Africa-Press – Gambia. 4H The Gambia, a local NGO based in Farafenni has partnered with Salaam Financial Services to support youth clubs in four communities of Niamina Dankunku with 268 bags of fertilizer worth D294,800.
The initiative aims to enhance agricultural production and strengthen the capacity of 4H club members to better respond to community needs.
This marks Salaam Financial Service’s first direct support to the NGO, which also includes small business funding for women.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Alieu Ceesay, National Programme Director of 4H The Gambia, said the fertilizer distribution was based on requests from the clubs. He hailed the partnership with Salaam Financial Services’ Farafenni branch for procuring the fertilizer and supporting five women entrepreneurs through soft loans.
“This is another milestone in empowering youths to take up agriculture, contribute to food self-sufficiency, and improve livelihoods,” Ceesay said. He added that such initiatives would now form part of their annual activity plan, including a revolving loan scheme for continued financial support.
Ceesay also praised 4H Norway for its consistent backing, which has helped strengthen the national office’s ability to build the capacity of its members.
Musa Chaw, Admin and Finance Officer of 4H The Gambia, emphasized the importance of the financial arrangement between the NGO and Salaam Financial Services in ensuring compliance and accountability among beneficiaries.
He said the partnership aims to boost agricultural production through a tripartite agreement and revealed that the loan portfolio among clubs has risen by 70 percent. Before the partnership, the NGO had supported youths in small businesses and small ruminant breeding through a revolving scheme to improve livelihoods.
The beneficiary communities include Sinchu Njugary, Sey Kunda, Misira Mbye/Ibra Mbye, and Bantankoto Njama, all in Niamina Dankunku District.
Chaw disclosed that 4H The Gambia and Salaam Financial Services are working to finalize fertilizer delivery in Sanjal and parts of the Central River Region North. He assured their continued support for youth empowerment, noting that the intervention is also instilling a culture of saving among women and youths.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
