FIARA 2025 in Dakar: A Showcase of Rare Animals and Agricultural Innovation

Dakar is currently hosting the International Agriculture and Animal Resources Fair (FIARA), a premier event bringing together farmers, breeders, and curious visitors. Running from April 24 to May 20, 2025 at CICES, the fair offers a unique platform for agricultural networking and discovery.

During a recent visit on May 6, 2025, the venue buzzed with activity despite strong winds sweeping through Senegal’s capital. Hundreds of exhibitors and visitors braved the 29°C afternoon heat – unusually warm for early May in Dakar, where temperatures had previously hovered around a more comfortable 22°C.

Showcasing Senegal’s Livestock Advancements

Among the many attractions, rare and beautiful parrots caught visitors’ attention. Ibou Syla, an exhibitor from Soukeyna Farm, explained: “FIARA provides excellent networking opportunities for breeders. Even the agriculture minister visited and witnessed firsthand the progress in our livestock sector.”

Syla’s exhibit featured diverse animals including rabbits, fish, hamsters, turkeys, guinea pigs, and parrots. He noted particular challenges: “Raising guinea pigs in Senegal isn’t easy. Their fragility makes this type of breeding difficult to master completely.”

A Family-Friendly Agricultural Experience

“We encourage everyone to visit FIARA,” Syla emphasized. “Children especially love seeing animals like hamsters and guinea pigs up close. Many visitors are fascinated by these creatures they’ve never encountered before.”

With Tabaski approaching, many breeders brought their finest sheep for display, including the massive Ladoum breed. These impressive animals can weigh over 150kg and stand about 1.15m tall, with prices reaching up to 15 million CFA francs depending on lineage and breed quality.

This article summarizes an original report from Afrik.com. Full credit goes to the original source.