By Fatou Krubally
Women oyster harvesters in Kartong are set to benefit from improved preservation and increased income following the launch of a solar-powered oyster dryer introduced through a partnership between Blue Ventures and Sanyang Youths for Environmental Protection and Development (SANYEPD).
The facility, inaugurated over the weekend along the Hallahin River, allows women to dry and preserve oysters for longer periods, reducing waste and ensuring availability even outside the harvesting season.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ebrima KM Jabang from the Department of Fisheries described the solar drying technology as a “major step forward.”
“This solar drying method is very important for oyster production,” he said. “If oysters are properly preserved, they can last up to one year. Kartong is well known for oysters, which are part of the culture and tradition of the community.”
Isatou Madeline Jarju, President of the Hallahin Oyster Farmers Association, said the technology would help address seasonal shortages affecting the local market.
“With this dryer, we can process and preserve oysters so they remain available throughout the year,” she said. “Most of the things we consume in this country are imported, but with this opportunity, Gambian women can one day export oysters beyond the country.”
Oyster harvesting has long been a vital source of livelihood for women in the area. Kaddy Manneh, who has worked in the mangroves for more than ten years, said the activity helps her support her family and pay school fees.
“I paid my children’s school fees from oyster harvesting,” she said. “Sometimes we also buy food and clothes for Eid from the money we make.”
She explained that harvesting methods have improved, shifting from cutting oysters directly from mangroves to using ropes, which is faster and more environmentally friendly. Manneh thanked Blue Ventures and SANYEPD for their support, while appealing for further assistance, including a larger boat and protective gear.
Kebba Jabang, SANYEPD project coordinator, noted that the project faced challenges, including securing space for the dryer and coordinating stakeholders. Cooperation from the Ministry of Fisheries, the community, and the centre management committee made the project possible.
Habib Bojang, Executive Director of SANYEPD, said the organization even visited Senegal to study similar technologies before introducing the initiative in Kartong. He urged women to maintain the facility properly, noting it is the only solar oyster dryer of its kind in the country.
With the new facility and the formal registration of the women as an association, oyster harvesters in Kartong are hopeful their traditional trade will become more sustainable and economically rewarding.