Held at Kalimba Hotel, the forum was being organized in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Reavia a.s., ROKOSAN s.r.o., Jabang Jobe and other associates.
It is being organized to celebrate the milestone achievement made by The Gambia in its journey toward organic self-sufficiency.
The event attracted key stakeholders, agriculturalist, policymakers, researchers and private sector representatives.
The forum is part of the Slovak Aid Project dubbed; “Building the Foundation for self-sufficiency in amino acid fertilizer production through the processing of animal waste, raising awareness about amino acid fertilizers, increasing food availability and rehabilitating the environment in the Republic of The Gambia.”
Addressing the gathering, Fatou Jammeh, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, spoke about the importance of the project, which he said, is going to take care of the environmental problems ranging from waste management to saving the earth.
This initiative, she added, is an endeavor as the global community fast embrace it to save the earth.
“We must as a country, look at the safe exit to do away with chemical fertilizer. The investment that we are promoting today is a step in the right direction for us to gradually exit from the use of chemical fertilizer to organic fertilizer.”
Stefan Szoke, Chief Executive Officer of Rokosan Company, said the project is more than a technical or agricultural effort as it is a karmic mission.
He noted that the project would not have been possible without the generous support and trust of SlovakAid and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
He commended them for their efforts, pointing out that their backing has been instrumental in turning vision into reality.
“Through this initiative, we have brought together a dedicated team of experts and professionals—individuals who are not only skilled in their fields, but also deeply committed to improving lives and empowering communities. Together, we are offering The Gambia not just technical solutions, but sincere partnerships rooted in respect and shared goals.” he informed.
Natalia Ilelah, project manager at REAVIA, a.s. revealed that the project is financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic through the SlovakAid Development Cooperation Program.
She informed that REAVIA has more than 25 years of experience in transforming animal waste into fertilizers, noting that they use patented technology that converts feathers, hooves, horns, and wool into amino acid-based organic fertilizers.
“Our products are certified in the EU, Latin America, Russia, and several African countries. In 2023, we began our partnership with Jabang Jobe & Associates here in The Gambia and I’m proud to say that our products have been certified in The Gambia since this year, 2024.” she said.
