By Haruna Kuyateh

The National Alliance for Agroecology Gambia (NAAG) has organised a farmer field day at a master farmer’s farm in Toroba, Lower Badibou North, North Bank Region.

The field day which was held with funding from the West Africa Agroecology Fund was held to promote sustainable livelihoods and strengthen rural communities.

The event was held under NAAG’s agroecology promotion initiative and brought together farmers, agricultural authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to share knowledge and practical experience on sustainable farming practices.

Momodou Loum, a master farmer in Toroba, described agricultural skills development as crucial to improving farming practices. He credited the Njawara Agricultural Training Centre with helping to shape his understanding of crop and livestock production.

Loum said farmers needed to develop a passion for agriculture, adding that integrated farming could contribute to restoring soil fertility.

He thanked NAAG for organizing the field visit and encouraged farmers to share and replicate practices such as compost production and the recycling of waste into organic manure.

Musa F. Sowe, President of NAAG, underscored the importance of farmer field days in exposing farmers to the benefits of organic farming.

He said the initiative was aimed at helping farmers understand how agroecological practices could mitigate the effects of climate change, improve health, enhance market opportunities and restore soil fertility.

Sowe thanked the West Africa Agroecology Fund for its continued support in strengthening farmers’ capacity to adopt organic farming practices and increase the supply of organic products.

He commended Master Farmer Loum for his commitment to transferring knowledge and skills on agroecology to other farmers to improve food production.

Sowe also urged farmers to reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers, noting that excessive use could affect access to European and other international markets for agricultural products.

He said promoting organic farming could help restore soil fertility and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

Sowe further encouraged farmers to attach greater importance to traditional farming practices, saying such methods could improve soil productivity and contribute to household food security.

Deputy Governor Dembo Samateh thanked NAAG for complementing government efforts to promote sustainable food production through improved agronomic practices.

He also encouraged young people to take advantage of skills acquisition opportunities provided through government-supported technical and vocational education and training programs.

Karamo Minteh, Regional Agricultural Director, Madou Camara, Regional Livestock Director for the North Bank Region and Michelle Mendy, Essau Ward Councilor were among the people who made statement during the event.