By Momodou Gagigo
At least 250 farmers in Niamina East District of the Central River Region have received locally processed organic fertilizer from ActionAid International The Gambia under a European Union-funded initiative to promote sustainable agricultural production.
The distribution took place at ActionAid’s center in Niamina. Farmers from surrounding communities collected bags of the organic fertilizer produced at the project’s local facility. The effort falls under the Strengthening CSO Support for Sustainable Production and Use of Organic Fertilizer in The Gambia (SAPOF) program, financed by the European Union.
The SAPOF program builds the capacity of civil society organizations and farming communities to produce and apply organic fertilizer. The goal is to offer a sustainable alternative that improves soil fertility and raises agricultural productivity while reducing reliance on expensive imported chemical inputs.
Organizers say the latest distribution will help farmers this season and encourage wider adoption of environmentally friendly practices. For many smallholder farmers in the region, obtaining affordable, quality fertilizer remains a persistent difficulty. Rising costs of conventional agricultural inputs continue to strain household budgets and limit production.
Saiba T. Susso, ActionAid LRP 8 & 11 manager, stressed the benefits of the organic product during the event. “We are introducing this organic fertilizer to you to cut down on what you spend on chemical fertilizer, and also this will boost your soil’s fertility, and it’s environmentally friendly,” he said. Susso noted that organic fertilizer improves long-term soil health, lowers dependence on costly external inputs, and supports more resilient farming systems.
Ahmadou Ceesay, a beneficiary from Niamina East, welcomed the support. He explained that community-level access to fertilizer addresses a major seasonal challenge. “We struggle a lot accessing the chemical fertilizer during the farming season, and with the fertilizer, the soil offers nothing good, so Actionaid intervention comes at a time when we need it the most,” Ceesay said.
Faddy Mbaye, another recipient, urged fellow farmers, especially women, to shift toward organic methods. “I just want to call on my fellow farmers, particularly the women, to adopt the organic style for a healthy living and even more affordable cost,” she said. Mbaye highlighted that organic approaches are more sustainable and better for human health.
The fertilizer is processed from locally available organic materials, turning everyday farm and household waste into a useful input. Project partners view this local production model as a practical way to strengthen food systems and improve livelihoods in rural communities.
The SAPOF initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and build the resilience of farming communities across The Gambia. By combining training, local production capacity, and direct distribution, the program aims to create lasting change in how farmers manage soil and inputs.
With 250 farmers now equipped for the season, ActionAid and its partners expect measurable gains in soil management, higher yields, and greater awareness of organic fertilizer production and use. Officials hope the approach will demonstrate the value of community-based solutions and encourage further investment in locally produced agricultural inputs.
As climate pressures and input costs continue to challenge smallholder farmers, initiatives such as SAPOF offer a concrete pathway toward more productive, affordable, and environmentally sound farming. The distribution in Niamina East marks another step in that direction, placing practical tools and knowledge directly in the hands of those who work the land.
