water.
In this context, the FAO commended the Senegalese Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock for the progress made in pastoral water infrastructure, rural cooperatives, and water management.
“Senegal is doing a great job. We want this experience to inspire other West African countries,” she concluded. The three-day workshop brings together representatives of the government, pastoral and agropastoral organisations, local authorities, civil society, researchers, technical and financial partners, and several United Nations agencies.
ARD/te/fss/as/APA