By: Momodou Gagigo
A severe bacterial disease outbreak is wreaking havoc on orange production in The Gambia, threatening the livelihoods of horticultural farmers and the nation’s efforts to ensure a steady supply of citrus fruits. Farmers like Sanna Camara, who have long contributed to the country’s food security, are grappling with significant losses as the disease decimates their orchards, urgently needing government and NGO intervention.
The outbreak, characterized by black dots on oranges that cause premature fruit drop, has struck the heart of communities like Kombo Banyaka, known for their agricultural contributions.
For farmers with modest incomes, the challenges are overwhelming. Climate change disrupts weather patterns, erratic rainfall upends planting schedules, soil infertility reduces yields, and a lack of technical knowledge limits their ability to combat pests and diseases. The current bacterial outbreak has compounded these struggles, pushing farmers to the brink.
Sanna Camara, a dedicated farmer who transitioned from growing cereals and peanuts to horticulture, has devastated his once-thriving orange orchard. The shift to citrus farming had brought financial stability and personal fulfillment, but the disease had slashed the quality and quantity of his harvest. “This year, I’ve noticed a sudden onset of disease that leaves black dots on my oranges, causing them to drop prematurely. It’s truly distressing,” Camara shared. Each day, he climbs his trees, painstakingly clearing leaves to improve sunlight and ventilation for the struggling fruits, but the effort is proving insufficient.
Camara’s plight reflects the broader socio-economic toll on farmers. The financial burden of purchasing pesticides and addressing chronic water shortages overwhelms individuals. “I earnestly appeal to the government and NGOs for assistance with pesticides and boreholes to combat this formidable threat,” he urged, describing the challenges as an “ongoing nightmare.” Without swift support, farmers risk losing their crops and their ability to sustain their families and contribute to The Gambia’s food self-sufficiency.
The Kombo Banyaka community has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural sector, with its residents dedicating their lives to farming. Their resilience in adversity underscores the determination driving The Gambia’s agricultural future. However, the bacterial outbreak threatens to undermine these efforts, highlighting the urgent need for resources and technical assistance to protect farmers’ livelihoods and the nation’s food supply.
As The Gambia grapples with this agricultural crisis, the government faces growing calls to act. Providing effective pesticides, improving irrigation through boreholes, and offering training on disease management could help farmers like Camara recover. NGOs are also urged to step in with funding and expertise to bolster the sector. The outcome of these efforts will determine whether The Gambia can safeguard its citrus industry and the communities that depend on it.
Farmers like Sanna Camara continue their daily struggle, climbing trees and clearing leaves to save their orchards. Their resilience mirrors the determination of Gambians across sectors, from agriculture to labor; as the nation confronts these challenges, the hope for a brighter future rests on collective action to support its farmers and workers.
