By Fatou B. Cham
The Resilience Organisation for Transformative Smallholder Agriculture Project (ROOTS) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security (MoALFS) last week handed over the site for the construction of six million Dalasi curing and storage facility in Foni Bintang.
The ROOTS Project, with a $2.76 million IFAD grant under the Crises Response Initiative (CRI), is addressing challenges in The Gambia’s agricultural sector by providing support in inputs, infrastructure, finance, and capacity building.
As part of this effort, the project will construct four (4) onion curing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and empower smallholder farmers. This initiative highlights the project’s commitment to enhancing local production and improving market access for farmers.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Hon. Dr. Demba Sabally, Minister of Agriculture stated that the facility to be constructed in Foni Bintang is no surprise, given the many years of successful vegetable production the community of Foni Bintang.
The Minister added that the government is making great efforts to minimise, if not eliminate, the importation of food commodities, in this process, the effort will save valuable foreign exchange, and enhance employment and income opportunities within the agricultural sector, particularly women and youth.
“Projects under my Ministry such as ROOTS, are leading the effort to enhance production and productivity of various agricultural commodities, particularly rice and vegetables; while at the same time enhancing access to markets and minimising post-harvest losses,” he said.
For the 2023-2024 vegetable growing season, The Gambia registered significant gains in onion production, registering an estimated 8,000 tons across the country, equivalent to 75% of our estimated annual consumption. Unfortunately, much of this production was lost, due to limited marketing opportunities, exacerbated by competition with cheap imports.
To remedy this situation, the Hon. Minister said President Adama Barrow has urged for action by the relevant departments and projects under his ministry to redouble their efforts to create better market opportunities, and minimise post-harvest losses.
Also speaking at the handing over ceremony, Mamour Alieu Jange, ROOTS Project Director explained that out of the estimated cost of six million Gambian Dalasis the benefitting farmer association will pay 10% of the total cost while the ROOTS Project and the Government will finance the 90%.
He also reaffirmed the project’s commitment to timely completion and high-quality construction.
The Regional Governor expressed his gratitude, emphasising the positive impact the facility will have, especially for women farmers.
Community leaders, including the lady president and the Alkalo, thanked the project for its support, pledging to make the best use of the facility once completed. The facility will play a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses, improving storage conditions, and increasing the marketability of onions.
