Actionaid
International-The Gambia and the European Union on Wednesday handed over their
funded women’s garden project in Kumbaney village, Niamina West in the Central
River Region.
The
project, which cost two million dalasi, was part of EU project to promote
women’s socio-economic rights.
The
2 hectare site was fenced and housed a shed, 2 toilets and has 8 concrete lined
wells.
Speaking
at the handing over ceremony, Pansaw Nyassi, Project Manager at Actionaid
International-The Gambia, explained that they conducted various assessments
across a number of villages in the district and Kumnaney merited its naming as
beneficiary of the project.
He
said, apart from the garden project, they have also supported the women of the
region with poultry and tie and dye projects.
They
have also trained the women of Kumbaney on governance and leadership, vegetable
management and production as well as composting.
He
urged beneficiaries to take care of the garden for their benefit as well as the
enhancement of surrounding areas.
He
thanked EU, AAITG, contractors and the villagers.
Omar
Badjie, Executive Director of Actionaid International-The Gambia, said they
have not relented in their work since they started operations in The Gambia.
He
pointed out that women often come second in national development, which is why
they always aim to empower women.
He
urged beneficiaries to set up a garden trust fund; contribute an agreed amount
regularly and hold regular meetings to strengthen the unity and understanding
among them for the sustenance of the project.
Mr
Badjie also urged them to develop strategies to establish markets to sell their
vegetables and to heed the advice of agricultural advisors.
He
thanked the women for their commitment and hard work.
Landing
Saidy Leigh, who represented the Director of Agriculture, thanked Actionaid International-The
Gambia and the European Union for complementing government’s efforts.
Njang
Dampha, Chief of Niamina West, thanked the sponsors and his people for their
commitment, which won them the project, and called them to serve as an example
for others to emulate.
Mr
Dampha praised Actionaid International-The Gambia, saying they are involved in
all forms of national development.
Boto
Camara, the women’s garden president, commended the sponsors and promised that
they would not disappoint them.
She
disclosed that they have already set up plans to sustain the project.
Kumbaney’s
Alkalo, Kebba Sawaneh, also expressed delight with the project and thanked the
sponsors.
