The engagements, both held in Sapu (CRR South) and Kuntaur (CRR North), drew stakeholders from the regional agricultural directorates, extension workers, Central River Region (South) Rice Farmers Association, Janjanbureh Rice Farmers Association, Niamina Rice Farmers Association, and Central River Region (North) Rice Farmers Association.
The move, which forms part of the project’s planned ploughing services for smallholder farmers, also availed locals the opportunity to discuss the project details with a view to reaching clarity of purpose and building community ownership of the initiative.
At the event, Ansumana Njie, P2-P2RS Operations Director commended the stakeholder communities for their resilience, while expressing delight at their impressive turnout.
Mr. Njie emphasised that P2-P2RS is committed to supporting smallholder farmers to optimise their production capacities.
He also lauded the timeliness of the interface, saying it is critical in consensus building as well as nurturing the culture of participation and ownership of P2-P2RS interventions, especially the upcoming ploughing services.
Thus, he enjoined communities to take the lead role in facilitating the planned ploughing services for a successful implementation.
The Director highlighted that the project will plough 1000 hectares in Jahally and Pacharr, 250 hectares in Niamina, 250 hectares in Janjabureh and 700 hectares in CRR-North.
In welcoming the initiative, the regional agricultural directorate of CRR-North, Mr. Momodou Bah, assured the project that his team would do their utmost best to ensure proper coordination of the ploughing services as planned.
Mr. Bah expressed their resolve to work in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders including beneficiary farmers for the attainment of the overarching goal of the exercise.
Sarata Touray, a native of Sambel Kunda in CRR-South, described the move as timely, that would greatly help the smallholder farmers in their quest for attaining food security aspiration.
Mamma Juma Jallow, a farmer, explained that heavy downpours often affected them, lamenting how this phenomenon seriously hinders their efforts in rice production. He recognised the importance of these ploughing services, noting it would significantly ameliorate the effects of water intrusion on their rice fields.
Alieu Jawara of CRR North while expressing optimism at the move, maintained that as farmers, they will do their best to collaboratively work with the contractors for smooth implementation of the ploughing exercise.
The P2-P2RS stakeholder engagement seeks to reach clear role identification for smooth implementation to help promote strong community ownership among the stakeholders.
