By: Isatou Sarr
Farmers in the Central River Region have received a fresh boost to their livelihoods following the official handing over of small ruminants and agricultural processing machinery.
The goats and machines were given out under Project 2 of the Programme to Strengthen Resilience to Food and Nutrition Insecurity in the Sahel (P2-P2RS).
The ceremony, held on Tuesday in Sololo and SAPU, marked another phase in the project’s implementation, aimed at improving food security, strengthening agricultural value chains, and building resilience among smallholder farmers.
Project Director Ansumana Njie says the initiative is part of a broader effort to support vulnerable farming communities through sustainable agricultural practices. He disclosed that 100 small ruminants had already been distributed in an earlier phase, with additional livestock now being handed over to beneficiaries.
“So far, 100 have been successfully delivered to project beneficiaries, and today we are here to witness another set,” he said.
Njie emphasizes that the programme is focused on improving food and nutritional security, particularly for smallholder farmers who depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture and face increasing climate-related challenges.
The project targets key agricultural value chains, including maize, rice, vegetable production, poultry, sheep and goat rearing, and irrigation, while also promoting agro-sylvo-pastoral systems to enhance sustainability.
Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, Dr. Abdou Ceesay, described the initiative as critical to strengthening the country’s food systems. He noted that low livestock productivity remains a challenge and highlighted the importance of genetic improvement and technical support to maximise output.
“This is about improving production and ensuring that livestock contributes meaningfully to food and income,” he remarked.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Ebrima Jallow, President of the National Livestock Owners Association, welcomed the intervention, describing it as transformative for farmers and rural households.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Demba Sabally says the programme forms part of government’s wider strategy to enhance resilience and reduce poverty in rural communities. He notes that the project includes a revolving scheme designed to ensure that benefits extend beyond initial recipients.
“Today, we are also handing over one hundred goats 75 females and 25 males and 125 agricultural machines,” he said, adding that beneficiary selection was conducted in collaboration with regional authorities to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
Officials say the initiative is expected to improve incomes, strengthen food systems, and expand opportunities for farmers across the region.
