The Pastoral Committee has validated its Information Bulletin No. 47, covering the first half of August 2025. This strategic document, prepared by the National Technical Committee with the support of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the TAAT project funded by the African Development Bank, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock (MASAE), provides a comprehensive overview of the pastoral situation in Senegal.
Multiple Indicators Closely Monitored
The bulletin highlights the main trends in meteorology, rainfall, forage production, animal health, water points, access to water, livestock mobility, bushfires, livestock markets, as well as cases of cattle rustling.
It serves as a reference tool for anticipating needs and informing decision-making in support of herders and rural communities.
Rainfall and Heat Stress
Forecasts indicate that the second half of August will be marked by a moderate Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) across most of the sylvo-pastoral zone, except in Koumpentoum, where severe heat stress is expected.
Between August 18 and 25, above-normal rainfall is forecasted for the Center and South, while the Northeast (Podor, Matam) will experience average precipitation. Starting August 25, relative calm is expected, except in the southern regions.
Vegetation and Pastures
Analysis of the Vegetation Index (NDVI) shows overall normal growth, except in Kébémer, Linguère, Saint-Louis, Dagana, and Podor, where it remains weak. Delays in the start of the season have been noted in the Niayes, part of the Groundnut Basin, and the Ferlo.
In pastoral areas, forage deficits persist in Podor, Dagana, and Linguère, despite gradual recovery in some localities. However, livestock feeding on young shoots exposes herds to enterotoxemia.
Forage Campaign and Water Access
MASAE has distributed 150 tons of fodder cowpea, 15 tons of traditional sorghum varieties, and 20 tons of maize, along with chemical and organic fertilizers. These interventions aim to promote fodder cultivation on nearly 12,500 hectares.
As for water access, the agro-sylvo-pastoral zone has 1,363 boreholes, of which 47 are out of service, representing a 96.55% availability rate. Tambacounda records the lowest rate (90.38%), while Goudiry reaches 98.65%.
Livestock Movements and Cattle Rustling
The bulletin notes a high concentration of livestock in Saint-Louis, Louga, and Matam, with seasonal transhumance movements towards the Center and North. Nabadji Civol (Matam) in particular is seeing an influx of herds from Kanel.
Furthermore, 118 cases of small ruminant theft and 56 cases of large ruminant theft have been reported, mainly in border areas with The Gambia and Mauritania, where inter-community tensions are feared.
Animal Health Situation
A total of 396 outbreaks of animal diseases were reported, including 48 cases of pasteurellosis, 30 of botulism, 27 of strangles, 23 of peste des petits ruminants, and 21 of enterotoxemia.
A record 15 suspected rabies cases were registered within two weeks, several of which were confirmed. Recommended control measures include vaccination around outbreak areas, observation of biting animals, and increased awareness among herders.
Livestock Markets and Outlook
The period was marked by a sharp increase in supply and demand, linked to preparations for the Grand Magal of Touba. The markets of Dahra, Touba, and Bambey recorded exceptional flows, both for cattle and for sheep and goats.
Strong Recommendations
The Pastoral Committee recommends strengthening mediation capacities to prevent farmer–herder conflicts, accelerating the repair of broken boreholes, promoting forage cultivation, and intensifying efforts to combat cattle theft and animal diseases.
Thanks to the Jokalanté platform, more than 3,000 local stakeholders regularly receive practical advice to strengthen their resilience to climatic and health shocks.
Babacar Sene, Journal Agropasteur (with the support of the National Pastoral Committee / Directorate of Livestock (DIREL) / Pastoral Division)