By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Gambia Inclusive Resilience Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV) recently held a daylong forum for farmers benefiting from its Chain Change Project, focusing on workforce training on social and environmental compliance. The forum, which included a Phase 1 presentation on the Labor Act 2023, took place at the Regional Agricultural Directorate in Kerewan, North Bank Region.
Fafanding Katri Kinteh, the Social Development Specialist for the GIRAV project, delivered a detailed presentation on the World Bank Environment and Social Standard procedures and their impact on the GIRAV project.
He explained that the multi-million-dollar project, launched in 2021 and running until 2028, is a collaboration between the Government of The Gambia and the World Bank. The initiative aims to boost food production through the value chain while empowering women and youth.
Kinteh emphasized that the grievance redress mechanism would address concerns and complaints promptly, ensuring the project’s sustainability by resolving disputes involving project-affected persons (PAPs).
The project is currently constructing Agro Logistics Centres (ALC) in Maka Farafenni and Wassu, which will help reduce post-harvest losses, ease transportation, and enhance the network for sharing information about the availability of agricultural produce and markets.
Governor Lamin Saidykhan highlighted the government’s commitment to achieving food and nutrition security. He pointed out that the GIRAV project, funded by the government and the World Bank, would significantly contribute to food security and support women and youth through matching grants. He also assured his office’s full commitment to the project’s implementation.
Abdou Saidy, Principal Labor Officer, described the training as vital for increasing public awareness of the Labor Act 2023, Injury Compensation Act 1990, and Factory Act 1990. He noted that the Labor Act is designed to protect the health and well-being of the workforce, praising GIRAV for its strong partnership with the Department of Labor in promoting awareness about workers’ rights and protection from abuse.
Alasan Minteh, Regional Agricultural Director for the North Bank Region, said the training would strengthen the labor force in beneficiary communities.
Musa Sillah Kerr Jarga and Fatou Ceesay of Daru Barakat described the project as crucial, noting that the support would empower women and youth. Women benefiting from the project highlighted the success of the vegetable garden initiatives, emphasizing the security of the intervention.
