Ebrima Jallow and the director general of the Department of Livestock Service (DLS) Dr Abdou Ceesay are currently in Abidjan representing the country in a high level sub regional meeting about livestock. The duo is also addressing the gathering on the challenges faced by livestock farmers within the continent.
The convergence is organised by Integrated and Secure livestock Production Systems and Pastoralism in West Africa Project (PEPISAO).
The forum, organised under the banner of the Regional Pastoral Week is also aimed at building on the results and achievements of regional projects with the desire to organise a high-level dialogue on economic, social, environmental, health and security issues, focusing on mobile livestock farming systems in West Africa and the Sahel.
Speaking at the well-attended event, NaLOA President Jallow, who also represented livestock value chain actors in The Gambia spoke on the significance of the convergence, while calling for active participation in ensuring that their expectations and objectives are achieved.
Jallow also highlighted the efforts of his organisation in resolving conflict between pastoralists through the help of The Gambia government and other donor agencies like FAO. He equally hailed other Agricultural projects in the country in supporting NaLOA achieve their desired goals.
The NaLOA president reiterated the importance of peace and stability within the continent, saying: “In the absence of peace and stability, food security will be threatened. ECOWAS and other respected organisations within Africa should always ensure that there is lasting peace in Africa for the interest of the population. Livestock farmers should also endeavour in ensuring that there is peace between them,” he posited.
Mr. Jallow further challenged local authorities to avoid selling or using identified livestock designated areas for grazing for other purposes which has the potential of creating conflict. He also urged the participants to come out with workable recommendations for the interests of livestock farmers within the continent.
