During
the new Agriculture minister’s visits to institutions under his purview, staff
under the departments of the Agriculture ministry said agriculture has been
deteriorating over the past ten years, characterised by inadequate capacity,
caused by job insecurity, a brain-drain, and the lack of a conducive environment,
among others.
The
visits started on Monday, and covered the Planning Service Unit, Central
Project Coordinating Unit (CPCU) and the Food and Agricultural Sector
Development Project (FASDEP), under the Department of Agriculture in Bakau.
This
was followed by the second day’s visits on Wednesday, covering the Agricultural
Mix Farming Centre in Wellingara, then the Department of Livestock Services and
the Nema Project, both in Abuko, and a final meeting with the Livestock Dealers
Cooperative Society.
At
the Livestock Department, Agriculture minister Omar Amadou Jallow, accompanied
by his permanent secretary, Saite Drammeh, and Momodou Mbaye Jabang, the CPCU
coordinator, visited various units, including the Agriculture Communication
Unit, the Disease Control Lab, and administrative offices at the Livestock
Department.
During
meetings held at the respective units, staff lamented challenges in getting the
required facilities, ranging from low deteriorating capacities, and mobility
constraints, among related office logistics that could help them become more
effective in their work.
This
was followed by a meeting at the Nema Project, and a final meeting with the
Livestock Dealers Cooperative Society.
At the Nema conference hall, staff explained
various projects being implemented and highlighted numerous challenges
confronting them.
During
the meeting with the livestock dealers, they explained the frustrations they
went through under the former regime, and appeal for appropriate measures to
remedy the situation.
Among
problems they encounter was eviction, and a generally unstable working
environment.
Agriculture minister Jallow, in his response,
assured them of his support whenever needed, to enhance their development
activities.
He
advised them to strengthen their cooperation, so that they stand a chance to
enable them collaborate with the government more effectively.
During
the meeting, staff at the Agriculture Planning Services department complained
of the lack of a good data system due to mobility and related challenges.
Hon.
Jallow advised the administration to look into and ensure that the data system
is in place, as a basis for resource mobilisation and fundraising activities.
They
also appealed for training opportunities to enhance the competence of staff.
Francis
Mendy, a member of staff, called for more staff commitment to their job.
Saite
Drammeh, the permanent secretary, in his remarks said the down-sizing of the
unit caused the challenges being faced currently.
He
acknowledged that mobility is a challenge, but added that they are trying to
embark on project activities to address such challenges.
The
planning unit is what moves the Agriculture ministry, he said, adding that
money is being given for data collection purposes.
“We
can’t get funds without an appropriate data system. We were told that the
tablets crashed. We have a lot of young people that need a job. If there is a
budget, the positions will be filled.”
Hon.
Jallow said the planning department is the most important unit under his ministry,
describing it as the heart of his ministry.
He
expressed the need to upgrade the unit.
He
instructed his permanent secretary to start discussions at the ministry level,
as his task is to work with Gambian farmers.
His
obligation is to see how best to improve the condition of the long suffering
Gambian farmers, the minister said, and expressed the need for fair play and
respect for the channels of communication.
He
assured all that his doors are open, and called for equal treatment of
Gambians, adding that he stands for the change that Gambians voted for.
“We can’t operate in a dilapidated condition.
We also need to have a second plan as backup,” he said.
Momodou
Mbaye Jabang, the CPCU coordinator, commended Minister Jallow for his
pragmatism.
He
described his unit as the nerve centre for all donor-funded projects under the
Agriculture department, adding that among the issues addressed by the CPCU is
the duplication of efforts.
Commenting
on the activities that the unit is embarking on, he said the plan launched in
The Gambia is linked to the Ecowas agricultural policies and continental
agricultural development plans.
The
current projects they are running include 21 vegetable gardens in North Bank
Region and Upper River Region respectively.
He added that the unit also hosts the Soil and
Water Management Project, and the Agricultural Valued Chain Development
Project.
Other
projects under his unit include the Food and Agricultural Development Project
in Bakau supported by the Agricultural Development Programme, and the NEMA
project funded by IFAD and ADB and concentrating on land development.
He
also explained that a draft Agricultural policy is in place, and that with the
advent of the new government there is
need to rush to finalise the policy.
