By Fatou Dahaba
In the idyllic village of Wassu, nestled within the picturesque Central River Region (North), Pa Sillah, a seasoned groundnut farmer, stands resolutely in his sprawling field. His weathered hands move deftly through the lush green foliage, meticulously weeding the hardy crops that have braved the unpredictable and tumultuous rains. Despite the formidable challenges posed by this year’s capricious rainy season, an unwavering sense of optimism and determination radiates from his stoic figure, emblematic of the resilience deeply entrenched within the heart of the farming community.
“I was a bit skeptical because of how the rain was coming,” Pa Sillah admits, wiping sweat from his brow. “But now my hopes are high. The rain is coming as expected, and I’m looking forward to a bumper harvest.”
In the initial stages of the rainy season, numerous regions across The Gambia have witnessed notably diminished rainfall, sparking widespread anxiety within the farming communities. In Wassu and other rural areas, the erratic precipitation has resulted in stunted growth of groundnuts, a vital crop for the region. Consequently, some farmers who sowed their fields early in the season have been forced to replant their crops following their initial plantings, succumbing to the persistent drought.
From mid-July through early August, there were widespread complaints about insufficient rainfall across the country. As a result, many farmers reported difficulties with their crops, which struggled to germinate.
Pa Sillah’s inability to plant all the groundnuts he intended has rekindled his optimism despite the recent increase in rainfall.
“I am a groundnut farmer, and every year I grow at least one hectare of groundnut,” Sillah explains. “But this year, due to the low rainfall at the beginning of the season, I still have a barrel of groundnuts at home that haven’t been planted. Last year’s rainy season was much better regarding productivity, but I’m hopeful this year will still bring a good harvest.”
As he continues to work on his farm, Pa Sillah reflects on his decades of experience. “Last year was much better than this in terms of productivity, but I’m hopeful that this year will still bring a good harvest.”
Despite the initial fear and uncertainty, farmers like Pa Sillah are forging ahead, driven by hope and resilience. “The only help I need on my farm is fertilizer. If I can get enough, I could cultivate up to five hectares of groundnut,” he adds.
Chief Inspector Abdoulie Sonko, who was weeding his farm alongside his children, echoes similar sentiments on another nearby farm. Originally from Kuntaur and now stationed in Wassu, Sonko has taken up farming during the rainy season.
However, like many others, he has been affected by the lack of adequate rainfall.
“If the rain had come as it should, I wouldn’t be weeding now—this would have been done long ago,” Sonko says, frustration evident in his voice.
“One of my biggest challenges is accessing fertilizer on time. Half of the rainy season is already gone by the time it reaches us here.”
The role of women in agriculture, especially in horticulture and agribusiness, remains essential. However, only a few engage in commercial farming alongside their male counterparts.
Nyima Sillah, another groundnut farmer from Wassu, shares her outlook on the season. “Despite the inadequate rainfall at the start, I’m still hopeful for a good harvest,” she says.
“As long as the rain continues as it should, my yield won’t be affected.” However, this season will not be as good as last year.
Like her male counterparts, Nyima is determined to make the most of this challenging season. She exemplifies the resilience and determination that define the farming communities of Wassu.
