A multisectoral collective comprising researchers, community representatives, and national institutions in West Africa has expressed its desire to establish a sub-regional framework dedicated to rodent management. This proposed framework aims to unite the efforts of various stakeholders, including research institutions, operational services, and communities. The initiative was discussed during a consultation workshop on community-based rodent management in sub-Saharan Africa.
The workshop, held at the African Centre of Excellence in Mathematics, Computer Science, and ICT (CEA-MITIC) of the University Gaston Berger (UGB) in Saint-Louis, was organized by the West African Observatory of Small Mammals Indicative of Environmental Changes (ObsMiCE) and the Community-based Rodent Control (CoSRoC) network in sub-Saharan Africa. CoSRoC is an international scientific and community consortium supported by the Institute for Research and Development (IRD) since 2021.
Ambroise Dalecky, a researcher at the Institute for Research and Development (IRD), stated that the proposed framework seeks to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to address rodent management. The framework's goal is to enhance collaboration and coordination among researchers, operational services, and communities in managing rodent populations.
The consultation workshop brought together researchers, operational stakeholders, and community members, particularly from farmers' organizations, to discuss the challenges of rodent management in the context of climate change. Participants from Africa and Europe, including France, Mali, Benin, Niger, and Madagascar, shared their experiences and insights on addressing the issue of rodent proliferation.
Khalilou Bâ, a former IRD researcher and municipal councilor in Gandon (Saint-Louis, north), commended the workshop for gathering experts from various countries to share their experiences on rodent management. He recommended the use of effective and modern methods to combat rodent proliferation.
The establishment of a sub-regional framework for rodent management is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the challenges posed by rodent populations in West Africa. The framework is expected to facilitate collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the management of rodent populations in the region.
The workshop's outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of effective strategies for managing rodent populations in West Africa. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, the proposed framework aims to promote a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges posed by rodents in the region.
Key points
- West African nations consider creating a framework for managing rodent populations
- The framework aims to unite the efforts of various stakeholders, including research institutions, operational services, and communities
- The initiative was discussed during a consultation workshop on community-based rodent management in sub-Saharan Africa
