By Haruna Kuyateh
Small Ruminant Production Enhancement Project (SRDEP) in collaboration with the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA) and National Livestock Owners Association (NaLOA) rolled out sensitization program for the farmers in North Bank Region on how to assess funding from Small Ruminant Project.
The sensitisation program was done as a radio programs through the North Bank Community Radio; held meeting with livestock farmers at Ndungu Kebbeh weekly market locally known as ‘Lumo.’
Speaking to The Voice, Nerry Corr, a livestock value chain specialist at the Small Ruminant Production Enhancement Project said the project aimed to strengthen farmers’ capacity in term of having access to loan to promote breeding of small ruminant, livestock and marketing of milk.
The specialist thanked the government of The Gambia and Islamic Development Bank for mobilisation and implementation of $26.5milion for 4 years project of Small Ruminant Production Enhancement Project.
He disclosed that project has $3milion equivalent to D150milion microfinance component aimed to provide easy access for livestock sub sector and interested individuals to apply for support through Gambia Teacher’s Union Islamic Cooperative Credit Union of the Gambia and Supersonic Microfinance.
Mr Corr reiterated the importance government attaches to animals development and described the project would obviously boost small ruminant production and marketing for women and youths.
He however noted that the loan is in compliance with the principle of sharia and urged beneficiaries to ensure proper utilisation of fund.
Ebrima O Jallow, president of National Livestock Owners Association alluded to it that the project would address financial challenges faced by farmers in promoting livestock breeding, marketing; provision of drinking points; milk production and processing; meat slaughter stall and capacity development to enhance production and productivity.
Therefore, he said, the support would transform and encourage women and youths to participate in small ruminant production and ensure regular and affordable prices, while he called on farmers to comply with conditions and ensure timely payment of the loans.
Momodou Darboe, Director of Technical and Field Services at Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency shared similar sentiments, while he disclosed that the project has recently disbursed D3milion to women and youth to kick-start.