The event held at its Regional Bureau in Brikama, West Coast Region, seeks to transform locally sourced agricultural produce into value- added goods while promoting entrepreneurship. The initiative is also designed to create sustainable income streams and reduce reliance on imported products.
The event attracted key stakeholders and representatives from Government, local leaders and women entrepreneurs committed to advancing economic resilience and gender empowerment.
The three- day event, will feature live demonstrations of product development, quality control, and small business management practices marking the second phase of training designed to harness the potentials of women in the agro- food processing industry.
Addressing the gathering, Seedy Ceesay, administrative secretary of the National People’s Party, said the event marks another important moment, as they gathered for the launch of the training for the second intake in the agro-food processing industry.
“This program is not just a ceremony- but a clear vision of growth and inclusion.”
He reminded the gathering that President Barrow believes in women’s strength, ideas, businesses and the future in particular, saying that’s he funded the initiative to turn their vision into reality.
“From Jarra Soma to Brikama, women are being trained, supported, and empowered to build food enterprises that will grow the economy and nourish the communities.” he said.
Ousman Bojang, Governor of West Coast Region, expressed optimism that the women selected for the training would make best use of knowledge gained by implementing it in their various activities.
Bojang equally praised women for their immense contribution to national development and advised them to use the opportunity for networking as a driving force for a common goal.
Fatou Kinteh, Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, described the initiative as crucial, as it seeks to train and empower Gambian women in agro-processing and food packaging.
“This is not only a strategy for poverty reduction but also an investment in national growth.” she pointed out.
Minister Kinteh highlighted how success enterprise fills challenges women face such as inadequate structured support in the form of training, access to finance, or exposure to modern techniques.
“It will give women the tools and knowledge they need from survival to sustainability, from subsistence to profit agro- processing and packaging areas with enormous potential.”
She described the initiative as a strategic intervention in the fight against poverty and gender inequality.
“It is an investment in economic resilience and a deliberate stop toward harnessing the untapped of potential of women as key drivers of national growth. When we empower women to process and package agricultural goods, from groundnuts to fruits, vegetables, and cereals, we are not only adding value to what we grow, but we are also creating new streams of income, reducing post- harvest losses, and enhancing food safety and competitiveness.” she outlined.
