The fifth edition of the ENSA–EPT Symposium opened this Thursday in Thiès under the evocative theme "Science and Technology at the Service of Sustainable Development." It brought together researchers, teachers, students, public decision-makers, and development partners to discuss the major challenges of agriculture, livestock farming, and the economic transformation of Senegal.

The Minister Delegate for Livestock, Ousmane Diagne, who presided over the event, emphasized the strategic role of scientific research in building a resilient, competitive, and food-sufficient Senegal. He also commended the initiative of the National Higher School of Agriculture (ENSA) and the Polytechnic School of Thiès (EPT) before reiterating that the challenges related to climate change, pressure on natural resources, and population growth demand responses based on knowledge and innovation.

"Science is no longer an academic luxury. It has become a strategic instrument of sovereignty," the minister declared to an audience of academics and professionals from the sector.

According to him, Senegal, through its Vision Senegal 2050, has chosen to place knowledge, innovation, and human capital at the heart of its structural transformation. The themes addressed during the symposium, including the transformation of food systems, sustainable management of natural resources, precision agriculture, biodiversity, and livestock systems, represent potential solutions for meeting the challenges of food sovereignty.

Regarding the livestock sector, Ousmane Diagne emphasized its importance in rural development and food security. However, he acknowledged that the sector continues to face several constraints, including climate variability, the scarcity of forage resources, the genetic improvement of livestock, animal health, and the competitiveness of value chains.

To address these challenges, the minister advocated for research more focused on the needs of producers and capable of translating scientific discoveries into concrete solutions. He specifically mentioned the development of intelligent pastoral information systems, predictive models for pasture management, digital platforms for health monitoring, and innovative techniques for preserving livestock feed.

The minister also called for strengthening synergies between researchers, training institutions, technical services, professional organizations and the private sector in order to accelerate the transfer of innovations to agricultural and pastoral operations.

"Senegal needs your creativity, your scientific rigor and your spirit of innovation," he stated.