By: Haruna Kuyateh
ActionAid International The Gambia Juffureh Office Local Rights Programme 9 on Monday disbursed the amount of D568,000 to 26 farmers from Kerr Cherno, Albreda, and Jimbana Eco Zones.
The presentation of cheques to these farmers took place at the ActionAid Juffureh Office in North Bank Region. The support was earmarked to assist vulnerable farmers to have farm implements and small ruminants to mitigate household food security.
Modou Ida Bah, alkalo of Pakau Njogu representing the chief of Upper Nuimi thanked Action Aid International the Gambia for their contribution to poverty reduction, food security, and human rights development in Upper Nuimi.
He said the presentation of cheques to 26 beneficiaries as part of promoting loan-revolving schemes on farm implements and small ruminants will go a long way in promoting food security and sustainable livelihood.
The scheme will contribute to poverty reduction while assuring them of district tribunal and authority through Village Development Committees to monitor progress and impact of support.
Kebba Sonko, President of Upper of Albreda Eco Zone said the support was based on trust and confidence bestowed on them by Village Development Committees based on the poverty level.
He, therefore, called on beneficiaries to be proactive in the management of animals and farm implementation as agreed.
Bakary Nano Njie Coordinator of Albreda Eco Zone disclosed that before the disbursement, the beneficiaries were trained on financial management, record keeping, and the impact of revolving schemes. He reminded beneficiaries to reflect on the contract agreement, citing payment of 2 animals for the first years and D10,000 for farm implements for the first 2 years of the scheme. The purpose is to support other vulnerable farmers within Upper Nuimi.
The Coordinator used the moment to call on beneficiaries to promote a line of communication with their Village Development Committees on the status of support, noting that Action Aid attached great importance to that.
Manjiki Manneh, a head of a household in Sittanunku said the support would help her to go in for small ruminant production. She noted that the support would boost economic development and empowerment to address economic challenges.
Omar Jallow of Kerr Dekodeh and AbdlieJawo of Kerr JumaHawa described the support as important and timely, noting that lack of donkeys and farm implements delayed a lot of the farmers from timely sowing, weeding and harvesting of farm produce.
They said the delay contributed to low production and food insecurity and even leads to an increase in poverty.
