Training professionals from the Ministry of Livestock and Animal Production on climate actions in Senegal

Livestock systems in Senegal play a crucial role in the national socio-economic sector, providing livelihoods, jobs, and income to nearly a third of Senegalese households. Despite its significant contribution to rural economies, the livestock sector faces challenges exacerbated by climate change, including drought, heavy rains, and heat stress, impacting both productivity and sustainability. Senegal is actively addressing these challenges, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience in its economic activities through nationally determined contributions (NDC) and sectoral policies. However, current commitments do not include mitigation measures for enteric methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from the growing livestock sector.

From 7 to 9 November, thirty-nine participants attended a national hands-on training on livestock climate actions and greenhouse gas emissions assessment organized by FAO and MEPA. The training aimed to equip MEPA with innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve livestock productivity, and enhance the resilience of pastoral and agro-pastoral systems to climate change. 

A strong commitment 

The Senegalese government's ongoing efforts to support climate actions have resulted in commitments outlined in its nationally determined contribution (NDC), emphasized Dame Sow, Director of Livestock. However, policy analysis validated in February 2023 urged the integration of mitigation targets in future NDCs and the enhancement of MEPA's professional capacity. In response, FAO organized this capacity-building workshop to implement the study's recommendations. Aimable Uwizeye, Livestock Policy Officer at FAO, noted that the commitment to elevate the ambition of Senegal's NDC by setting both livestock-related mitigation and adaptation targets is significant progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Towards concrete solutions

During the workshop, participants discussed climate-smart livestock production, estimation of methane emissions from enteric fermentation, methods for compiling activity data for Tier 2 greenhouse gas inventories, and the use of greenhouse gas emissions assessment tools, such as the FAO Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model (GLEAM). A hands-on session allowed participants to apply the acquired knowledge, followed by a session on livestock and climate change adaptation to identify specific measures for pastoral and agro-pastoral systems.

Discussions among participants unveiled sectoral issues, including a lack of updated data, but also proposed promising solutions. Participants called for the integration of livestock-specific indicators into data, action plans, and policies on climate actions, as well as technical support on the carbon market in the livestock sector. Importantly, they emphasized the significance of leveraging local expertise and practices of pastoralists and other farmers for adapting to climate change.

A look to the future

Participants encouraged FAO to expand training through decentralized workshops in order to reach a larger number of agents from sectoral ministries. They also suggested the creation of a MEPA committee dedicated to climate change issues in the livestock sector, with an emphasis on inter-ministerial collaboration. This workshop stands as a significant milestone in Senegal's efforts to integrate climate actions into the livestock sector, highlighting the importance of a collaborative approach and ongoing education for a sustainable future.