In today's edition we have reprinted a special feature by the renowned writer, George Monbiot, in which he argues the very strong case for the world to turn to small farmers in order to feed itself. No doubt the piece will bring great hope to many people in The Gambia as it shows that our future really is in our own hands. Monbiot says there is an inverse relationship between the size of farms and the amount of crops they produce per hectare. The smaller they are, the greater the yield. He tells us that in some cases, the difference is enormous. He cites a recent study of farming in
This shows very clearly that in The Gambia we are in an excellent position not only to feed ourselves but to become a breadbasket in our sub region. Everyone should keep this in mind as the rainy season progresses. We are blessed in this nation with fertile land and we must take full advantage of it. We have plenty of able-bodied people to tend this land so we must all play our part. Our future is in our own hands and we must make the very best of it.
"Work is the grand cure of all the maladies and miseries that ever beset mankind."
Thomas Carlyle