Collection
By: Haruna Kuyateh
Njawara Agricultural Training Centre (NATC) with funding from under the United Nation Development Small Grant Project (UNDP/SGP) Global Environment Facility (GEF) has embarked on a day exchange visit of project beneficiaries of Oyster Communities of Memmeh in Jokadou and SAMI TENDA of Upper Nuimi KartongAssociation of Responsible Tourism KART and Women Oyster Collectors of KArtong in West Coast Region.
The visit formed part of a one -year project titled ‘’Communities Resilience Building in Sustainable Marine Resources Management and Food Security Project’’.
The exchange visit was also a golden opportunity for women oyster collectors to share their experiences and processes in harvesting and processing of oyster, in an effort to promoting appropriate Climate Smart Technologies. The move will promote sustainable natural resource management and by laws with neighboring Casamance.
Modou Lamin Manneh, Administrator emphasized the importance of partnership in information sharing on sustainable environment ecosystem management and protection. He said KART and the community are fully committed to natural resource management and training women oyster collectors in modern harvesting techniques, processing using RACK CULTURE methods. Mannehthanked the management of Njawara Agricultural Training Centre for the partnership in strengthening networking and cooperation.
He said the use of RACK culture contribute to reduce risk on mangroves destruction, increase production, income and livelihood development, and the practise contributed to enhance social, economic and environment management and maximize benefits. He disclosed that GEF grant helps community to established community forest 52ha in 2013 to 2014.
Alpha Sey, Project Manager SGP at NATC said that a study tour contribute to empower oyster collectors to adopt best environmental practices to promote production. He said the project would provide life jackets, protected shoes, gloves and capacity enhancement. Mr. Sey called on beneficiaries to be vigilant to share lessons learnt on use of materials and equipment to reduce risks on sea or river. The Manager hailed KART for their commitment to environmental protection and preservation of natural resources.
Awa Sanyang, President of Kartong Women Oyster Collectors said the visit accorded them the opportunity to share best practices and learn from one and other. She encouraged women to promote savings and social accountability.
Awa Sambou and Nyima Drammeh of Memmeh and Sami Tenda thanked the project officers and promised to utilize the lessons learnt as integral part in contributing to strengthening oyster farming.
Alh. Demba Jabang, alkalo of Kartong hoped that the visit would empower women and acknowledged the immense contribution of KART in sustainable environment management