Empowering
farmers through the use of labour-saving devices such as farm implements
enhances agric productivity and by extension will result in increased farmer
incomes and agricultural competitiveness. Farmers in many developing countries
including The Gambia are sometimes faced with numerous challenges that hinder
their agric production.
While
agriculture still remains the most important sector of the Gambian economy,
contributing 33% of gross domestic product, providing employment and income for
80% of the population, it also accounts for 70% of the country’s foreign
exchange earnings.
Therefore,
the development of the sector has a significant role to play in providing
numerous opportunities including improving food security at the household
levels.
It
is reported in the news that President Adama Barrow recently donated farming
implements to farmers in CRR south. The move was in fulfillment of his promise
during his last Meet with the People’s Tour. The donation of these farm
implements is not only timely but worthy, considering the importance of labour
saving devices in boosting agric production.
We
call on the beneficiary communities to use the farm implements for its intended
purpose.
The
Gambia relies heavily on imported rice from the international market and the
country has all reasons to change the status quo by making best use of its
arable lands.
Soaring
international food prices and low national production are leading to high
inflationary pressure on the domestic food market, eroding the purchasing power
of urban and rural consumers.
We
hope the farmers in the beneficiary communities would do justice to the farming
implements by preparing early ahead of next farming season to increase their
productivity.
We
would also like to reiterate here that politics comes and goes. And as it is
time for national development, let’s put aside our political differences and
focus on our national development goals.
We
must always bear in mind that Rome was not built in a day, and Rome was built
by none but the Romans.
However,
the development of the sector cannot be achieved without the full participation
of Gambians especially rural farmers.
Yes,
we all want to wear suit and tie and work in big offices in the city.
Remember
that the agricultural industry also offers a diverse and interesting range of
career opportunities with a vast array of quality employers.
“You
do need some dispensation for local farmers, because the fast food industry
will promote the unsanitary conditions of farming. With vegetables, you have to
be careful where they come from; you have to know the farmers and trust them.
If you buy from the farmers’ market, it’s already been investigated.”
Alice
Waters
