The Gambia on Saturday joined stakeholders in commemorating National Oysters Day with a major gathering in Kanifing, where officials highlighted the progress made in the oyster value chain as the expanding role of women in fisheries and aquaculture took centre stage.
The event, held at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, brought together senior government officials, development partners, United Nations agencies, diplomats and women oyster harvesters from various coastal communities across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Fatou Jatta, president of the TRY Oyster Women’s Association, described the occasion as a recognition of long-standing community efforts to organise and strengthen the oyster sector.
The association, he added, has grown from a small group of women in one community to more than 1,200 members operating across different regions of the country.
She outlined the role of women in managing oyster harvesting areas, affirming that government support through exclusive use rights has contributed to improved livelihoods while also helping to protect mangrove ecosystems.
In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Moshigudi Rampedi, FAO Representative in The Gambia, praised the resilience of women working in the sector, saying they continue to operate under difficult conditions while supporting food supply and local markets.
She indicated that the FISH4ACP project, supported by the European Union and Germany, has introduced training, tools and improved aquaculture practices aimed at increasing productivity and sustainability.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Karl Paul Fredric, also revealed that the Oyster initiative reflects the strength of partnerships between government and development actors.
He reaffirmed UN’s commitment to supporting inclusive policies, improved livelihoods and sustainable natural resource management.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union delegation, Ambassador Imma Roca I. Cortés reminded that Oyster value chain plays a key role in food security and income generation for coastal communities.
She noted that women are increasingly engaging in value addition, including improved processing and the production of crafts from oyster shells, which she said, is opening new economic opportunities.
Also speaking, Musa Drammeh, minister for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, reminded that the country’s fisheries sector remains a major pillar of the national economy, supporting thousands of livelihoods across The Gambia.
He made reference to the recent interventions at hand to help modernise Oyster production through training, research and farming techniques that reduce pressure on mangrove ecosystems while improving yields.
Minister Drammeh also reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding market access, strengthening infrastructure and protecting vital wetlands such as the Tanbi ecosystem.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that with continued investment and partnership, the oyster sector can further strengthen women’s livelihoods, improve food security and contribute to the sustainable management of The Gambia’s coastal resources.
