Africa-Press – Gambia. Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS), under the EU-funded Green 2 Growth Gambia Project recently staged a public awareness-raising session designed to educate farmers and community members on the benefits of eco-friendly agricultural practices, particularly the use of organic fertilizers.
The event, held in Foni Kansala community of Bwiam, drew together smallholder farmers, government officials, students and other stakeholders from across the West Coast Region.
Co-funded by the European Union, the Green 2 Growth Gambia Project advocates for a just transition towards sustainable agriculture, and empowers communities to adopt practices that protect both the environment and public health.
The dialogue, however, focused on the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the multiple benefits associated with the use of organic fertilizers, while strengthening engagement with community members and smallholder farmers.
Addressing the gathering, Ismaila Jallow, Deputy Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, praised the initiative, stressing the health risks posed by chemical fertilizers and the critical role of organic manure in safe and eco-friendly farming.
He assured farmers of the council’s continuous support, emphasising the importance of guidance, resources, and local collaboration in encouraging the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
Together, these efforts represent a coordinated approach to promoting environmentally responsible farming while safeguarding community health and supporting the livelihoods of local farmers.
Ebrima Jallow, a representative from the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), highlighted the numerous benefits of organic fertilizers. He explained that they improve soil structure, promote beneficial microbial activity, and reduce negative environmental impacts.
Unlike chemical fertilizers, he said, organic options provide slow-release nutrients, enhance nutrient diversity, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems, supporting healthier crops and more resilient farming practices.
Lucia Palmidi, the focal person of the project, explained that the project is designed to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) to advocate for the local production and use of organic fertilizers, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and improved human health.
The initiative specifically targets 700 smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives across The Gambia, with particular emphasis on empowering women and youth, who often face barriers in accessing resources and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Fatoumatta Jammeh Touray, DPS of Ministry of Agriculture, reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to promoting organic fertilizer use through policies such as procuring thousands of tons of organic fertilizer for farmers, implementing zero chemical fertilizer policies for new gardens, and encouraging local production and adoption.
She acknowledged that government is strongly committed to promoting the use of organic fertilizers as part of a broader effort to advance sustainable agriculture and ensure a just transition for farmers and the environment.
“Key initiatives undertaken by the government include the procurement of thousands of tons of organic fertilizer last year, ensuring that farmers have access to environmentally safe alternatives,” she said.
She noted that a zero-chemical fertilizer policy has been established for new gardens, reinforcing the shift towards sustainable cultivation practices.
In addition, she pointed out, government is actively encouraging local production and usage of organic fertilizers, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs while promoting environmentally responsible farming methods.
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