Under the scorching sun of the Upper River Region (URR), where farming is both a livelihood and a lifeline, a group of determined women farmers embarked on a journey of learning, sharing, and innovation. Over the course of three days, these farmers traveled to visit Community Vegetable Gardens, individual gardens, master farmers' fields, and mixed farming centres, all in pursuit of one goal: to strengthen their resilience against climate change.

The peer-to-peer exchange visit, organized by the Tumana Agency for Development (TAD) with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Forest and Farm Facility (FFF), provided a platform for women farmers to learn firsthand about sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices. Through hands-on demonstrations, discussions, and field visits, the exchange connected 24 participants, including female and youth farmers, experienced master farmers, and agricultural experts.

At each stop along their journey, participants encountered new lessons some rooted in age-old traditions, others in modern agroecological innovations. In community gardens, they observed how small-scale farmers are adopting integrated farming systems, combining vegetables with agroforestry to improve soil fertility while reducing erosion. At individual gardens, they exchanged insights on organic fertilizers, composting techniques, and natural pest control methods, ensuring that their crops thrive without the harmful effects of chemical inputs.

The visits to master farmers' fields were among the most eye-opening. These highly skilled farmers showcased techniques such as crop rotation, alley cropping, and intercropping, all designed to boost yields while safeguarding the environment. Water conservation and harvesting techniques were another focal point, emphasizing the need for efficient irrigation systems to minimize wastage in a region where every drop counts.

Beyond farming techniques, the exchange visit highlighted some of the biggest challenges facing small-scale women farmers in URR limited access to finance, unreliable markets, and a heavy dependence on external inputs such as seeds and transportation. Discussions on these issues were not just theoretical; they led to actionable solutions. The Executive Director of TAD emphasized the importance of financial independence, urging farmers to create their own seed banks and produce organic manure to reduce reliance on costly market inputs. Women farmers were also encouraged to establish group by-laws and governance structures to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair benefit-sharing within their gardens and the use of chemical fertilizers.

To further strengthen their capacity, the visiting farmers will now be linked with the Agriculture Extention workers in their various districts, where they will receive additional training on rapid compost-making a critical step toward promoting organic farming for both food security and environmental sustainability.

As the visit concluded, the energy among the participants was palpable. They not only gained new knowledge but also forged connections with fellow farmers who share the same struggles and aspirations. The experience reinforced the belief that sustainable farming is not just about growing food, it’s about growing resilience, fostering collaboration, and securing a future where communities can make it possible despite the changing climate.

With renewed determination, these women farmers are now returning to their own fields, ready to apply what they have learned, inspire their peers, and drive forward a movement toward climate-smart agriculture. Their success will not only feed their families but also contribute to  FAO’s Four Betters, Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment and a Better Life for the Gambia.