By Sainabou Sambou
In the dusty village of Demba Kunda Kuta, nestled in Basse, Upper River Region (URR), a quiet revolution is taking root. Omar Jagana, once a modest shopkeeper, has emerged as a beacon of agricultural transformation, blending traditional roots with modern techniques to build a thriving farm and inspire his community.
Jagana’s story is one of unwavering determination. Born and raised in a farming family, he was exposed to the rhythms of the land from childhood. Yet his path was not straightforward. He began his education at Demba Kunda Upper Basic School and later attended SOS Basse Annex, where he earned a certificate in Information Technology and mobile repairing. Driven by a budding entrepreneurial spirit, he obtained a certificate in entrepreneurship from the National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI) and another in horticulture from the Tumana Agency for Development (TAD).
“I was a shopkeeper before fully committing to farming,” Jagana shared in an exclusive interview with The Alkamba Times. “But agriculture has always been part of my life. Growing up in a farming family exposed me to the work early on, and that sparked my passion.”
To sharpen his skills, Jagana immersed himself in hands-on experience across multiple farms: Tambadou Kunda Farm, Damba Kunda Poultry Farm, Dukureh Kunda Farm, Sanjally’s Farm, and even Sumareh Farm in neighboring Mali. These stints taught him the nuances of farming in varied environments and conditions.
His curiosity for innovation was further ignited by social media, particularly YouTube tutorials on modern agricultural practices. “That inspired me to deepen my knowledge and apply improved techniques on my own farm,” he explained.
Starting small, Jagana faced formidable hurdles. Limited access to water and financial constraints nearly derailed his ambitions. But persistence paid off. Through connections forged on social media, he secured land with reliable water sources, allowing him to press on.
Introducing change in a traditional village setting was no easy feat. “Many people doubted me when I started using improved planting beds,” he recalled. “But the bountiful harvests of cassava and sweet potatoes proved that modern techniques work.”
Today, Jagana seamlessly combines modern and organic methods. He produces his own organic fertilizer through composting, significantly boosting productivity and soil health. Yet challenges persist: financial difficulties, scorching heat, erratic weather patterns, and past marketing struggles. He has adapted by leveraging WhatsApp networks to connect directly with buyers and shifting locations seasonally—moving to water-rich areas during the dry season and returning to his village for rainy-season crops like cassava and groundnuts.
Beyond personal success, Jagana is deeply committed to community upliftment. He mentors women farmers, sharing improved techniques, and encourages youth to embrace agriculture as a viable career. Through social media, he promotes local produce and links farmers with markets, fostering a supportive agricultural ecosystem.
Recently, he has begun experimenting with new crop varieties, including potatoes, continually learning and innovating. His vision extends far beyond the fields. “I plan to expand into a full agribusiness, including production, packaging, and food processing,” he said. He firmly believes Gambian farmers are central to national food security and champions organic, sustainable practices for healthier food systems.
Jagana’s advice to young Gambians is simple yet profound: “Get proper training, gain practical experience, and stay committed. Agriculture can transform lives if we approach it with passion and resilience.”
