By: Haruna Kuyateh
Four communities in the North Bank Region (NBR) were on Tuesday each handed over modern livestock market to improve livestock marketing, safety and income generation.
The markets were handed over by The Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA) in collaboration with the National Livestock Owners Association (NALOA) and the beneficiaries were: Farafenni, Kerr Pateh, Ndungu Kebbeh and Fass Njaga Choi.
The markets were constructed under the Small Ruminant Enhancement Production Project (SREP), funded by the Government of The Gambia and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Farafenni, North Bank Region, GLMA Director General Momodou Darboe said the new facilities would enhance livestock trade, improve animal health standards, create employment opportunities and increase the incomes of livestock farmers.
He said the markets were equipped with perimeter fencing, water facilities, waiting sheds, toilets and designated spaces for buyers and sellers, providing a safer and more organized environment for livestock transactions.
Mr. Darboe urged the management committees of the markets to ensure proper maintenance and effective management of the facilities, stressing that GLMA would continue to monitor livestock marketing infrastructure in line with its statutory mandate.
He also thanked the Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, and the Islamic Development Bank for supporting the livestock sub-sector.
Vice-President of the National Livestock Owners Association, Alhaji Musa Njie, commended the Small Ruminant Enhancement Production Project for promoting livestock development and improving the marketing of both small and large ruminants.
He called on beneficiary communities to take good care of the facilities, including the sanitation infrastructure, and urged market committees to maintain proper records of all livestock transactions.
Mr. Njie said the fencing of the markets would improve the security of livestock while contributing to better management of livestock trading activities.
NALOA President Ebrima O. Jallow praised the government for its continued investment in the livestock sector, describing the new markets as an important step towards adding value to livestock production and marketing.
He also acknowledged the project’s provision of water facilities for livestock across the country, saying the intervention addresses one of the major challenges facing livestock farmers and contributes to improved animal health.
The Regional President of the North Bank Livestock Owners Association, Sarjo Jallow, urged livestock dealers and market committees to protect the facilities and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of livestock market revenues.
He further called on members to work together to strengthen the association and support the sustainable development of the livestock sector.