By Alieu Ceesay
Binta Magasa, a resilient mother of 15 and the sole breadwinner for her family stood proudly in her community on Saturday, clutching seedlings donated by ActionAid International, The Gambia (AAITG). With her husband living with a disability, Binta has long relied on farming and gardening to sustain her large household. The timely support, which includes cheques for farming equipment, seedlings, and fishing gear, offers hope for her and over 75 other local farmers and fishermen in the North Bank Region ahead of the 2025 farming season.
“I sold my groundnut last year, and I’m working on my garden with my family,” Binta shared. “This is a great gesture. It’s a lifeline for us.”
The donation is part of AAITG’s ongoing mission to strengthen rural livelihoods, enhance food security, and combat poverty in The Gambia, where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy. The initiative targets vulnerable communities, empowering farmers and fishermen to boost production and contribute to national development.
Among the beneficiaries is Kara Abdoulie Darboe, who received a D35,000 cheque to purchase farming equipment. Darboe recounted his struggles with inadequate tools, forcing him to abandon his farm and rely on handouts from other farmers. “I used to plow with a hoe, but I stopped. Now, this cheque will help me buy equipment and farm again,” he said, visibly relieved.
Mamadi Jobe, a fisherman who quit his trade due to illness and lack of gear, also benefited from the donation. With renewed optimism, he plans to purchase a fishing boat to expand his reach. “Before, I couldn’t go far to fish, but now I can,” Jobe said, hopeful for a brighter future.
Saikou Darboe, Manager of the Local Rights Program 9 (LRP9) office in Juffereh, Upper Niumi, emphasized that the support aligns with AAITG’s broader goals. “This is part of our fight against poverty, exclusion, and climate change while promoting agroecology and inclusion,” he said. The initiative aims to enhance productivity and resilience among rural communities.
Chief Momodou Chaty Cham of Upper Niumi attended the handover ceremony and urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the resources. “This support can transform lives, but only if you use it wisely and contribute to national development,” he said. Regional Director of Agriculture Karamo Minteh echoed this sentiment, encouraging farmers to connect with agricultural agencies for additional guidance and support.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of The Gambia’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and sustaining numerous livelihoods. Yet, many rural farmers and fishermen face inadequate tools, climate variability, and limited access to resources. Interventions like AAITGs provide critical support, enabling individuals like Binta, Kara, and Mamadi to overcome these barriers.
For Binta, the seedlings she received symbolize more than agricultural inputs—they represent hope for her family’s future. “With this, we have something to build on,” she said, her voice filled with determination.
As The Gambia strives for food security and economic growth, sustained support for rural communities remains essential. By equipping farmers and fishermen with the necessary tools, AAITG is transforming individual lives and laying the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous nation.
The beneficiaries of Saturday’s donation are now poised to cultivate their fields, cast their nets, and contribute to a thriving agricultural sector. With continued collaboration between organizations like AAITG, local leaders, and government agencies, the North Bank Region’s rural communities can look forward to a future of increased productivity and reduced poverty.
