CTA publishes atlas of pastoral resources of Senegal

For some time CTA has been engaged on a programme to publish cartographical information about the pastoral and stock-rearing resources of the countries of the Sahel. SPORE has already reported the publication of atlases for Chad (SPORE 3), Niger (8), Burkina Faso (11 ) and Mali (17). The latest is an atlas for Senegal. This study covers the whole range of stock rearing activities, ranging from the trypanotolerant N'dama cattle to the nomad herds in the traditional Sahelian zone of northern Senegal. Stock-rearing in Senegal is of prime importance to the country's economy, accounting for approximately 7% of the GNP (100 billion CFA francs). However, its productivity is still not sufficient to meet the needs of the constantly growing population. The Senegal Sahel is divided into four main geographical areas (the Senegal River valley, the Ferlo basin, the Dunes zone and the Naay region) and is occupied mainly by the pastoralist Peul people. The condition of the land has changed considerably in the course of the last four decades, mainly due to attempts to intensify livestock production. One example of this is the drilling of numerous bore-holes. This has resulted in a considerable change in attitudes and there has been less incentive to improve production. Thus, stock-rearing in Senegal is in a period of change, but it is to be hoped that it can develop on a firmer footinq if suitable policies are implemented. The atlas includes a bibliography of some 300 titles, which covers all breeds of domestic animals throughout Senegal, and the geographical areas studied are shown on the maps which accompany this special bibliography. The atlas also covers the geographical spread of the vectors of disease: these include glossina, ticks and helminths. It also shows the progress made in the battle against them, while at the same time urging constant vigilance and continued effort in their control. Infectious diseases, both viral and bacterial, are covered in the same manner in this volume. Aspects of veterinary infrastructure, the training of professional staff, and analysis of woodland ecosystems used for both pasturage and cultivation are also inclded. The Senegalese research scientists at the Senegal Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA) are to be congratulated on the way they have compiled this work. They have done so with the collaboration of colleagues at (IEMVT) and specialists at (PRGM). Thanks to their team effort, a major work of reference on stock-rearing, which can be consulted by policy-makers in government, has been produced at a crucial moment in Senegal's history. IEMVT- 10 rue Pierre Curie 94704-Maisons Alfort cedex- FRANCEatla