Agri’Panel 2025: Shaping the Future of Livestock Farming in Francophone Africa

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On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, during the renowned SPACE exhibition in Rennes, France, the Agri’Panel 2025 brought together a distinguished group of experts, researchers, and agricultural practitioners to exchange insights on the future of livestock farming in Francophone Africa. Organized under the theme “L’élevage de demain en Afrique francophone: relever les défis des changements climatiques et des transformations globales” (The livestock of tomorrow in Francophone Africa: meeting the challenges of climate change and global transformations), the event offered a vibrant platform for discussion and collaboration among professionals dedicated to building a more resilient agricultural sector.

Moderated in an engaging and collaborative spirit, the panel tackled the region’s most pressing challenges, including sustainable resource management, technological innovation, youth involvement, and strategies for adapting to a changing climate. The discussions were enriched by presentations from respected speakers who each brought a unique perspective to the table.

François Djitie: Emphasizing Local Solutions for Sustainable Livestock Development

François Djitie emphasized the need to valorize local resources and strengthen community-based livestock production. He highlighted sustainable growth through indigenous knowledge, improved local breeds, and feed autonomy via local crops, calling for more investment in farmer training and cooperative models that empower smallholders and protect the environment.

Alimata Sawadogo: Women and Youth at the Heart of Agricultural Transformation

Alimata Sawadogo highlighted the vital role of women and youth in transforming Francophone Africa’s agriculture. She stressed that inclusive policies and targeted training can unlock their potential, sharing examples of youth-led agribusinesses reshaping rural economies and calling for gender equality, digital access, and entrepreneurship support.

Hervé Pillaud: Harnessing Innovation and Artificial Intelligence for Resilient Farming

Hervé Pillaud highlighted how digital technologies and AI can transform livestock systems by improving decisions, animal welfare, and resource efficiency. He urged African stakeholders to view innovation as a strategic necessity for resilience and global competitiveness.

Armel Donkpegan: Climate Challenges and the Need for Adaptation Strategies

Armel Donkpegan discussed climate change as a major challenge for African livestock producers, highlighting its impacts on feed, water, disease, and productivity. He called for climate-resilient farming backed by strong policies, research, and regional knowledge sharing.

Pierre Cadot: Strengthening Veterinary Expertise Through Advanced Training

Dr. Pierre Cadot of WVEPAH emphasized the importance of continuous education to improve livestock standards in Africa. He explained that WVEPAH, a WOAH Collaborating Centre, offers specialized programs to build a global network of certified experts. Cadot highlighted “training the trainers” to ensure local knowledge transfer and noted that WVEPAH certification strengthens both professional growth and national veterinary readiness.

A Vision for the Future

Throughout the Agri’Panel, a clear consensus emerged: the future of livestock farming in Francophone Africa will depend on collaboration, innovation, and the empowerment of local actors. The exchange of experiences between African and European experts reaffirmed the shared commitment to sustainability, equity, and innovation in the agricultural sector.
As the session concluded, participants expressed optimism that such dialogues—linking research, practice, and policy—will continue to drive progress toward a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future across the continent.