The vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs Tuesday received in audience members of the Shepherds and Cattle Farmers Association at State House. The delegation, was at state House to brief Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy on the Association’s aims and objectives as well as to highlight some of its constraints.

Speaking to reporters shortly after meeting the VP, Ebrima Jallow, the public relations officer of the Association explained that they have been working underground for the past seven years. He said: “Over the years, we have worked very well in recovering stolen cattle and thought it is high time to come and discuss with the authorities how best we can address this situation of cattle rustling within the shortest possible time.”

Jallow explained that their biggest constraint at the moment is mobility as it is an important aspect in their fight against cattle rustling.  “Mobility is very important in our fight, because most of these cattle rustlers are very smart. And without good transport and communication, we cannot definitely track them as they easily cross the border and before we reach their destination, they have already left,” he stated.

He said they are trying very well to encourage young people to join the association. “The response is not that much encouraging as the work is a voluntary one. But occasionally we do go out and discuss with the youths and some are coming gradually,” he added.

For his part, Momodou Sowe, the secretary general of the Association said that as youths they are committed to develop the country’s livestock sector.  “That is why we encourage youths to join us and develop the livestock sectors. Because we realise that cattle rustling is almost destroying the fortunes of the country. We are gradually losing cattle both day and night due to thieves. So as youths of the country, we should come together and develop this sector,” he added.

Sowe also explained that their objective is to eradicate cattle rustling in the country as well as inform the necessary stakeholders on health issues affecting cattle such as pest and disease outbreak.  “Since a layman in a herd cannot discover the cause of the disease. The only problem he can know is that his cattle is sick or having abnormalities, but he cannot indentify which type of disease. Even if it is an airborne disease he may not indentify it,” he added, stressing the need for revitalisation of the veterinary system.