By: Haruna Kuyateh
The community elders of Medina Serigne Mass of Lower Niumi and senior officials of the Regional Agricultural Directorate have hailed Sheriff Njie, the Manager of Foundation Njien Farm who is also the General Service Manager of US Peace Corps The Gambia for promoting agroforestry and food diversification.
The commendation was at the heel of a visit to the farm by the agriculture staff of the directorate, a visit meant to foster collaboration and promote transfers of knowledge.
Sherrif Njie, the Chief Executive Officer said the move aimed to promote orchard and vegetable production and by extension create employment opportunities for youths and women.
He stated that a plan is in place to start poultry and animal husbandry to boost diversification.
Mass Jagne, a community elder said the intervention by Njien Foundation Farm has triggered him to establish an orchard and vegetable garden. He, therefore, called people to transform their farms into meaningful socio-economic development farms.
Mass Kah, Alkalo of Medina Serigne Mass, and Alagie Kah, the son of Imam Ratib of Banjul thanked CEO Njie and others for attaching great importance to food diversification and restoration of the ecosystem through promoting the use of organic farming.
Lamin Sallah, a young farmer urged youths to promote a year-round vegetable production and plant more fruit trees to address food security and irregular migration.
He enjoined others to call for more support from the Department of Agriculture and NGOs.
Njie Manka, President of the Barra Transport Association informed drivers to use farming as a way to attain sustainable livelihood and poverty.
Buba Daffeh, an Agricultural Officer at Regional Agricultural Directorate, Kerewan also thanked Njien Foundation Farm for the foresight and assured them of his office support in sharing best farm practices.
He noted that the establishment of an orchard will contribute immensely to food diversification and the restoration of soil cover.
Binta Colley, Farm Manager at the Bakindick Mixed Farming Centre described the intervention as crucial in promoting year-round food production and income. She wants the staff at the orchard to be vigilant and monitor the growth and performance of plants.
Ismaila Sanyang Regional Hydromet Officer in Kerewan used the moment to inform farmers of the 2023 rainfall forecast and urged them to seek information on Agricultural Extension Workers on the type of seeds to be shown, as the region is expecting above-normal rainfall.
