By : Fatoumatta krubally
A three-year Monetizing Waste for the Promotion of Organic Fertilizer (MoWPOF) project, funded by the European Union and implemented by SOS Children’s Village in The Gambia, was launched on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Running from April 2024 to May 2027, this initiative promises to transform waste management practices into sustainable and accessible organic fertilizers, to enhance food security, livelihoods, and gender equality in selected regions.
The National Director of SOS Children’s Village, Jean Pierre Kouamin, described the project’s vision, saying, “Our goal is to empower vulnerable families, increase agricultural productivity, and build resilient communities.”
He added that the project, aligned with SOS’s mission, aims to improve food security and empower vulnerable populations while advocating for nationwide transformations in waste management and agriculture.
Enrica Pellicani, head of the European delegation in The Gambia, underscored the importance of solid waste management in uplifting livelihoods, expressing the EU’s commitment to addressing these critical issues. Pellicani called for collaborative efforts to ensure the project’s sustainability, emphasizing the potential benefits of chemical-free fertilizers for Gambians and the targeted regions.
“We aim to see Gambians benefit from chemical-free fertilizers produced locally and witness improved livelihoods in the targeted regions,” she added.
Project coordinator Alieu S. Bojang emphasized that MoWPOF’srole is to enhance food security, socio-economic development, and gender equality in the targeted communities.
With plans to benefit 30,000 residents in Fatako, Tabajang, Sukuta, and Bakau, the project will provide training, technology, and market support for the efficient production and sale of organic fertilizers.
Abbas Bittaye Sankareh, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed gratitude for the project funding and highlighted the importance of organic fertilizers in community gardens. Sankarehemphasized the need for collaboration to ensure the project’s success.
In closing her remarks, Soseh Bajang, a woman gardener, highlighted the transformative potential of the project, stating, “We wish this project to reach the whole country, providing organic fertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers, promoting healthier produce and improved livelihoods.”
The MoWPOF project aims to revolutionize organic fertilizer production, fostering a sustainable circular economy and advancing agricultural practices for a healthier and prosperous Gambia.