By Sainabou Sambou
In the coastal village of Tujereng, where farming has long been a cornerstone of family life and survival, Yankuba Bettay has transformed a generational tradition into a thriving horticultural enterprise.
Born and raised in this close-knit community, Bettay grew up in a household wholly reliant on agriculture. He completed his primary and upper basic education at Tujereng Lower and Upper Basic School, followed by senior secondary studies at Nusrat Senior Secondary School. Though he did not pursue higher education, Bettay channeled his efforts into gardening – a decision rooted deeply in his family’s legacy.
“Farming was not just a tradition; it was our way of life,” Bettay reflects, crediting his father for instilling in him the values of hard work and resilience on the land.
His passion ignited during a visit to a well-established garden, where vibrant, healthy vegetables and bountiful harvests left a lasting impression. As a lover of fresh produce, Bettay was inspired to create his own space. Today, his garden boasts a variety of crops, including green peppers and bitter tomatoes – chosen for their pest resistance when properly managed and strong market demand.
Fruit trees, particularly oranges and bananas – his personal favorites – occupy nearly half his land due to their high profitability.
Yet, the path has not been without hurdles. Bettay recalls a particularly trying period marked by severe water shortages, which left him frustrated and on the verge of discouragement. Relief came unexpectedly through a timely intervention: a phone call from the German development agency GIZ, offering support for a water borehole. “It arrived at a crucial moment,” he says, highlighting how the infrastructure transformed his operations.
Pests remain a persistent challenge, often proving difficult to control and demoralizing for farmers. Through trial and error, Bettay has honed his expertise, learning to mix pesticides effectively and select the right chemicals for specific threats. “Not all pesticides work the same,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of experience.
Bettay’s produce finds a ready market among women traders from Serrekunda and Brikama, who regularly reach out for supplies. “There’s strong mutual understanding,” he explains. “They come when the vegetables and fruits are fully ripe, ensuring quality.”
Looking to inspire the next generation, Bettay urges young Gambians to embrace gardening, while cautioning that success demands patience. “Farming doesn’t bring quick money,” he warns. “Pests and diseases can frustrate beginners, but with guidance from experienced farmers, it’s profitable, and losses are manageable.”
His own ambitions include nurturing young plants to maturity for a bumper harvest next season. Beyond personal goals, Bettay is dedicated to mentorship: “I train and guide young people, sending them to assist other gardeners when needed. I’m always open to anyone eager to learn and build a future in farming.”
In a country where agriculture employs much of the rural population and horticulture offers year-round income opportunities, stories like Bettay’s underscore the potential for sustainable livelihoods through perseverance, innovation, and community support.
