By: Haruna Kuyateh, in NBR
Action Aid International The Gambia in partnership with Regional Agricultural Directorate in Kerewan, recently organized exchange visit for 75 farmers from 15 communities to shared lesson learnt on the success and challenges on the concept and practices of farmer field schools (FFS).
The project is an agreement with international NGOs namely; Catholic Relief Services, United Purpose and coordinate by Action Aid International The Gambia as principal recipient with funding from European Union through FAO and the farmer exchange visit was held in Kerr Ardo Lower Baddibou North Bank Region
Foday Kanyi, programme Specialist Resilience and Climate Justice, Project Coordinator EU – AEER and FAO Farmer Field School at Action Aid International The Gambia, reiterated the important of building and strengthen farmer’s capacity on recommended agricultural practices.
He further underscored the significance of working with farmers and department of agriculture in building the capacity of farmers through the concept and approach of farmer field school to boost food production and productivity.
According to him, the project will support agriculture for economic growth to mitigate food insecurity, malnutrition and address irregular migration through the agreement with the NGOs.
The schools build capacity on climate change resilience is building on rice, maize, groundnut and cowpea.
Jabel Sowe agriculture officer at regional agricultural directorate NBR said the project will help complement government efforts through department of agriculture to bridge extension farmer ratio on the adoption of best farm practices to boost food production and productivity.
He pointed out that farmer field school project continue to registered significance progress with best bet farm practices to boost food security.
Saloum Touray, farmer field school focal person at NBR agricultural office commended Action Aid International The Gambia for empowering farmers with relevant skills and knowledge on adoption of agriculture to attain household food security.
He noted that the skills and knowledge has enable farmers to promote the use of organic farming in the garden and desist from using pesticide chemical on vegetables.
Farmers were trained on demarcation, plant spacing, compost making, marketing and pest management.
Fatou Manneh, Kerr Sanyang farmer facilitator commended the active participation of women farmers for their commitment and adoption of best agronomic practices, noting that it has increase production and yields.
She said farmers are now empowered to share and support each other’s and ensure farmers change their way of farming and adopt recommended farm practices.
Fatoumata Drammeh, Daru Barakat Upper Baddibou, called on development partners to support them with adequate water supply to enhance production.