The president was speaking virtually on Friday 15, 2023 during the farmers congress funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with Meridian International Center as the implementing partner.
The objective of the congress was to identify farmer's problems that hinder national food self-sufficiency in the four agricultural regions of the country, namely LRR, CRR (South & North), URR, and NBR.
Mr. Drammeh alluded to their recent nationwide tour to have first-hand information on the problems farmers face in The Gambia and to know what mechanisms are needed to be in place to improve the farming system. He said The Gambia rainy season is only 3 months and that cannot help reduce hunger and poverty in the country.
“We need continuous farming both in the rainy and dry season with the help of a sustainable irrigation system,” he said, adding that Gambian farmers continue with a primitive system of farming and thus urged the government to help with machinery tools.
He emphasised the lack of access to markets for farmers, and good processing machines like power tillers, tractors, and other advanced tools.
Sharon L. Cromer, the U.S. ambassador to the Gambia, highlighted the important work farmers offer in a country, saying farmers are the backbone of every nation. She added that farmers feed the people and bring wealth to the country in terms of International trade.
“Today, sustainable agriculture is at risk due to climate change,” she said, while indicating that farmers are on the frontlines of the rapidly changing climate and it’s imperative to come together and address those challenges.
Kemo Fatty, executive director, Green-Up Gambia, said one of the objectives of the congress is to give farmers the voice that strengthens them.
“The congress is to reflect on where we were before in the agricultural sector; where we are now, and where we want to be,” he said.
Hassan Jallow from the Ministry of Agriculture, said the congress provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange – a space where farmers can learn from one another, share best practices, and explore cutting-edge technologies.
He said the ministry is working tirelessly to improve access to financing, modernize agricultural infrastructure and enhance roving access for produce. “We will continue to advocate for policies that promote the interests of our farmers and facilitate the growth of our agriculture.”
