The D10 million project is set to benefit over 520 women who farm at the Bakau Women’s Garden.
Standing alongside his Deputy Mayor Aja Binta Janneh Jallow, Mayor Bensouda hailed the project as a game-changer for the municipality’s agricultural sector, particularly for women farmers who form the backbone of the community’s food supply.
“This cold storage facility is more than just a building; it is a gateway to opportunity,” Mayor Bensouda said at the launch. “It will reduce post-harvest losses, extend the shelf life of produce, and significantly improve the bargaining power of women farmers. With better access to high-value markets including schools, hotels and even export opportunities, these women will now have a more stable and dignified place in our food systems.”
The facility aims to address one of the most pressing challenges for local farmers: spoilage. Without proper storage, large quantities of fresh produce often go to waste. This project, according to Mayor Bensouda, is designed to break that cycle and provide sustainable solutions that empower women and promote food security.
“This is a big win for women, a big win for Bakau, and a big win for KM,” he applauded.
The initiative was made possible through a strategic partnership with LDS Charities, which provided funding support, and the World Food Programme (WFP), which offered technical guidance and oversight in implementing the project.
“To our partners LDS Charities, thank you for your generosity and your faith in local leadership,” Bensouda said. “And to the World Food Programme, thank you for guiding implementation with technical excellence and care. We are truly grateful.”
He also applauded Deputy Mayor Aja Binta Janneh Jallow for her instrumental role in the project’s success: “Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to women’s advancement made this vision a reality.”
Looking ahead, Mayor Bensouda revealed that the Council plans to launch a second cold storage facility in the coming weeks. Additionally, a biodigester will soon be installed at the Bakau site, enabling the women to convert spoiled produce into organic fertilizer completing a sustainable cycle that benefits both farmers and the environment.
“To the women gardeners of Bakau, this is your facility,” Bensouda concluded, saying: “Your strength and perseverance are the foundation upon which this project stands. May it serve as a platform for growth, innovation, and leadership! We, at the Council, remain by your side.”
