The Fair of All Hopes

On the occasion of the launch of the National Livestock Fair by the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the Horizons newspaper published an editorial under the title “The fair of all hopes”. The newspaper analyzes this important event and situates it in the broader context of an upgrading of the economy and more particularly of a rehabilitation of sectors of the traditional economy.
Here is the text of this editorial:
“The fair of all hopes
Because it plays a primordial role in the life of all citizens, by providing an important part of the food, by guaranteeing jobs, income and economic opportunities, the livestock sector is currently at the center of concerns of public authorities.
The launch by the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, of the country’s first livestock fair, organized today in Timbédra, eloquently reflects all the interest now accorded to this important part of the national economy.
The event sends an unambiguous message: that of a non-selective upgrade of the economy, as livestock farming has long remained the poor relation of the primary sectors of the economy. A choice of rehabilitation clearly stated in the program of the President of the Republic.
This first edition of the livestock fair will make it possible to publicize the pastoral potential of the country, share expertise in the field, promote commercial transactions and investment; just as it will be an opportunity to forge business partnership relations with the various stakeholders, making it possible to promote the activities of the sector, improve the incomes of breeders and the living conditions of the populations.
It will serve as the first platform for consultation and dialogue with stakeholders to involve them more in the evaluation, design, conduct and implementation of policies and programs in the sector and thus give the effective kick-off of viable and sustainable economic policies for the development of the resources of the country’s hinterland, taking into account climatic and environmental challenges.
A valuation that necessarily requires a modernization of the sector, through the introduction of feed farms, dairy units, processing of by-products, conservation infrastructure and industrial fodder production.
This promotion also involves access for breeders to productive resources and information, and for agri-food promoters to technologies, training and credit.
It is also about envisioning a planning system that will optimize development resources and provide the necessary support and economic environment for pastoralists to realize their full potential of animal resources. They hold immeasurably rich traditional knowledge, the effect of which will be multiplying, when coupled with modern animal husbandry techniques.
This event will be an opportunity to initiate this coupling and to lead a deep reflection, meetings of contacts and business forged between the different actors around the sectors and to induce a synergy of their different contributions to boost the sector and it. to play a more dynamic economic role.
Propose a real alternative to modernize the livestock sector, diversify its sectors, increase its output and work for its harmonious integration into the national economic fabric, but also regional, so that it participates more in the creation of jobs and added value, and contribute more broadly to food security and poverty reduction. These are the objectives that Mauritania sets itself to promote the livestock sector and as many axes that will be at the center of reflection during this first edition of the National Livestock Fair.
Because, we hope, these are just the seeds of a tradition that will be continued to promote a sector that has always proven to be a safe haven and a source of resilience.

Horizons