By: Alieu Ceesay
For Ya Fatou Colley, a passionate gardener from Kanlagi in the West Coast Region, the dream of seeing her fresh vegetables sold in international markets has always felt out of reach. Like many local women gardeners, she has struggled with low prices and post-harvest losses. But now, thanks to a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) initiative by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) West Africa Competitiveness Programme – The Gambia (WACOMP-GM), her aspirations are closer to fruition than ever.
Funded by the European Union (EU), the UNIDO WACOMP-GM project is increasing The Gambia’s competitiveness through enhanced quality compliance along the onion value chain by improving the performance, growth, and contribution to the industry, regional trade, and exports of onion and other horticulture value chains.
The project’s Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) initiative is helping to strengthen vegetable gardens in five regions with better management systems, which help them identify and control food safety hazards, thereby increasing their quality compliance and market competitiveness.
WACOMP-GM constructed onion curing and storage facilities provided equipment to 120 gardens, and trained farmers and extension workers on HACCP and other best agronomic practices in post-harvest handling of onion and allied crops.
Ensuring food safety is critical. It protects consumer health, prevents foodborne illnesses and allergic reactions, and maintains consumer confidence in the quality and safety of the brand. It is the cornerstone of the food industry. With this in mind, the WACOMP-GM introduced HACCP systems in selected gardens, emphasizing their role in safeguarding public health and enhancing regional and international trade.
“This program will not only expand my knowledge on vegetable production but also boost my economic status,” Colley said during an interview. “I have learned a lot from the UNIDO WACOMP-GM project—not only about growing vegetables but also about personal hygiene as a gardener. I’m expecting good economic gains from gardening, which will greatly impact my life.” Fatou Colley said
Colley is one of 30 participants, including agricultural extension workers and women gardeners, receiving training on international standards in agriculture. The initiative aims to equip Gambian farmers with the skills to market their products on national and global platforms, enhancing income and reducing waste.
Gambian gardeners like Colley have endured limited income for years despite long seasons of hard work. Many are hopeful this program will provide better market opportunities, allowing them to meet family responsibilities like paying school fees and other household expenses.
“This will help me better understand vegetable production and improve my living conditions,” said Fatou Jarra, a gardener from the Central River Region. “With better product prices, we can finally enjoy the fruits of our labour.” Fatou Jarra, also a vegetable gardener, told TAT this during a sideline interview at Jarra Soma of Central River Region.
Paulina Mendy, a young horticultural extension worker trained by UNIDO WACOMP-GM, highlighted the importance of minimizing losses in vegetable production. Trained in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), she is eager to share her knowledge with gardeners.
“I am gladly sharing my knowledge with them because they’ve been struggling with food processing issues,” Mendy said. “Now that I’m trained, I think it’s a big achievement for me and for them.”
Adaobi Egwurube, a UNIDO Regional Food Safety Expert from Nigeria, sees great potential in Gambian agriculture. She believes the program could position the Gambia as a supplier of safe, high-quality food to global markets.
“The whole world is looking for safe food,” Egwurube explained. “With this WACOMP-GM initiative, I’m sure the Gambia can produce safe food that will compete internationally, not just locally.”
Dr. Alhagie Mamadi Kura, a Gambian economist, described the initiative as a “game changer” for the country. He emphasized its potential to create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase farmers’ incomes.
“This initiative will create more employment,” Dr. Kura noted. “Aside from farming, it adds another layer to the food supply chain—processing—which obviously needs more hands. It will generate more income and boost tax revenues.”
He also called on the government to support the initiative with tax breaks to ensure its sustainability and success.
Both gardeners and extension workers applauded UNIDO WACOMP-GM for the timely intervention, which promises to transform local agriculture and improve livelihoods across The Gambia.
