By Alhagie Babou Jallow
The Director General of The Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA) has underscored the government’s commitment to the promotion and marketing of livestock ahead of the Muslim festival, locally known as Tobaski.
Mr Momodou Darboe was speaking during their nationwide tour, in which they engaged stakeholders on the government’s interventions, including the waiving of taxes on livestock to ensure availability and affordability of rams. The tour aimed to address inadequate livestock needs to meet the demand.
The Director General described the engagement as crucial in bridging the information gap and soliciting cooperation from actors to ensure the successful movement and marketing of livestock for the feast of Tobaski.
He hailed the government for funding the 2025 Tobaski ram sale, which commenced on 27th May 2025. This, he noted, demonstrates a commitment to the development and strengthening the capacity of small-scale livestock farmers to participate in the ram sale.
He expressed GLMA’s commitment to providing security and water at the designated selling outlets, in Banjul, Independence Stadium, Buffer Zone, Brikama Livestock Market, and GCCI Brusubi Turntable. He informed that his staff and livestock assistants are located at border crossing points and weekly markets (lumos) to screen animals against disease.
Mr Darboe used the opportunity to thank stakeholders for their support and collaboration and call on Gambians to venture into animal breeding, noting that would empower farmers and support families to afford sacrificial rams on time.
Fatou Sonko, Finance and Administrative Officer, GLMA, said the institution is fully committed to its mandate and that waiving of tax and reduction of transportation cost for livestock dealers is very important during this period.
She called on women to take part in the annual livestock show. She noted that GLMA’s nationwide tour would contribute to shedding more light on this year’s Tobaski show.
The toured entourage include The Gambia Ferry Service, Gambia Police Force, Gambia Immigration Department, Gambia Revenue Authority, livestock dealers, and local authorities in Barra, and Amdalaye.
