Makumbaya
Sobeya Tonia Kaffo of Kombo North district in the West Region recently
benefited from labour saving devices from the Ministry of Agriculture.
The
devices included a findi milling machine and a rice thresher, and were handed
over to the group by the region’s deputy governor.
Speaking
at the ceremony held at the Governor’s office, deputy governor Musa B. Suso
underscored the significance of the machines, acknowledging that this would
help to eradicate poverty in the area.
He
called on beneficiary group to make best use of the machines, noting that
women’s empowerment is placed high on President Barrow’s development agenda.
Deputy
Governor Suso commended the Ministry of Agriculture for empowering women and
rural people, while urging members of the group to take ownership of the
machines and put in place strong mechanisms for their sustainability.
The
regional agricultural director, Kaddy Bojang Saidy, expressed belief that the
machines would reduce drudgery for women in the area, saying they spend hours
pounding and doing other chores without rest.
According
to Ms Saidy, machine operators would be trained to ensure its durability, while
advising the beneficiary to put in place sustainable plans for the maintenance
of the machines.
On
behalf of the Makumbaya Sobeya Tonia Kaffo, Jariatou Kujabi, thanked the
Ministry of Agriculture for the life-changing gesture, saying that with the
provision of the new machines pounding would become history.
She
noted that the machines would improve the livelihood of community a great deal.
