Africa-Press – Gambia. Over the weekend, some 18 students graduated after completing a year’s intensive integrated agricultural training programme in Balingho, Upper Badibou, North Bank Region.
The new trainees -13 women and 5 men completed their training at Rural Development Organisation (RDO) and Holistic Agribusiness Solution Agricultural Training Centre.
Speaking during the 5th graduation ceremony of the 18 graduates, Momodou Y. Bah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rural Development Organisation (RDO) spoke about the support they have received so far from Sabab Luo Foundation and partners in Germany for the establishment of Holistic Agribusiness Solution Centre in a bid to complement government’s efforts in building human capital targeting youths via agribusiness and agricultural training.
CEO Bah further explained that 27 young people were enrolled in a year’s training programme on integrated agriculture, but 9 dropped out of the course due to certain reasons, including medical and personal reasons. He added that they requested the government for a duty waiver to enable them to contribute immensely to national development.
He also recognised and appreciated the efforts of Dr. Friedrich Keller Bauer and Mrs. Edith Lanfer of Sabab Luo Foundation in the establishment of the training centre and Help Alliance of the Lufthansa Airline capacity building on entrepreneur, first solar system, purchase of 3000 layers, water system, and recondition 8-ton truck.
RDO, according to him, has successfully implemented a six-month Agri-accelerator project on responsible investment in agriculture in partnership with FAO, Gambia Tech Project, and Alliance Francais De Banjul. The project, which was about learning and coaching of graduates, was also a financial support of D250,000 to 5 graduates from FAO.
Commenting on sustainability, Mr. Bah says it is a core principle of the Rural Development Organization and Holistic Agribusiness Centre, such as production and sales of vegetables and fruits, as well as poultry products, among others. The several tons of vegetables and pawpaw, eggs sold were to cover the daily running cost.
“The training centre continues to stay connected with ex-students, guiding, coaching, and monitoring their business endeavour, and 85% of last year’s graduates are currently employed or furthering their education, and out of 18 graduates, 7 already secured employment”, he revealed.
Governor Lamin Saidykhan thanked the Rural Development Organization and Holistic Agribusiness Solution Centre for complementing the government’s efforts in building capital development targeting young people in agricultural development. He, however, called on graduates to be goodwill ambassadors and promote networking in the transfer of skills and knowledge, noting that the skills would contribute to transform food production practice.
“Education and training on agriculture and rural development remain the most powerful tools for national transformation, such as dedication to learning new skills, acquiring practical knowledge, and preparing to serve their communities as communities need young leadership skills on agriculture, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, food security, and climate change,” he reiterated.
Edith Lanfer, of the Sabab Lou Foundation of Germany, registered their commitment to capacity development of youths and the need for the graduates to be committed and dedicated to their endeavours, as the agriculture sector hosts many opportunities for young people, citing that artificial intelligence cannot do everything to enhance the economy and food security.
Other speakers included: Karamo Minteh, Regional Agriculture Director and Chairman of Rural Development Advisory Board, and Sulayman Jammeh, Alkalo of Balingho.
The two-year training programme covered areas: horticulture, poultry production and management, small and large ruminants, food processing, as well as basic entrepreneurship.
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