By Yunus S Saliu
The Alkalo of Kabekel village, Mr Timothy Sarjo, has donated a 50-by-50-hectare parcel of land to support the safeguarding of palm wine tapping as part of efforts to preserve the practice under The Gambia’s national heritage framework.
The commitment was announced following a validation forum organised on Monday by the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and stakeholders to review the nomination dossier for palm wine tapping.
The forum validated the elaboration of the nomination for inscription on the UNESCO Urgent Safeguarding List. The meeting, held at the NCAC RDD Annex in Fajara, brought together palm wine tappers, Intangible Cultural Heritage facilitators, representatives of NATCOM-UNESCO, MOTAC, GTHI, academics and cultural practitioners. The workshop was supported by UNESCO.
In an interview with PANA after the forum, Mr Sarjo, village head of Kabekel in Kombo Central, said the land would be used to establish a palm tree orchard aimed at revitalising palm wine tapping.
He described the land as a shared national resource that should benefit communities and future generations.
“The meaning of Kabekel itself is palm tree in Jola,” he said, noting the village’s historic connection to the practice. “I am only managing the land inherited from my forefathers. It is right that it serves national development and supports our people. This orchard will help palm wine tappers come together and strengthen this cultural heritage.”
Mr Sarjo acknowledged that land scarcity is a growing concern in The Gambia, adding that unequal ownership can limit community livelihoods. He said his donation was intended to shield palm wine practitioners from such pressures while contributing to cultural preservation.
He added that the offer could expand in future if the project demonstrates commitment and positive results.
“If they do well, it will encourage others. More support can follow,” he said.
Beyond its cultural value, the Alkalo highlighted the economic and social importance of palm wine tapping, noting that in Kabekel’s mixed Christian and Muslim community, palm products support livelihoods and social cohesion.
He said palm trees provide multiple benefits, including palm oil, soap production and palm kernel extracts used in personal care, creating income opportunities for families.
Mr Sarjo also referred to traditional beliefs about palm wine’s medicinal value, urging moderation while acknowledging its longstanding role in local healing practices.
Stakeholders at the validation forum welcomed the donation as a boost to the safeguarding process.
The Director General of the NCAC, Mr Hassoum Ceesay, said establishing a dedicated orchard strengthens the nomination by demonstrating community-led commitment to sustaining the practice.
As preparations continue for the international nomination, Kabekel’s initiative reflects how local leadership and community heritage can align to protect living traditions for future generations, he added.
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