From May 14 to 17, 2025, the Jenoi Agricultural Training Center hosted a transformative four-day Climate-Smart Agriculture Training, organized by Regenerative Hubs and funded by the Obama Foundation and Golden Peacock Foundation through the Actus Partners. Led by Dr. Kofi Boa from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and the Center for No-Till Agriculture in Ghana, the initiative convened 24 participants from the North Bank, Central River, and Lower River regions—female and male farmers, extension workers, and Ghanaian trainer—to master sustainable farming practices that enhance food security and environmental resilience.
Founded by Jaha Marie Dukureh, Regenerative Hubs is a pioneering global project, with its first hub in Chamen Village, Nianija District, The Gambia. This ambitious initiative integrates rural economic growth, women’s empowerment, food security, and climate resilience. “This land holds more than soil—it holds dreams, healing, and the promise of a different future,” Dukureh said. The project cultivates regenerative crops for biofuel and protein production, restoring land while fostering sustainable industries. With plans to expand to 10,000 hectares over the next three years and upcoming hubs in Ghana and the Bahamas, Regenerative Hubs aims to create jobs, provide education, and empower women and youth. “It’s about creating real pathways to uplift women out of poverty and building systems that work for our people,” Dukureh emphasized.
The training addressed challenges faced by farmers, who reported outdated land preparation methods, uniform crop reliance, and environmental degradation. The program introduced no-till and conservation agriculture techniques to improve soil health and crop yields. Theoretical sessions covered regenerative agriculture principles, cover crops, mulching, reduced tillage, no-till planting, crop-livestock integration, water stress management, safe herbicide and pesticide use, and pesticide toxicity awareness. Practical demonstrations included land clearing, no-till planting, transplanting, and drip irrigation systems.
Key outcomes included heightened awareness of regenerative agriculture, enhanced climate-smart skills, and forming a Climate-Smart Farmers Network for ongoing peer support. Recommendations included establishing a WhatsApp platform for continuous learning and encouraging participants to promote climate-smart practices in their communities. “This training has opened our eyes to new ways of farming that protect our land and secure our future,” said a female farmer from the Lower River Region.
Beyond agriculture, Regenerative Hubs is developing regenerative processing and supply chains along the River Gambia, fostering rural jobs and new industries, particularly in biofuel and protein production. By supporting certified regenerative agroforestry, the initiative produces nutritious crops for local and international markets while prioritizing soil and environmental health.
As The Gambia faces growing climate pressures, this training, backed by the Obama Foundation and Regenerative Hubs, lays a foundation for resilient agricultural systems. The newly formed farmers’ network and acquired skills are set to drive lasting change, fostering sustainable agriculture that benefits both the environment and communities. Participants left Jenoi empowered, ready to champion regenerative practices and build a resilient future for Gambian agriculture.
