By Haruna Kuyateh
Project (GIRAV), under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Livestock, has concluded a series of stakeholder engagements to promote its Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) toll-free number among beneficiaries in the North Bank Region.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the GIRAV GRM toll-free line, 1255, which has been integrated into the Department of Agriculture’s E-extension ICT platform, known as Sene Nyaa Bantaba.
The outreach took place in Lansarr and Maka Farafenni of Upper Badibou, Dobo of Central Badibou, Tambana and Kerr Omar Saine of Jokadu, Ndungu Kebbeh and Ndofan of Lower Nuimi, and Sare Chikam in Upper Nuimi.
Fafanding Katri Kinteh, GIRAV Social Safeguards Specialist, said the program was designed to empower communities to report incidents and production challenges to the GRM and the Regional Agriculture Directorate for timely resolution. “This support will reactivate the GRM at community levels, ensuring appropriate actions are taken by relevant authorities and enabling farmers to report crop performance directly to nearby agricultural extension agents,” Kinteh noted.
Ebrima Dem, Environmental Specialist at GIRAV, explained that the toll-free line allows beneficiaries to submit evidence on project progress, quality, and challenges related to contractors, supply chains, and gender-based issues. “The structure will provide key information to the World Bank and the Government of The Gambia on the status of project interventions, including gardens, road works, agro-logistic centers, matching grants, and seed support,” Dem added.
GIRAV officials also emphasized the importance of evidence-based record-keeping. Dem called on community GRM representatives to document reports accurately to support comprehensive reporting to project partners.
Sheikh Joof, GIRAV Assistant Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, demonstrated the toll-free number’s use in all local languages. “This will reduce stress and streamline reporting of incidences and concerns during the project’s implementation,” he said.
Buba Daffeh, Deputy Director at the Regional Agricultural Directorate in Kerewan, North Bank Region, welcomed the initiative, highlighting that it would ensure timely reporting of issues and promote improved agricultural production. He pledged continued collaboration with GIRAV to enhance food security through capacity building.
Community leaders expressed appreciation for the project. Alieu Choi, Alkalo of Lansarr, thanked the Government and GIRAV for providing a five-hectare modern vegetable garden equipped with sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. “The first garden will transform lives and livelihoods,” he said, noting that contractors have completed all project requirements, including fencing, installation of 38 high-power solar panels, and construction of a waiting shed and toilet facilities.
Alhaji Modou Touray, GIRAV Focal Point, and Seedy Jobe, Vice Chairman of Maka Farafenni Village Development Committee, described the project intervention as unique and critical for strengthening food production.
Fatou Jallow, President of the Maka Farafenni Women’s Group, praised GIRAV for supporting the community with three tractors under the matching grants for women, youth, and the Village Development Committee. She also acknowledged the provision of modern vegetable gardens, improved seeds, an agro-logistic center, and the recent signing of a contract for road construction to enhance farm produce transportation.
