Agency for
the Development of Women and Children in partnership with ActionAid
International The Gambia recently held a day strategy plan validation workshop
for Local Rights Programme (LRP 9) five years strategic plan (2013 – 2017).
The plan aims to enhance popular participation, improves local governance and strengthens capacity of community institutions for enhanced transparency, accountability and by extension promotes sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management for improved livelihoods.
The one-day synergy was held in Albreda, Upper Niumi in the North Bank Region.
Bridgette Tabou Corea, ADWAC Programme Manager, underscored the agency revolved to the welfare of women and children and thanked Action Aid for the partnership, while reaffirming her agency to the implementation of the plan.
The Regional Governor, North Bank Region, Lamin Queen Jammeh applauded ADWAC and Action Aid International the Gambia in complementing government efforts in food security and poverty reduction.
He noted that the intervention in Upper Nuimi had greatly enhanced capacity development of communities and schools to bring about sustainable development.
He assured of his office and the district authority support and cooperation to improve the socio economic development of the people.
Kebba Sima, a representative of Action Aid International the Gambia noted that his agency had supported farmers following the 2011 crop failure to boost food security and nutritional development of children in Upper Nuimi.
Overall, 500 bags (50kg bags) of rice, sugar (95 bags), vegetable cooking oil (178.5 drums of 20 litres) and seeds (maize – 1.3 tonnes, G/nuts – 7.5 tonnes, rice – 2 tonnes) were distributed across the LRP benefiting 1,277 smallholder farmers, he said.
Through the International Food Security Network project, AAITG in collaboration with ADWAC and other network members established seed/cereal banking schemes in the area and beyond.
A total of 100,000 kg of grains for food and seeds was provided to over 1500 families through the various schemes, said Sima.
He noted that the validation of the five-year strategic document would enhance people’s agency to attain poverty-free and just society where everyone enjoys their rights with dignity.
