What's Happening?
Guinea hosted the first session of the Regional Steering Committee for the Program to Support the Development of Livestock and Pastoralism in West Africa and the Sahel (PRADEP-AOS) on November 10, 2026, in Conakry. The meeting brought together stakeholders
from the livestock and pastoralism sectors to discuss the program's orientations and implementation priorities. Participants included representatives from the European Union Delegation in Guinea, the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), partner countries, and implementing structures like Enabel. Guinea's Minister of Livestock, Alpha Bacar Barry, highlighted the economic importance of the sector, noting its contribution of 36% to the agricultural GDP of Sahelian countries and 15% to coastal countries. Despite this, the sector faces significant challenges, including climate change impacts, land pressure, limited access to water and pasture, transboundary animal diseases, and conflicts related to pastoral mobility.
Why It's Important?
The PRADEP-AOS program is a crucial initiative for addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the livestock and pastoralism sectors in West Africa and the Sahel. These sectors are vital for the livelihoods of millions and contribute significantly to regional economies. By focusing on strengthening the governance of pastoral resources, improving animal health, securing transboundary mobility, and developing competitive value chains, the program aims to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerabilities. The cross-border nature of pastoralism necessitates regional cooperation, making this program essential for preventing conflicts and fostering shared development. The European Union's substantial funding of 60 million euros for 13 African countries underscores the international recognition of the program's importance in promoting stability, food security, and economic integration in a region prone to environmental and social pressures.
What's Next?
The first session of the Steering Committee marks a critical juncture for PRADEP-AOS, moving from initial diagnostics and structuring to consolidating its implementation. Key priorities for 2027 include the concerted management of constraints related to pastoral mobility and clarifying the roadmap for achieving specific outcomes, particularly regarding the distribution of contributions among stakeholders to advance pastoral policies. The European Union's Head of Cooperation in Guinea, Gianpiero Borzillo, emphasized the need to preserve the program's regional dimension to avoid fragmented national interventions. Future efforts will focus on clarifying governance and responsibilities, strengthening accountability in monitoring activities and results, and making concrete decisions to accelerate implementation. The program aims to ensure the feasibility, land security, and sustainability of upcoming investments, with a strong emphasis on cross-border solutions.
Beyond the Headlines
PRADEP-AOS represents more than just an agricultural development program; it is a strategic instrument for regional cooperation, resilience, and stability in West Africa and the Sahel. The program's focus on pastoral mobility as a factor for shared development, rather than conflict, highlights a progressive approach to resource management. By promoting dialogue and leveraging cultural practices, it seeks to mitigate tensions between communities. The initiative also addresses the broader implications of climate change and environmental degradation on human populations, offering a pathway towards sustainable livelihoods and reduced forced migration. The collaborative effort between regional bodies like CILSS and international partners like the European Union demonstrates a commitment to tackling complex, interconnected challenges through integrated, cross-border solutions, setting a precedent for future development initiatives in vulnerable regions.
