By: Haruna Kuyateh
Gambia Youth Project (GYP) launched to train on holistic agribusiness and to address youths unemployment. On Saturday GYP launched a multimillion dalasis at Ballingho village of Upper Baddibou and implemented by Rural Development Organization (RDO) in the North Bank Region.
The project was funded by German donors and Government of Germany through Sabab Lou Foundation of Germany to train youths on Holistic Agribusiness.
GYP started in January 2019 by Sabab Lou Foundation and partners in Germany to build the capacity of youths on Holistic Agribusiness Solutions.
The project started first batch of 40 youths for a period of two years and is part of an idea of giving unemployed youths and also returned migrants a perspective in the agricultural sector. The allocation of 12.5ha by the community will help to intensify training on professional sequential gardening with consequent crop rotation and imperative soil refertilization will secure year round production
The center has two solar driven pumping and irrigation systems, several greenhouses allow cultivation of delicate vegetables during the rainy season and hot season.
Ebrima KS Dampha, Governor of North Bank Region noted that the project will help to empowered youths to acquire skills on agriculture and to be job creators.
He said the government is ready to support and collaboration with donors in the transfer of modern agribusiness on the youthful population in addressing irregular and rural urban migrations.
He said the investment will help to address marketing of garden products and enhance income.
Dampha underscored government commitment of providing conducive environment for development partners to support youth development and skill acquisition to attain sustainable development.
Suwaibou Cham, Board Chairman of Rural Development Organization explained that the project will train youths on Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Pomiculture, Food Processing, Tools& equipment, Marketing, Product development, Customer Profiling, Mapping and Data banks, Market analysis, small business training and entrepreneurial coaching.
He thanked the community of Ballingho for allocation of 12.5ha land, noting that the project was requesting 5ha but the gesture demonstrated their fullest support to the project.
Board chairman calls on student to take up the opportunity provided by the donor, citing payment of 67% of stipends to NACCUG at the end of their graduation.
Chief Ebrima Ansu Tamba Jammeh, of Upper Baddibou hailed the community of allocation at cost free, with the view to bring about meaningful development.
He recognized the support provided RDO in improving lives and livelihood of the district and call on alkalolu and Imam to preach peace and youths to be law abiding.
Edith Lanfer, Founder of Sabab Lou Foundation assured of their commitment to support youth’s development to address unemployment and irregular migration. She thanks Sunset Company in Germany for the providing solar panel and installation.
GYP is funded by Sabah Lou Foundation, Lufthansa help alliance, German Government BMZ, Dieter Fuchs Foundation, George Kraus Foundation, Carmelita von Krigsheim Foundation, Rotary Clubs Ludwigsburg & Stuttgart, Andreas Stihl AG & Co KG and Numerous private donors including Sunset company who donated solar lighting equipment and installed at the cost of the company.