We all know that rice is the new gold in the Sahel amid growing food insecurity and inflation-fatigued markets pushing food prices to novel limits. In The Gambia, rice is the staple food, with a per capita consumption of 117kg per annum, of which only 17% is produced locally.
Studies have revealed that three quarters of the world’s poor live in rural areas and are largely dependent on farming. Moreover, in developing countries, the livelihood of most people derives from agriculture, especially small-scale farming. By stimulating investments and supporting innovation in this sector, would only foster inclusive growth and help our countries better feed their population, while protecting their natural resources.
In our Tuesday’s edition of The Point, we published an article in which rice farmers in the Central River Region (CRR) north have spoken of their frustration over government’s continued neglect of their struggles and called on the latter to do more to uplift them from their daily struggles.
The call is not only timely but crucial in the country’s food self-sufficient drive. It is no hidden secret that Central River Region is a hotspot when it comes to abundant arable lands both low lands and uplands that support agriculture production.
Certainly, CRR alone has the potentials to feed the entire country’s population food needs provided these vast expanses of farms land are put under cultivation.
It is high time government comes to the reality that dependent on foreign aid will not solves our food needs. Government must develop a tailored-made agenda and pragmatic approach to change the dynamics if the country is serious about feeding its populace. This also remind us that it is time we embrace the agric mechanization to meet our food needs. It is really hard to believe that other countries with few arable lands that support crop production are producing enough and even exporting surplus to others countries, why not Gambia with vast expanses of arable land.
We cannot continue to depend on food importation when the country has what it takes in terms of land to produce such crops.
The Covid-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war have taught the globe especially countries mainly dependent on flour and rice. The outcry from the populace and the high skyrocketing food price are just few of the hardships that lingers in the minds of many people.
It is a fact that agriculture in most developing countries is facing with challenges from climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity reduction, and rapid population to economic growth. These challenges all pose serious threat to the growth and production capacity of small holder famers.
For far too long, farmers in the country have complaint of government neglecting and turning deaf ears to the plight. Pragmatic actions are needed now to change the status quo and bring back the country’s glory in agricultural production.