By Jankay Kujabi
Saro’s Tree and Ornamental Garden, established in 2000 in Abuko, continues to expand its operations despite challenges in sourcing fertile soil, plant species and essential agricultural inputs.
The horticultural enterprise has become one of The Gambia’s leading suppliers of ornamental plants, flowers, fruit trees and other plant varieties, while contributing to environmental conservation and employment creation.
The garden currently employs 20 workers, including 15 Gambians, according to its management.
Speaking on behalf of the family-owned business, Ebrima Kinteh, son of the founder, said obtaining fertile soil remains one of the company’s biggest operational challenges.
“We collect dark soil from dumping sites because it is suitable for plant growth,” he said.
Kinteh explained that some plant species required by the nursery are not readily available in The Gambia, compelling the business to source them from neighbouring Senegal.
He said the enterprise regularly travels to Dakar to procure certain plant varieties needed for its operations.
According to Kinteh, the government, through the ROOTS Project, is among the garden’s regular clients, purchasing plants for reforestation and environmental conservation programmes, particularly in rural communities.
He encouraged young people to invest in agriculture, describing the sector as a profitable business with significant opportunities for employment and economic growth.
Kinteh also called for increased investment in industries that manufacture agricultural inputs locally, particularly nursery materials such as poly bags.
He said local production of such materials would reduce production costs and minimise the need to import supplies from Senegal.
Despite these operational constraints, Saro’s Tree and Ornamental Garden continues to expand its activities, contributing to environmental sustainability, job creation and the development of The Gambia’s horticultural sector.