Africa-Press – Gambia. The community of Toroba in Lower Badibou, North Bank Region, has taken a significant step in empowering women through land ownership and agricultural development, thanks to support from the EU-funded SAPOF Project implemented by ActionAid International The Gambia.
Speaking during a visit to the village as part of a follow-up on the women’s land ownership and control campaign launched last year by ROOTS and ActionAid, the Chairman of the Toroba Village Development Committee (VDC), Ismaila Bah, highlighted the importance his family places on empowering women.
He revealed that after thorough consultations, a 5-hectare piece of land was officially allocated to the women of the community. He added that all documentation and registration with the Kerewan Area Council have been completed and handed over to the women beneficiaries.
Chairman Bah praised family members for their support and understanding, emphasizing that this gesture aims to support off-season activities, boost nutrition, and generate income through sustainable agriculture.
In addition to the land allocation, ActionAid, under the Strengthening Civil Society Organization Support and Advocacy for Sustainable Production (SAPOF) project, constructed a fully equipped vegetable garden. The facility includes a solar-powered borehole with eight panels, a 15,000-liter water tank, 15 water reservoirs, and modern sanitation infrastructure.
“This advocacy for women’s land ownership is critical because women are the main food producers,” Bah stated. “Empowering them gives them decision-making power over what to grow and strengthens their role in community development.”
He further encouraged other communities and families to allocate land to women and support initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods and long-term development.
Aja Isatou Jallow, the women’s leader of Toroba, described the project as historic. She noted that the garden, which is well-fenced and supported with an adequate water supply, can accommodate over 200 women.
She, therefore, expressed gratitude to ActionAid for also building the capacity of 18 women farmers in organic manure and pesticide production.
“This garden is a game changer,” she said. “It enables year-round vegetable production, promotes organic farming, and provides income and better nutrition for families.”
She called on the Department of Agriculture to provide more training on agribusiness and market linkages to further empower women in the region.
The SAPOF project has also equipped the garden with vital tools and equipment, including 10 wheelbarrows, 20 watering cans, 4 rakes, 100 hand hoes, 100 small hoes, 10 spades, and 10 hand forks.
The land ownership advocacy campaign led by ActionAid continues to gain momentum as more communities like Toroba take bold steps to support women through land access, improved agricultural infrastructure, and capacity development.
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