By Sainabou Sambou
ActionAid International The Gambia recently conducted a training session for 15 farmers on the proper usage and application of organic fertilizer in Farafenni, located in the North Bank Region.
In an interview with The Alkamba Times (TAT), Saikou F. Bah, ActionAid Programme Co-ordinator Local Rights Programme for Upper Niumi, said that the Strengthening CSO Support and Advocacy for Sustainable Production and Use of Organic Fertilizer in the Gambia (SAPFO) project aims to encourage farmers to use organic fertilizer properly.
“More than 80% of farmers are using chemical fertilizers. This necessitated the project because chemical fertilizer is not sustainable. It is very expensive. The project funded by the EU came to help strengthen the advocacy to support farmers in producing and even selling their organic fertilizer,” Bah explained.
According to him, the training also brought together farmers and private business owners to create market linkages between themselves.
Amadou Bah, a participant, expressed happiness in participating in the training.
He said,” Through this training, I will learn the importance of organic fertilizer and how it can help crop growth. I will also understand that chemical fertilizer is hazardous to the soil and crops.”
Ndella Dampha, who also participated in the training, shared her experience, saying that the training helped her understand the importance of organic fertilizer.
She recounted that the training broadened her understanding of online marketing without causing her to lose money when selling her farm products.
The SAPOF project, implemented by ActionAid International The Gambia (AAITG) in collaboration with Njawara Agricultural Training Centre (NATC) and Gambia Participates (GP), seeks to advance sustainable agricultural practices through the promotion and use of organic fertilizers. The initiative addresses the constraints faced by small-scale farmers in The Gambia, particularly women and youth, in accessing and utilizing organic fertilizers. The project aligns with the EU’s policy to promote agroecological practices and The Gambia’s National Development Plan (NDP).
SAPOF’s objective is to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs), particularly those led by women and youth, to advocate for agroecology and the increased use of organic fertilizers in the Gambia.
