There is no gainsaying the fact that markets and marketing are essential in all economic activities.
In retrospect, however, it is disappointing to recall that there were times when farmers’ produce are left unsold after a season of toil and drudgery, as there is no market for them in the country.
This situation accentuates the fact that unless serious attention is given to agriculture and farmers are adequately empowered, poverty reduction cannot be achieved in the country.
On the other hand, the crusade that is currently ongoing to encourage and promote greater participation of Gambians in farming in order to attain food self-sufficiency can best yield the expected results and dividends if producers adopt efficient marketing strategies.
It is true that the going-back-to-the-land crusade embarked upon by President Jammeh offers a lot of hope for a better life.
Government’s priority should be the farmers, because theirs is not only another vocation but also the backbone of the country’s economy.
The marketing of their produce would constitute a right measure to achieving reduction in poverty.
The rainy season has set in, as usual, with lot of expectations from farmers and from the government.
As we get into the rainy season, it is fair to state that the importance of the past is to learn from it.
The nation should set out more effective plans to achieve more for The Gambia in the coming year.
The government should be encouraged to work closely with other organisations such as The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), to improve the noble agenda for the ultimate good of our country.
“No nation was ever ruined by trade.”
Benjamin Franklin.