By: Haruna Kuyateh
Njawara Agricultural Training Centre (NATC) in partnership with United Purpose (UP) through the West Africa Competitiveness Project (WACOMP) and EU-funded project recently organised an international study tour of Dakar Senegal for a 13 value chain actors and officials of Njawara Agricultural Training Centre.
The four days tour aimed at strengthening value chain actors in the processing and preservation techniques of onions, tomatoes, and pepper to address post-harvest losses. The processors will learn new skills and knowledge from their Senegalese counterparts through networking and market-oriented practices to boost income.
Mama Manneh, Executive Director of Njawara Agricultural Training Centre described the tour as an important component of the project activities, noting that it is a unique opportunity for Value Chain Actors in the region to learn and adopt best practices.
The purpose of the project among other things is to strengthen and promote onion, pepper, and tomatoes through value addition.
The tour would enable processors to be business oriented and create market linkages, he added.
Mai Ndure, Vice President of North Bank Value Chain Actors said the tour will enable the team to learn and share experience on processing techniques.
Madam Ndure pleaded for more support and collaboration from development partners in building the capacity of members to effectively address postharvest losses on onion, tomatoes, and pepper.
BabouNyass, Manager SOLICITA Marketing Federation NBR said the trip would add value to what they are doing on processing and management techniques. He described it as a learning point for Solicita members as such newly established Value Chain Actors at the district level link to the marketing federation.
Awa Gaye nominated Women Councillor at Kerewan Area Council and Jonsaba Jawara of Kerewan all thanked WACOMP project, Njawara Agricultural Training Centre, and United Purpose for their support to vegetable production.
