By: Alieu Ceesay
Gambian farmers are working tirelessly to protect their crops from pests and diseases while a quiet revolution in plant protection is taking place behind the scenes. For decades, agricultural inspectors like Nyara Fubureh have fought to ensure crops are safe for local consumption and international trade, often facing limited resources. However, thanks to targeted support from the West Africa Competitiveness Programme-Gambia (WACOMP-GM), Jallow and her colleagues at the Plant Protection Service (PPS) have gained new tools and skills. This support is helping to strengthen food security and meet global standards.
“The training has impacted my work because, first of all, PPS, we could not know if a product has a pesticide residue. With the help of the WACOM pesticide kit, we can detect if a pesticide is present in a product or not,” says Madam Fubureh, a staff member of PPS
Building Expertise in Phytosanitary Inspection
WACOMP-GM has prioritized building the technical capacity of PPS inspectors and providing extensive training in phytosanitary inspection and testing. These trainings equip inspectors with the skills to identify pest infestations and assess product conformity more efficiently. According to Adalberto Carvalho Santos Vieira, a UNIDO International Quality Infrastructure Expert, these programs are directly tied to the PPS’s mandate and contribute significantly to the institution’s development.
“The trainings allow for knowledge transfer and the sharing of best practices, essential for effective phytosanitary inspections,” Vieira explained.
Advanced Equipment for Better Decision-Making
In addition to training, WACOMP-GM supplied the PPS with state-of-the-art laboratory field and benchtop testing equipment. This equipment provides critical data for decision-making, particularly when determining the conformity of products subjected to inspection.
“With these tools, inspectors can now rely on precise data rather than manual assessments, ensuring that all decisions are evidence-based,” Vieira said.
Developing the National Pest List
A standout achievement of this collaboration is the development of a National Pest List (NPL). This crucial document guides the PPS in pest control and eradication efforts. The NPL aligns The Gambia with international trade obligations, enabling the country to meet stringent export requirements while improving government measures against pest outbreaks.
“The National Pest List will serve as a reference document for all our activities,” Vieira emphasized. “It’s a game-changer for The Gambia’s agricultural sector.”
A Brighter Future for Agriculture
Through these initiatives, WACOMP-GM has empowered the PPS to execute its mandate more effectively, ultimately boosting The Gambia’s food security and economic growth. For inspectors like Fatou Jallow, the support has transformed her work.
“Now, we can confidently protect our crops and support our farmers while ensuring our products meet international standards,” she said, her face beaming with pride.
This partnership emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in strengthening national systems. It demonstrates how targeted interventions can have lasting impacts on local communities.
