The National Beekeepers Association of The Gambia (NBAG) and the
Professional Beekeepers Association (PBA) recently held their annual general
meeting at the Jenoi Farmer Rural Training Centre.
The AGM brought together participants to review and adopt an amendment to the constitution, and hear the presentation of a two- year strategic work plan and budget.
The meeting was also to get feedback on the matching grants funding situation, election of the board members and executive of the organization, a meeting of the new board, as well as other business of the association.
Speaking at the meeting, the chairman board of directors NBAG, Lamin Bojang, said the NBAG has come a long way, from 1996 to date.
During these 18 years, they have been confronted with challenges of different kinds, some of which they had overcome.
He commended all those who made it possible to keep the association alive, explaining that the reason for forming the NBAG was to bring together beekeepers from all over the country under one umbrella, to maximise the great potentials of the beekeeping industry.
“The beekeeping industry is unique, in the sense that it is a local industry with great potentials to raise rural incomes and reduce rural-urban migration,” said Mr Bojang.
He noted that the NBAG would continue to enhance the capacity of members, and network with other partners with regards to beekeeping activities and marketing.
According to Mr Bojang, the association’s objectives are in line with the MDGs, Vision 2020 and other national development agendas of the country.
The AGM provided an opportunity for the members to share their views and concerns and discuss issues regarding the association, and carve the way forward in the best interest of the association.
He thanked the Gambia Competiveness Project for funding the AGM.