Africa-Press – Gambia. A young farmer in Sami Koto, Upper Nuimi District, North Bank Region, is using social media and internet-based learning to promote agroforestry, vegetable production and tree nursery propagation,
Alagie Jarjue tells journalists during media encounter that he relies on online platforms to learn modern farming techniques, including drip irrigation systems that help reduce labour and improve water management.
He says his work focuses on environmental protection through tree planting and recycling, noting that he converts used plastic bags into locally made polypots for raising seedlings, thereby reducing dependence on imported materials and contributing to waste management process.
Jarjue called on government institutions and agricultural development projects to support him with a borehole and fencing for his 7.4 hectare farm. He explains that his current water storage capacity of 2,000 litres is insufficient to meet crop water requirements, particularly for orange trees at flowering and fruiting stages.
Highlighting the role of social media, the farmer said online information has helped him improve production techniques, including soil enrichment through the mixing of sawdust and soil, and the effective use of drip pipes for water conservation.
He identified major challenges facing his operations as an inadequate water supply, a lack of fencing, high labour costs, and the absence of mechanized equipment, such as power tillers or tractors.
Jarjue urged young Gambians to take up agriculture and tree nursery production as a means of boosting forest regeneration and restoring the country’s depleted forest cover.
He is currently engaged in intensive vegetable production, orange grafting, and the raising of Gmelina seedlings, as well as high-quality guava and other forest species. He also notes that recycling plastic into polypots has significantly enhanced his nursery work.
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