The
National Coordinating Organisation for Farmers Association-The Gambia
(NACOFAG), a network of famers and the Community Forest Organisation has got a
new office in Brikama in the West Coast Region.
The
new office, according to officials, is comprised of an admin and finance
office, program office, secretary’s office, coordinator’s office, cafeteria,
reception, min-conference room, IT office and store.
In briefing the media about the new development,
the coordinator of NACOFAG, Alieu Sowe, said the newly-elected executive board
of NACOFAG showed the need to provide a conducive environment for their staff
and the technical team of NACOFAG for resourceful delivery of their functions.
According
to the coordinator, the new office will pave the way for the accessibility and
visibility of the network.
He
revealed that the office would also help the members to meet staff in their
daily transactions.
Mr
Sowe also dilated on the significance of the new development, adding that the
office was not only important for the human resources but it would help in
their documentation.
He
also disclosed that NACOFAG is comprised of farmers, fishermen and forest
organizations, established to promote the development of its members,
especially in the areas of agriculture, forestry, commerce/trade, advocacy and
the economic empowerment of youths and women.
He
narrated that the national body is linked to several international
organisations in West Africa such as the West Africa Regional Network of
Peasants and Producers Organizations (ROPPA), and the World Fisher Forum among
others.
NACOFAG
has a membership of 15 Gambian peasants and producer organisations namely; the
Association of Farmers’ Educators and Traders (AFET), National Youth
Association for Security (NaYAFS), National Women Farmers Association (NAWFA),
National Farmers Platform The Gambia (NFPG), Cashew Growers Association,
FANDEMA Cereal Farmers, Maize Growers Association, Fish Smokers Association,
Livestock Owners Association, National Association of Food Processors (NAFP),
All Gambia Forestry Platform (AGFP),
Freedom From Hunger Campaign (FFHC), Sheppard and Cattle Owners Association and
Rice Farmers Association.
The
objective of NACOFSG is to promote and defend the value of efficient and
sustainable small-holder agriculture; to promote solidarity between farmers
association’s in the country, the sub-region and at the global level.
“It
is also to provide technical, managerial and resource support to farmer associations
and their members for improved production, processing and marketing of high
value crops and livestock among others,” he said.
Mr
Sowe on behalf of his members thanked the president of NACOFAG for ensuring
that their dream becomes reality in securing a new office for its members.
