The ministry of agriculture’s project management unit in partnership with central project coordination unit has launched $26.81 project that aims to increasing population of small ruminant and alleviate poverty alleviation.
It also seeks food insecurity and provides job creation opportunities for both women and youth of this country countrywide.
The funded loaned grant by Islamic Development Bank and is a loan to the government of the Gambia, targets livestock production of sheep and goats’ husbandry enhancement intervention in rural and peri-urban communities of the country.
Mamud Njie, project director of SRPEP who spoke at the launching ceremony, told farmers: “the project is expected to last for four years operation across the country, with the aim to discourage the importation of small ruminant from our neighbouring countries such as Mali and Senegal and encourage self-sufficient in meat production.”
According to him, the project through a value chain approach that will cover production management, genetic improvement, adding the diseases control, access to finance, infrastructure modernization and human capital development.
“The project includes production, processing and marketing facilities, which is he said is key as far as livestock production is concern and it will cover thirty-nine district across the country, Njie said.
Fabala Kinteh chief of Badibou who spoke at Kerewan expressed appreciation to the ministry of agriculture for ensuring Gambian livestock farmer’s benefits from this project, describing the project as one of the most essential projects so far in the country.
He advised the project management unit to ensure that there is a transparency in the implementation of this project within the region.
Chief Bakary Jam Jawo, applauded the government of the day for this magnificence project that will greatly help livestock to boost their production and productivity. We have no doubt that considering the project management team, this project will impact positively to the livelihood of the farmers.
He challenged the livestock farmers to work hand in glove with the project management Unit to ensure its success, adding various projects that were brought to the country but after the period of the project everything collapse which he advises should not be repeated in this project.
For his part, Hon. Alhagie Sillah also challenged the farmers to show more commitment and dedication toward this project as there was a lot of struggling put in place before the approval of this project at the National Assembly.
He urged farmers to take ownership of the project and work in consultation with the regional livestock directors across the regions to ensure its success.
Also speaking the Governor of CRR . Abba Sanyang who was full of joys and appreciation about the coming of this project, said this launching was long overdue as this project will support the