By Sainabou Sambou
Farmers, consumers, and key stakeholders converged at Farato Farm on Saturday to launch the inaugural Farmers’ Market Day, a vibrant initiative designed to strengthen local agriculture, enhance food security, and forge direct links between producers and buyers.
The event, organized by the Farmers Pharmacy Association, brought together agricultural producers, buyers, community leaders, and institutional partners to celebrate and empower local farming.
In his keynote address, Nafarama Badjie, Public Relations Officer of Farmers Pharmacy, paid glowing tribute to the nation’s farmers, describing them as the backbone of society. “Without farmers, there would be no food and no future,” he declared. Badjie highlighted the immense sacrifices farmers make daily, including trekking long distances and laboring for hours under the scorching sun to put food on tables across the country.
He urged all Gambians to show greater respect and appreciation for farmers, whom he called “essential contributors to our world.” Badjie also encouraged attendees to patronize the market stalls, where they could purchase fresh, high-quality produce directly from growers, ensuring transparency and better value.
“Marketing is critical in agriculture,” he stressed. “When farmers understand the market, they can decide what to produce, how to produce it, and in what quantities. This reduces post-harvest losses and improves their earnings. That is why we are here today for Farmers’ Market Day.”
Fatou Touray, Vice President of the Farmers Pharmacy Association, welcomed participants and described the occasion as a heartfelt celebration of farmers’ resilience and dedication. She acknowledged that while agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood for many Gambians, farmers frequently struggle to find reliable and profitable markets for their produce.
“The Farmers’ Market Day seeks to bridge this gap,” Touray explained. “It allows farmers to sell directly to consumers, giving buyers access to fresh and affordable produce. The initiative also promotes the consumption of locally grown food, strengthens agricultural value chains, and inspires young people to see farming as a viable business.”
Touray extended gratitude to the armed forces and other partners for their support and called for deeper collaboration among farmers, consumers, and relevant institutions. She expressed optimism that the event would become a regular feature and eventually expand to other regions of the country.
Representing the Alkalo of Farato, Saikou BM. Njai underscored the concept of food sovereignty. “Food security is about availability, but food sovereignty ensures that food is produced locally by our own people,” he said. Njai warned against over-reliance on imported food, which he said could expose the nation to external shocks. He urged Gambians to harness the country’s abundant natural resources, particularly the River Gambia, to boost domestic production.
“More of our people should take up farming to reduce dependence on imports and achieve greater self-sufficiency,” Njai added.
Abul Rahim Cole, Chairman of Farmers Pharmacy, said the market day was created to deliver tangible opportunities for farmers. “Many of our farmers find it difficult to access fair markets. This platform allows them to sell directly, earn better incomes, and proudly showcase their hard work,” he noted.
Secretary General Sang Mendy described the initiative as “more than just a market – it is a movement.” He said supporting local farmers would strengthen livelihoods, generate employment, and build a more resilient national food system.
A vegetable farmer from the West Coast Region, Fatou Jallow, shared her excitement about the event. “This gives us the chance to connect directly with customers and sell at better prices,” she said, beaming with optimism.
The launch of Farmers’ Market Day signals a renewed commitment to placing local agriculture at the heart of The Gambia’s development agenda. Organizers hope the initiative will not only provide immediate economic benefits but also contribute to long-term food security and national self-reliance.
