Senegal’s only female livestock technician works to improve herds
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Astou Mboup has worked as a livestock technician at the National Center for Genetic Improvement (Cnag) in Dahra, Senegal for twelve years, and she is the only woman in that role at the center.
Mboup trained at the National Center for Training Technicians of Livestock and Animal Industries in Saint-Louis, and first visited Cnag during a school trip. She completed two unpaid internships there, drawn to the peaceful setting and proximity to animals.
Mboup’s work is increasingly important as Senegal recently increased its livestock by 1,050 elite cattle as part of a plan to achieve food security. She monitors herds, collects data, and advises farmers, specializing in artificial insemination and bovine semen production. She also works in the laboratory. Recently, a bull charged Mboup at the center, but a trainee redirected the animal. She balances her work with family responsibilities, as her husband lives abroad and they have two sons.
Mboup says she has learned to anticipate animal movements and remain vigilant.
