Mauritania hosts Nouakchott+10 forum: A new direction for livestock and pastoralism in the Sahel and West Africa
Mauritania is set to host a landmark forum on livestock and pastoralism in the Sahel and West Africa from November 6 to 8, 2024.
The high-level event, themed “Nouakchott+10: A Decade of Action for Pastoral and Agropastoral Communities – Achievements and Future Pathways,” marks ten years since the Ndjamena and Nouakchott Declarations, pivotal agreements aimed at safeguarding the livelihoods and productivity of pastoralist communities across the region.
The Nouakchott Forum, organized by the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) in partnership with the Government of Mauritania and the World Bank Group, will bring together high-ranking government officials from across the Sahel, alongside technical and financial partners, representatives of pastoral and agropastoral communities, private sector stakeholders, and agricultural experts.
Together, they will examine the decade’s achievements in pastoralism and livestock management, identifying successful policies and programs that have bolstered resilience and productivity within West Africa’s vital livestock sector.
Central to the discussions will be the impact of sustained investments in pastoralism, including funding for infrastructure, improved access to grazing lands, water resources, and veterinary services, as well as the adoption of new technologies and sustainable practices. These measures have not only supported the livelihoods of millions who rely on pastoralism but have also been instrumental in enhancing food security, fostering regional trade, and contributing to economic stability in the face of climate challenges.
As the region grapples with escalating pressures from climate change, security concerns, and population growth, the forum will spotlight critical challenges faced by the sector. Discussions will delve into areas such as adapting to changing environmental conditions, securing grazing rights, addressing conflicts between herders and farmers, and creating more sustainable and profitable livestock markets. The event’s outcome will aim to set a forward-looking strategy, aligning with the global sustainable development goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Delegates will collaborate on innovative approaches to ensure that pastoral and agropastoral communities can continue to thrive, not only as custodians of traditional knowledge but as essential contributors to West Africa’s economic development.
