Senegal Validates National Cattle Identification System with Support from FAO to Combat Cattle Theft
The Senegalese government has approved the National Cattle Identification and Tracking System (SNITB) to combat cattle theft, supported by the FAO. Following a workshop led by Agriculture Minister Mabouba Diagne, the initiative aims to involve communities, authorities, and the private sector in enhancing livestock security, while a multi-sector technical committee will develop a national strategy. The plan includes establishing local anti-theft committees and increasing the role of security forces to address the issue, which costs the country approximately USD 3.2 million annually.

The government of Senegal has approved the National Cattle Identification and Tracking System (SNITB) following a workshop held on December 23-24, 2025, in Diamniadio, with support from the FAO. The workshop, chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, Mabouba Diagne, emphasized the urgent need to address cattle theft, which causes annual losses of approximately USD 3.2 million.
Senegal aims to implement a collective approach involving communities, authorities, and the private sector to enhance security and tracking of livestock. A multi-sector technical committee has been established, including civil society and private companies, to develop a national strategy against cattle theft.
FAO's pilot project encourages the emergence of start-ups specializing in digital tracking solutions. A budgeted roadmap includes the creation of local anti-theft committees across 557 municipalities, with increased involvement from defense and security forces to dismantle criminal networks.




Comments