By: Binta Jaiteh
The Head of Programs and Policy at ActionAid The Gambia, Fafa O. Cham has urged Gambian government to invest in agroecology to reduce food insecurity in the country.
Mr. Cham made the call during a panel discussion on roles of institutions in promoting agroecology in the Gambia in a meeting held at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre.
He said despite the subsidization of fertilizer, still it posed a challenge to the farmers. “Government should assist women in accessing fertilizer. Our women face a lot of difficulties in their farms or gardens. Organic fertilizer should be encouraged to reduce fertilizer importation” he remarked.
For his part, the representative of Njawara Agricultural Training Centre, Alpha Sey highlighted the center’s activities in working extensively with farmers to promote agroecology. According to him, they have engaged in a lot of major projects in the country which attracts more projects.
“The SAPOF project is part of the projects. This project is helping us to train farmers on how to make organic fertilizer. We also engage Gambia participates, lawmakers and councilors as advocators to help us promote agroecology,” he disclosed.
“As important sectors they can help us to at least have 10% allocated for agroecology like our neighboring countries do” he added.
Saffiatou Jallow, a farmer in Upper Nuimi acknowledged ActionAid’s dedication and commitment in helping women especially rural women who suffer a lot to access fertilizer.
“Due to the high cost of fertilizer. The women are facing challenges in their farms. Action aid’s gesture should not be understated. ActionAid contribute to the welfare of the country especially in agriculture,” Jallow reiterated.
Meanwhile, agroecology provides a pathway to protect nature, conserve the richness of biodiversity and restore degraded land and ecosystems, while producing healthy, diversified nutritious and culturally appropriate food.