This five-year project, funded by the African Development Bank, is dedicated to enhancing food and nutritional security by bolstering two essential value chains: crops and livestock.
Officials said the distributed motorbikes will enhance the efficiency of extension workers across 19 districts in four key agricultural regions: West Coast, Lower River (LRR), Central River Region CRR (North and South), and Upper River Regions.
During the event, Ansumana Njie, the project director of the P2-P2RS, underscored the program’s significance. “This event marks a pivotal moment, spotlighting the progress of the second phase of the P2P2RS project. It is vital because effective extension services depend on enhanced mobility. By providing our extension workers with motorbikes, we will greatly improve their capacity to access remote areas,” he added
He emphasised that P2-P2RS is a vital initiative designed to empower smallholder farmers in their battle against climate vulnerabilities.
During his address, Mr. Abdoulie Touray, coordinator of the Central Project Coordination Unit (CPCU), underscored the importance of mobility in improving extension service delivery.
He stated, “Extension workers encounter substantial mobility challenges that hinder their ability to connect with communities. This initiative marks a significant progress in overcoming these obstacles, and we encourage all recipients to use the motorbikes responsibly and for their intended purpose.”
Mustapha Drammeh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Agriculture, emphasised the urgent need for ongoing support.
He stated, “Mobility remains a persistent challenge for extension workers. While this intervention is praiseworthy, we urgently require further resources, particularly vehicles for our departmental heads. Additionally, the maintenance of these motorbikes is essential, and we aspire for continued assistance in this regard.”
Dr. Abdou Ceesay, the Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, reinforced these ideas, emphasising the vital role of mobility in performing surveillance, monitoring, and providing public health services in remote and challenging locations.
“Projects like P2P2RS play a vital role in supporting livestock and crop farmers, and we appreciate the continued partnership and commitment to strengthening our extension services,” the DLS DG stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Mod A.K. Secka, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasised the crucial need to equip extension workers with the necessary tools, resources, and a safe working environment.
“This support is essential for them to perform their duties effectively and efficiently within the communities they serve.”
“PS Secka further emphasised that providing motorbikes will enhance knowledge-sharing and significantly reduce response times to the challenges project beneficiaries face. This initiative will play a crucial role in realising our collective vision for a drive towards food self-sufficiency.”
According to PS Secka, this initiative is anticipated to significantly improve the ability of extension workers to provide timely and effective services to farmers, ultimately fostering greater food security and resilience.
Motorbikes outfitted with essential safety gear, such as helmets, riding jackets, gloves, and boots, were allocated to 11 extension workers from the Department of Agriculture and 8 from the Department of Livestock Services.
