By Alieu Ceesay
Women gardeners from rural communities have again called on the Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, to invest in local manure production, arguing that imported fertilizers are expensive, short-lived and potentially harmful.
The appeal was made at the second National Agroecology Forum, hosted by ActionAid International The Gambia and partners. Gardeners said they have been trained to produce compost and other organic fertilizers and now prefer them to imported chemical fertilizers.
“We are trained in compost manure and other forms of local manure, but we notice that it has greater advantages over the imported ones. Though the imported fertilizer often makes our vegetables grow rapidly, it doesn’t last long; it perishes, and I don’t think it’s healthy,” said Mansata Fatty.
Agriculture remains central to the national economy, but farmers face erratic rainfall, soil degradation, rising input costs, post-harvest losses and climate shocks. Speakers said these problems are immediate, not theoretical.
Fafa O. Cham, Head of Programs and Policy at ActionAid International The Gambia, urged government and partners to move beyond short-term fixes such as imported pesticides, seeds, and tractors. “Compost making, seed saving, and the integration of livestock and crops are not old-fashioned methods. They are sustainable agricultural practices, cost-smart, and nutrition-smart,” he said.
Cham added that agroecological systems increase supplies of fruits, vegetables, legumes and indigenous crops that are vital for children and mothers.
Organizers presented agroecology as a practical response to climate change, declining soil fertility, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and weak livelihoods among smallholders.
Dr Sanyang, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the government recognizes the need for sustainable, climate-resilient farming. “However, achieving meaningful transformation requires strong partnerships among government institutions, farmers, research and academic institutions, civil society, development partners, and the private sector,” he said.
Locally produced manures were displayed at the forum, underscoring producers’ call for official backing to scale organic inputs and reduce dependence on costly imports.
