The visit took place on a farmland owned by the nephews of Camara Kunda clan, where he participated in mass weeding exercise alongside the young farmers.
His presence, both symbolic and practical, underscored the importance he places on youth participation and community-driven farming.
Addressing young farmers, Hon Badjie lauded the unity and dedication of the Camara Kunda clan family and urged communities across the country to follow their example.
“It is only through agriculture that we can achieve what we want as a nation. The food we eat either comes from the river or the soil; therefore, we must take agriculture seriously to attain food self-sufficiency,” he stated.
Hon. Badjie praised the farmers for their self-reliance, commending their efforts as a dignified alternative to dependency.
“There is no dignity in begging. These young men are working hard because they want to earn a living and contribute to the nation. This is the spirit we need as a country.”
The Foni Bintang NAM called on Gambians to embrace farming, reminding that The Gambia depends heavily on food imports, which costs the country a lot amid global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. In light of this, he cautioned that national food insecurity poses a significant threat to development.
“We may not be killed by guns, but by hunger. There can be no progress without food self-sufficiency and without realizing who we are and what we want as a nation.”
Positioning himself as a forward-looking presidential candidate, Hon. Badjie criticised what he described as the government’s ‘limited approach’ to agriculture primarily the distribution of seeds and fertilizers.
Instead, he called for a complete transformation through mechanised farming. “Our governments have been content with giving out seeds and fertilizers, but that is not enough. We need modern mechanized farming—seeders, planters, harvesters, ploughers, and all the necessary equipment to transform agriculture. That is how countries like China have achieved great success, despite having less fertile land than us.”
He went on to denounce the short-term political thinking that prioritises infrastructure like roads over long-term investment in agriculture, arguing that a strong agricultural foundation would organically fund other national sectors.
“Mechanized agriculture is the future. If entrusted with the presidency, I will make it my mission to transform our agriculture sector, Insha’Allah.”
Concluding his visit on a confident note, Hon. Badjie affirmed his intention to contest the 2026 presidential elections, expressing faith in both his vision and the support of the Gambian people.
“Come 2026, I am confident that I will be declared the fourth President of the Republic of The Gambia, Insha’Allah.”
Report by Edrisa Camara,
West Coast Region
