As a farmers’ cooperative association, this credit (loan) initiative is championed by the SDF to empower local farmers, with Swe-Gam Limited responsible for procurement and supply.
The initiative aligns with the Rural Rice Value Chain Project (RRVCP), whose microfinance component is overseen by the SDF. The Social Development Fund, established in 1998 under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA), has led a number of commendable initiatives over the years.
During the handover ceremony held at the Swe-Gam grounds in Kanifing, Omar Saidykhan, Administrative Manager at the SDF speaking on behalf of the board and senior management underscored the importance of the convergence, adding: “Thanks to this project, we are witnessing a historic moment. My advice to the beneficiaries is to make the best possible use of this equipment. We believe that if they do, the sky will be the limit.”
He further expressed hope that MaFCA would faithfully abide by the agreement they have signed.
MaFCA President, Sheikh Drammeh, stated: “Our agenda is to eradicate hunger in The Gambia. We don’t have much, and we aren’t yet strong, but we’ve joined hands and pooled our resources to create something tangible.”
He explained how they had secured capital through financial services to purchase machinery, fertilisers, and other agricultural inputs, adding: “Our ultimate goal is food self-sufficiency, true independence in every sense of the word. We have resolved that The Gambia will no longer beg to eat, but rather will feed itself. We are prepared to work tirelessly to cultivate all major crops staples such as corn, millet, rice, and others.”
He maintained that a country cannot stand if it cannot feed itself, while stressing MaFCA’s mission to fully engage in agriculture.
Dr. Saikhou E. Sanyang, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, elaborated on the pivotal role of agriculture in fostering economic growth and broad national development.
He stated that the Ministry’s responsibilities include formulating robust national policies and strategies, as well as providing technical guidance to farmers, further claiming that their mandate involves monitoring the activities of the Regional Rice Value Chain Project (RRVCP), which justified collaboration with the Social Development Fund (SDF) to ensure the provision of tractors to MaFCA.
Dr. Sanyang urged the association to repay the loan in a timely manner so that similar opportunities can be extended to others. He also encouraged the effective and responsible use of the machinery.
Ebrima Cole, Managing Director of Swe-Gam the company that procured and supplied the equipment emphasised the vital role of agriculture in nation-building. He pointed out that the lifespan of tractors largely depends on the skill and care of their operators, adding that proper maintenance could extend their use up to 40 years.
“A country without agriculture cannot survive. Without strong agricultural foundations, the health of the population will falter, foreign exchange earnings will decline, and sustainable development will be difficult.”
Mr Cole called on Gambians to actively engage in agriculture, warning: “If we delay, the opportunity may be lost, as outsiders are already coming in to farm here.”
He lamented the situation where Gambians are hired by foreign farmers on their own land, with the benefits flowing out of the country, saying: “We are blessed. We have the water, the land, the climate, and we live in peace. We must work diligently to ensure that agriculture thrives. If agriculture prospers, our entire economy will be transformed,” he concluded.
