The
quest to attain food self-sufficiency and the restoration of lost forest cover
is gaining momentum in rural Gambia.
There
are some farmers who are committed to the propagation of tree nurseries of
different species to mitigate the effects of climate change by empowering
communities to plant more trees on the farmland and on community woodlots.
A
renowned farmer, Jammeh Kunda, from Central Baddibou has called on the
department of agriculture to support farmers in capacity development and farm
inputs to enhance the adoption of best agricultural practices to boost food
production and productivity. Jammeh Kunda has extensive experience in
horticulture agro-forestry and rice cultivation.
Lamin
Kinteh, the farm manager of Kinteh Jula Garden Project, recently showcased his
works in complementing in an 8 hectare garden, complimenting government efforts
to attain food security and sustainable development.
Mr
Kinteh appealed to the department of agriculture and NGO’s to support him with
an adequate water supply, fencing materials, improved seed, fertilizer and the
marketing of farm produce.
Commenting
on rice production, Kinteh noted, with deep appreciation, the involvement of
men in rice cultivation to address household food security.
He
called on the people of Badibou to be vigilant and plant trees on farmland and
to establish individual and community woodlots to address deforestation and
contribute to the restoration of forest cover.
“The
high cost of generators for pumping water from boreholes remains a great
challenge to Kinteh Jula Garden Project and I call on agricultural projects to
come our aid, to enable us to increase food production,” he said.
Lamin
Kinteh can be reached on 9700481/7748390 for detailed information about the
garden project.