By Fatou Dahaba
Ebrima Tabora Manneh, leader of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), has expressed concerns over the government’s decision to require farmers to receive their payments exclusively through the Qmoney service.
During a press conference held on Saturday, he emphasized that farmers deserve better treatment from the government.
Manneh suggested that the government should allow farmers the option to choose their preferred payment method.
“What the government should have done is to allow those who want to be paid through Qmoney to use the service, while those who prefer to receive their payments from groundnut selling points (seccos) should be able to do so,” he stated.
He highlighted farmers’ challenges this year, citing poor rainfall and limited harvests, particularly for groundnut farmers.
Manneh argued that implementing a mobile payment plan could exacerbate their difficulties. “Sadly, some farmers have to walk 30 to 40 kilometers to access their money, and often, the agents do not have enough funds to dispense payments in full, which can lead to delays of up to two days,” he explained.
He also pointed out the potential barriers for farmers without access to mobile phones or Qcell lines, stating that such requirements could further complicate the situation and negatively impact farmers’ livelihoods. “This will distract many farmers, which could lead to increased poverty,” he warned.
Additionally, Manneh described this year’s rainy season as subpar. The limited harvests may not sustain farmers through the next planting season.
He expressed concern that these challenges could lead to increased rural-urban migration as people seek alternative means of survival. “It is discouraging for many farmers to invest D40,000 in clearing land, seeds, and fertilizer only to receive a profit of D10,000 to D15,000,” he noted.
Manneh’s comments reflect a broader concern about the economic pressures facing farmers in the region and the need for more flexible and supportive government policies.
Ebrima Tabora Manneh, leader of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), also expressed concerns about the outlook for Gambians in 2025, citing poor harvests and the government’s failure to address critical issues affecting farmers, including their working conditions, migration, and economic hardship.
Manneh acknowledged that this season’s challenges are largely due to natural factors beyond anyone’s control. However, he criticized the government’s decision to mandate payments to farmers through mobile money, stating that this change could be made quickly if there was a genuine desire to support farmers.
He emphasized that, despite the ongoing challenges, the government could take meaningful steps to assist farmers by purchasing groundnuts at fair prices and ensuring that payments are made on-site at selling points. “If we want to develop, we must take things seriously and improve our lapses,” he stated. Manneh concluded by asserting that change is necessary and that it is up to Gambians to drive it forward.
