In a powerful call for change, Ali Drammeh, a Person with Disabilities (PWDs) and a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, is urging the Gambian government to shift its focus from subsidizing chemical fertilizers to investing in the capacity building of farmers, particularly in organic fertiliser production.
“We want the government to redirect the funds spent on chemical fertiliser subsidy to be spent on capacity building for farmers on organic fertiliser production in The Gambia,” Drammeh stated during a training held in Farafenni.
This statement came during a transformative training session facilitated by ActionAid International, The Gambia (AAITG) as part of the SAPOF Project, funded by the European Union.
The initiative trained over 15 People with Disabilities (PWDs), youth, and members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the circular economy and the production and use of organic fertilizer, a timely and critical step in The Gambia’s pursuit of environmental sustainability and social equity.
A Classroom for Change
The training was not just theoretical; it empowered participants with practical tools to develop eco-friendly solutions within their own communities. More importantly, it gave a voice to those too often marginalized in development conversations.
“This training provided us the opportunity to know and understand how the circular economy works,” said Sokhna Sowe, PWD and a participant. “We now know the dangers associated with chemical fertiliser. We commend AAITG for always involving and empowering us. Many left us out, but ActionAid is always there.”
The initiative also highlighted the untapped economic potential of sustainable practices.
“With this little knowledge we gained today, we will go a long way in helping ourselves generate income for a better living,” shared Jarra Saine, another PWD. “We learned that many things we think are waste can be useful. We need more skills training for Persons with Disabilities in rural Gambia. This will help us move from the streets to workshops.”
More Than Agriculture, It’s About Inclusion
At its core, the SAPOF Project is redefining empowerment. Its mission extends beyond environmental protection; it is rooted in the belief that true development is inclusive.
“We have begun a journey of life transformation that will change a whole society and a whole generation,” said Saikou F. Bah, SAPOF Project Manager. “This project has come to give hope and restore humanity. Supporting people with disabilities is an obligation for everyone, especially humanitarian organisations like ActionAid.”
Bah emphasized the importance of making PWDs feel involved in national and community-level development processes, calling on others to take up the mantle of inclusion.
A New Path for The Gambia
As The Gambia continues to navigate the dual challenges of climate change and poverty, initiatives like this represent beacons of possibility, where sustainability meets social justice.
ActionAid’s training in Farafenni proves that when you invest in people, especially the most vulnerable, you don’t just change individual lives, you spark movements capable of transforming entire communities.
“Where there is life, there is hope,” Bah concluded.
And with the seeds of organic farming now sown in Farafenni ang beyond, a greener, fairer Gambia may soon bloom.
