According to Saikou F. Bah, Project Manager of SAPOF under ActionAid International The Gambia, the initiative goes beyond promoting compost; it seeks to transform organic fertiliser into a profitable and sustainable enterprise.
“We realised that while compost chambers are being built in many communities, the real impact comes when farmers approach organic fertiliser with a business mindset,” Bah explained. “This training is about linking farmers with private sector actors to create a sustainable market system that benefits everyone, including producers, sellers, and users alike.”
Despite growing awareness of its benefits, the use of organic fertiliser in The Gambia remains limited. The session, facilitated by Help Desk—an organisation specialising in market linkages, introduced innovative ways for farmers to reach buyers. These included using WhatsApp groups and online platforms to share market information, advertise products, and connect directly with customers.
Participants explored how digital tools can help overcome logistical challenges and improve access to organic fertiliser across regions. Bah added that increased adoption of organic fertiliser could yield multiple benefits for the country’s economy and environment.
“Organic fertiliser is cheaper, improves soil fertility, and protects the environment. It also helps retain capital within the country instead of spending on imported chemical fertilisers,” he noted. “We are encouraging local businesses to invest, and we urge the government to support this shift by subsidising local organic fertiliser production.”
Participants, many of whom are smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs—expressed optimism about the opportunities the training has created.
Alfu M. Sarr, Founder and Company Secretary of Sarr Green Hectares Gambia Limited, said the forum provided valuable insights and networking opportunities that will enhance his company’s operations.
“This training has opened new doors for collaboration,” he said. “Organic fertiliser is not only more affordable but also safer for our health and the environment. Unlike chemical fertilisers, which can lead to long-term health problems like hypertension and diabetes, organic options promote sustainability and wellbeing.”
Sarr further noted that embracing organic farming can help reduce production costs, attract more customers during peak seasons, and support community-based producers.
From the Central River Region North, Mbombe Ceesay, a woman gardener from Panchang, described the forum as an eye-opener for women in agriculture.
“In our garden in Panchang, we only use organic fertiliser because it’s affordable and healthier,” she said proudly. “Most of us were trained by ActionAid on how to produce it. What we need now is more support in marketing our products and increasing production for commercial purposes.”
The forum concluded with a collective call for greater government engagement and policy support to scale up the production and use of organic fertiliser across the country. Participants emphasised that providing alternatives to chemical fertilisers and investing in local production would not only support farmers but also conserve foreign exchange and promote sustainable growth.
As The Gambia strives towards climate resilience and food sovereignty, initiatives like the SAPOF Project serve as vital steps in creating a green and inclusive agricultural economy, one where farmers, women, and youth are not just producers but key players in shaping the nation’s sustainable future.
“This is not just about farming,” Bah concluded. “It’s about building a greener economy that empowers people, protects our environment, and ensures that development remains in the hands of Gambians.”
