Senegal allocates US$1.7M to livestock theft tracking technology
The proposed program has a budget of more than US$345 million for 2026-2030, pending final approval.
SENEGAL – Senegal’s National Integrated Livestock Development Program (PNDIES) has developed a national strategy to combat livestock theft, backed by a CFA1 billion (US$1.7 million) budget, according to PNDIES Coordinator Dr. Dame Sow.
Sow announced the initiative on September 24 in Fatick, according to the Senegalese Press Agency.
Authorities will soon launch a pilot phase focused on livestock identification and traceability using electronic chips, collars and ear tags.
The pilot’s launch date and geographic areas have not been disclosed.
Economic impact of livestock theft
According to Food and Agriculture Organization estimates, livestock theft causes Senegalese farmers to lose between 22,000 and 30,000 animals each year, amounting to about US$3.2 million in losses.
National framework
Senegal established the Livestock Theft Prevention Unit (CLVB) in 2013 and deployed specialized brigades to the National Gendarmerie’s rural units.
Lawmakers adopted a 2017 law that increased penalties for livestock theft, including prison terms of five to 10 years in certain cases. In 2025, the government introduced a community intelligence system and a national livestock identification system.
In December 2025, Senegal validated the National Livestock Identification and Traceability System with FAO support. Local start-ups showcased digital solutions and connected devices to monitor livestock and prevent theft, and authorities approved a costed implementation roadmap.
Regional programme
From February 9 to 12, 2026, the FAO and the Senegalese government convened representatives from all 15 West African countries in Dakar to coordinate a response to livestock theft.
The proposed program has a budget of more than US$345 million for 2026-2030, pending final approval. It would support digitalization of livestock traceability, harmonization of judicial and security frameworks, and pastoral communities’ involvement in early warning and prevention initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States continues to harmonize livestock identification and traceability systems throughout the region.
In April 2026, the bloc’s Regional Veterinary Committee adopted a roadmap to help member states develop more coordinated digital systems.
Authorities present these systems as tools not only to combat livestock theft but also to manage transhumance, prevent conflicts, and facilitate regional trade.
Finally, for Senegal, the next challenge is to translate these policy measures into results on the ground.
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