By Haruna Kuyateh
Catalan Network of City Council funded banana plantation in Jirong Upper Badibou is in progress as officials of FON Catalan from Barcelona, Spain visited the community.
The project formed part of Network of Catalan City Council support to Foundation Kalilu Jammeh to create employment opportunity and address irregular migration. The team was satisfied with the level of progress made at the plantation and expected 10,000 litres water tank will be reserved in case there is no enough sunlight.
Joan Ribas, Desk Officer for Africa Projects FON Catalan De Cooperacio Al Desenvolupament of Barcelona described the partnership with Foundation Kalilu Jammeh as cordial, said “1.4million banana plantation funded by network of Catalan City Council in Barcelona aimed to provide opportunity for youths to take up agriculture as a source of livelihood.”
The project will provide new economic opportunity for the inhabitants of Jirong and its environment. He expressed satisfaction on rate of implementation of project and assured of their support towards successful implementation as it would contribute to address irregular migration and enhance restoration of forest cover.
For his part, Chief Executive Officer of Foundation Kalilu Jammeh said the banana plantation was conceived to promote banana farming and encourage youths to actively participate in socio-economic development.
He said the other component of the project is to raise tree nursery and contribute to restoration of forest cover. CEO Jammeh thanked Catalan City Council of Spain for funding the banana plantation, which he said would contribute to enhance banana supply chain within Upper Badibou.
“The installation of state of earth irrigation water supply system would address water need on 3ha land and create employment opportunity for youths. The project would build capacity of beneficiaries to promote the use of organic manure and create employment for youths,” he said.
Toti Rovira,Catalan Project Representative in Senegal and Gambia noted that regular consultation with project staff and monitoring would help to enhance production and value addition. He described Foundation Kalilu Jammeh as genuine partner who have attached great important on agricultural development.
