Africa-Press – Gambia. Poultry farmers from across the West Coast Region gathered at Gambia College on Saturday for a regional conference organised by the West Coast Poultry Farmers Association. The event, themed “Building a Resilient and Sustainable Poultry Sector,” was sponsored by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP).
The conference aimed to train farmers in disease management, improved feed practices, and enhanced poultry production techniques.
Delivering welcoming remarks on behalf of the Governor of the West Coast Region, Ajaratou Sabally Saidykhan highlighted the importance of supporting local poultry farmers, noting that the sector provides for nearly half of the country’s population.
Other officials, including Ajaratou Isatou Savage and Dr. Ousman Ceesay, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, urged the need for training, disease control, and capacity building to promote sustainable practices in the sector.
Alhagie Cham, president of the West Coast Poultry Farmers Association, outlined the major challenges facing farmers, particularly disease outbreaks.
“Some farmers lose thousands of birds to disease before they can reach the authorities. In one case, over 3,000 birds perished in just one or two weeks, forcing a farmer to quit,” he said.
Cham acknowledged government support through grants and projects but noted that current assistance is insufficient to reduce the country’s reliance on imported eggs and chicken meat.
He also advised aspiring poultry farmers to invest their own resources and plan carefully.
“Poultry farming is profitable, but it comes with risks. Farmers must invest their own resources, be patient, and plan carefully. Government support helps, but at least 75% of the effort must come from the farmers themselves. Success requires proper investment, dedication, and readiness to manage risks,” he said.
Cham added that the cost of establishing standard poultry farms, including land and housing, can reach hundreds of thousands of dalasi.
Ebrima K.M. Jabang, the association’s PRO, stressed the importance of knowledge and training.
“The poultry sector is tricky. Without proper guidance on feed formulation, disease control, and farm management, even well-funded farmers can fail. This conference equips farmers with practical skills to succeed,” he said.
Jabang also highlighted the need for accurate production data to help the government regulate imports and ensure local farmers can meet domestic demand.
The conference, the first of its kind in the West Coast Region, included sessions on disease control, feed preparation, and commercial poultry practices. Organisers hope it will become an annual event, equipping farmers with the skills needed to build a resilient and self-sufficient poultry sector.
Cham concluded: “We can reduce reliance on imports and empower our farmers. This conference is a step in the right direction for West Coast poultry farmers and the nation as a whole.”
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