GUBA urges gov’t to boost local ram breeding to end imports

Speaking to The Point, Alieu Sowe, adviser to GUBA, outlined the association’s mission and its vital role in The Gambia’s livestock industry. He said GUBA’s core purpose is “to bring together and empower breeders while serving the interest of the livestock industry.”

A central initiative by the association is the annual Tobaski Ram Trade Fair, a growing event that attracts over 100 breeders each year, including international participants. 

The last two editions of the fair were successfully held at the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Trade Fair Grounds.

According to Mr. Sowe, the trade fair serves as a platform for showcasing various breeds of rams that are both high quality and affordable. “We bring together breeders with different breeds, providing diverse choices to buyers, including members of the local communities,” he stated. “This event also creates job opportunities for the youth during the festive season.”

Despite its success, Mr. Sowe bemoaned the lack of institutional support. “We use our own financial resources to organise the fair. We are calling on the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to support our efforts and empower local breeders,” he said. He urged the government to subsidise animal feed, regulate ram prices to reduce costs for the public, and provide logistical and veterinary support.

Sowe highlighted the benefits of the fair, noting that it not only supports breeders economically but also stimulates local commerce. He praised the role of media in creating awareness and publicising the fair, which last year attracted several prominent leaders who purchased their rams from the event.

However, he pointed out several challenges the association faces including lack of water supply, financial constraints, and the depreciation of the Gambian dalasi against the CFA franc, which increases the cost of imported rams. “The CFA is rising almost every three days. This isn’t sustainable,” he said.

He called for a long-term government mechanism to regulate currency fluctuation ahead of the Tobaski season and encouraged investment in breeding programmes with veterinary and technical support. “We need to domesticate more rams and reduce our dependence on imports. Only then can we make livestock breeding a viable and self-sustaining industry.”