The solar tunnel dryer is part of the GIZ Micro-Enterprise Startup Support Initiative (MESSI) mini-grant scheme being implemented in partnership with the National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions in The Gambia (NACCUG).
In addition, the women also received small equipment and appliances to enhance fish preparation, handling and hygiene.
At the inauguration, Ms Evelin Ayadi-Krenzer, AV FRSD, explained that fishing and fish processing are part of the economic ecosystem of Kartong, which also shares a border with Senegal.
She explained that Kartong is one of the coastal communities along with Gunjur, Tanji, Banjul and Barra, where the ECOWAS FRSD project has supported women and youth to engage in the fishery value chain.
“I am happy to be here to officially unveil the solar fish dryer that our project has provided as a contribution to make this community more economically productive. It is great to see an example of technology transfer from my country contributing such an important goal here.”.
She reiterated that they have provided the solar fish dryer as part of their MESSI mini-grant starter-kit scheme to contribute not only to increase income for women processors but to also improve safety and quality of dried fish that is consumed in the Gambia.
“It is reassuring to note that with our support, Gambians will have access to safer and better quality dried fish with greater possibility for export to Gambians in the Diaspora. The solar dryer also makes it possible for women to dry fish even during the rainy season, thereby, increasing their productivity and income.” she added.
Mariama Ascroff of GIZ ECOWAS FRSD, expressed delight that their gesture has come to that level, while expressing optimism that women will make very good use of the dryer tunnel.
“This is the first one we have done and it serves as a pilot. We also do realise that there is a lot of work to be done to fit the model from which it was copied.”
Ousman Bojang, governor of the West Coast Region, commended women in the area for their contribution to the economic advancement of their families.
“Our women are the breadwinners of the society and to see what they do is commendable. Everything they do is for the benefit of their family.”
Mariama Njie, a beneficiary, thanked the donors for such a great initiative in their community, while underscoring the importance of the tunnel in view of their daily hustles.
