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Farmers’ Association holds 1st national congress

Jul 20, 2011, 7:07 PM | Article By: Abdoulie Nyockeh

The National Coordinating Organisation for Farmer Association The Gambia (NACOFAG) recently concluded a two-day national congress at Brikama, West Coast Region.

The congress that attracted more than hundred participants from all country branches of the association was held at Region Two in Brikama.

In his welcome remarks at the occasion, Amadou Taal, NACOFAG national consultant for the congress, told the congress delegates: “This is the first of its kind for the association to organize a congress since 2009, after putting a new board in place.”

He stated that the associate members need to know the achievement and lapses NACOFAG has registered in the past years since under the old board.

The forum was an opportunity for members to raise their concerns, he said, adding that the meeting provided opportunity for burning issues to be discussed and resolutions passed for the progress of the association, which is all to the benefit of the Gambian farmers.

Mr Taal also informed members that NACOFAG had registered impact in the past, adding that even the board can attest to the positive changes NACOFAG had registered over the years.

Deputising for the Governor of West Coast Region, Mamadou Keita, on the occasion, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity accorded him to deliver a statement on behalf of the Governor.

Keita noted that NACOFAG has been the coordinating body of farmers in the whole country. He underscored the importance of NACOFAG, saying its role “is very fundamental in striving for food self-sufficiency”.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the president of the national farmers’ platform, Musa Jawneh thanked the Gambia government for creating an environment conducive for the Gambian farmers to operate and have their concerns heard and acted upon.

Mr Jawneh also advised the board and the affiliated members of NACOFAG to always take the congress seriously and dilate on issues that are of paramount importance to the association.

For his part, Yaya Sanyang, a senior representative from Concern Universal, also expressed similar sentiments as Mr Jawneh’s while thanking NACOFAG for inviting him to attend “this very essential forum”.

He also urged the delegates to guard against tribalism in electing new board members; rather they should always elect committed people who can take their agenda at the international level to tap something for the benefit of the country.  

The deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Sheriffo Bojang, spoke along similar lines calling on members to take farming seriously and safeguard the good image the country has in the sub-region.