By: Haruna Kuyateh
Agency for the Development of Women and Children (ADWAC) in partnership with European Union funded IMVF Tekki Fii project Wednesday presented 6 power tillers to two migrant returnees and other 4 youths.
The beneficiaries are from Nuimi Lamin Sitanunku; Buniadou; Kerewan Salikene and Illiasa and the presentation was held at ADWAC office in Kerewan, North Bank Region.
Speaking on the historic occasion, Mamsamba Joof Executive Director of ADWAC spoke on the partnership with IMVF in Promoting youths and women participation in food production and productivity.
He reminded the gathering that last year the project supported women gardeners with assorted seed, tools, watering cans, wheelbarrows and rakes to name but few to strengthen smallholder farmers’ capacity on food production.
Pedro Santos of IMVF Tekki Fii said the support would help to address irregular migration and encourage youths to take up opportunities available in the country.
He stated that the donated power tillers donated is expected to transform income opportunities and boost food production for women.
Dr. Saikou E Sanyang Director General of Agriculture in NBR described the support as worthy course, noting that it would contribute to food security and boost income of youths and women.
Recognising the IMVF efforts in agriculture, he informed that the objective of Agriculture is to promote commercialisation in agriculture through value addition.
Dr. Sanyang said the support by IMVF will continue to change food production cycle, while disclosed that government has committed significant number of resources to support development of agriculture, and recently the department of agriculture has distributed hoes and seeders to smallholder farmers and support prominent farmers with tractors, too.
Deputy Governor Musa Kanteh and Malamin IL Bojang Chairman of Kerewan Area Council thanked ADWAC for complementing government efforts in strengthen capacity of youths and women in agriculture in NBR
Maimuna AK Jarju of Buniadou , Mama Banna Jawara of Kerewan,Yasin K Jawo a beneficiary’s of Sitanunku and Kawsu Fatty from Regional Youths Committee among others commented on the donated equipment.