Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia Government has identified 50 seccos (selling/buying points) across the country to participate in the upcoming 2025/2026 groundnut trade season.
This was disclosed by the National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC), formerly known as the Gambia Groundnut Corporation (GGC).
The initiative marks a major step towards strengthening efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the groundnut value chain while addressing the financial and operational challenges encountered during the previous season.
According to Lamin Sanyang, Deputy Managing Director of NFSPMC, the selection process followed a comprehensive assessment to ensure that only reliable and capable buying centres were chosen. He said the exercise was crucial in guaranteeing that the selected seccos have the capacity to manage groundnut trade efficiently and effectively.
Mr. Sanyang reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Gambian farmers, noting that over one billion dalasis was invested in groundnut and fertiliser subsidies during the last rainy season. He described the level of support as unprecedented, reflecting the government’s dedication to providing farmers with affordable inputs, including fertilisers and groundnuts. Efforts, he said, have already led to improved productivity and higher-quality produce.
As part of measures to enhance efficiency and financial transparency, Mr. Sanyang announced that NFSPMC would introduce a mobile money payment system to replace cash transactions. The digital payment platform, he explained, would help minimise theft, ensure prompt payment to farmers, and improve financial record-keeping. Training will also be provided to Secco staff to ensure a smooth transition.
Thomas Roberts, Director of Strategic Planning at NFSPMC, said working with a smaller number of better-equipped seccos would improve oversight, coordination, and accountability. He noted that in the previous season, some produce purchased never reached the corporation’s depots, a challenge the new system aimed to eliminate. Roberts added that selected seccos would be equipped with screening machines to assess groundnut quality before delivery to depots, describing it as a key step in maintaining high-quality standards.
Speaking on behalf of the seccos, Chief Yahya Jarjusey welcomed the reforms and called for continued transparency in record-keeping. He commended the government for maintaining competitive groundnut prices higher than those in neighbouring countries and pledged the seccos’ cooperation for a successful trading season.
The engagement, held at the NFSPMC Head Office, brought together key stakeholders, including farmers, secco presidents, and NFSPMC officials. During the interactive session, participants discussed critical issues such as mobile money payments, electronic screening machines, handheld devices for record management, the transportation of groundnuts from seccos to depots, and depot readiness for the upcoming season.
Lamin Fofana, Senior Manager of Business Development at NFSPMC, emphasised the importance of technology and logistics in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and timely delivery throughout the trade process.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to a smooth and transparent 2025/2026 groundnut trade season. Participants commended the corporation’s proactive measures, describing the selection of 50 seccos as a pivotal step in strengthening The Gambia’s groundnut sector.
NFSPMC continues to pursue its transformation agenda aimed at modernising procurement systems, enhancing collaboration with farmers, and boosting value addition within the groundnut industry. The corporation’s ongoing reforms, anchored on investment, digitisation, and institutional strengthening, are positioning groundnuts as a more resilient and higher-value export crop for The Gambia.
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