Combining forces for forest restoration: an FFF partner association in NBR collaborates for a greener, resilient future.
In the North Bank Region of Gambia, the struggle against deforestation is a pressing issue, with devastating consequences for both the environment and local communities. Over the years, the region has witnessed a significant decline in tree cover, including erratic rainfall patterns and exacerbating the effects of climate change. According to the Global Forest Watch, North Bank lost 58 hectares of tree cover from 2001 to 2022, contributing to a 7.0% decrease since 2000 and emitting 28.0 kilotons of Carbon Dioxide emissions. This loss of vegetation not only disrupts local ecosystems but also threatens the livelihoods of communities dependent on forest resources for their sustenance. However, amidst these challenges, the Forest Farm Facility (FFF), supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has come to the rescue, collaborating with key partners such as the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Agricore, the FFF is dedicated to restoring the region's depleted forest cover and promoting climate-resilient landscapes. One such initiative is the North Bank Tree Nursery Garden. Supported by the FFF, this Association plays a crucial role in nurturing tree seedlings and distributing them to individuals and communities eager to participate in afforestation efforts. Through training programs on nursery setup and the distribution of fruit and timber trees to community forests. "The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization and local organizations like the North Bank Tree Nursery Garden exemplifies the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change towards sustainable forestry practices and climate resilience." Ramatoulie Bah, a member of the association remarked. FFF aims to empower local stakeholders to take proactive measures in combating deforestation and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. The initiative’s efforts are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for the North Bank Region and beyond, something which Lang Conteh, Secretary-General of the North Tree Nursery Association attested to. Ceesay emphasized thar their “Commitment to promoting afforestation as a vital strategy for mitigating the impacts of climate change is unwavering. Through such we are empowering communities to become stewards of their own environment." |
In the previous year, the association distributed 3000 fruit and timber trees to four communities within the region. The performance of these trees has been promising, with healthy growth and development noted. As awareness spreads among the populace about the critical role of reforestation in maintaining adequate rainfall, the demand for additional trees has surged significantly. It is evident that communities are increasingly recognizing the necessity of
replenishing woodlands and forests to safeguard against environmental degradation and ensure sustainable water resources for the future. The FAO Forest Farm Facility is committed to supporting for the like-minded associations in the Gambia. A case in point is a training organized to empower the membership of the association with the requisite knowledge to grow and nurture trees. Through the collaborative efforts of the FAO Forest Farm Facility initiative and local communities, strides are being made to restore degraded landscapes and foster climate resilience. With training, resources, and determination, FFF partners stand united in their commitment to safeguarding forests for future generations. |
Better roads for a better life; the impact of Envelope A on Jerri Kaw Wollof community
The European Union funded Agriculture for Economic Growth Project referred to as Envelope A, may have ended, but the impact it has on the lives of people is profound. A case in point is Jerri Kaw Wollof, a remote community in the North Bank Region.
Before Envelope A, getting around was challenging; bad roads meant long walks or horse carts just to reach the highway, let alone dealing with emergencies like getting to the hospital in time for pressing and urgent medical treatment.
"The road was a nightmare. We had to walk for kilometres or rely on horse carts just to reach the highway. It was especially challenging during emergencies like when someone needed urgent medical attention" reflects Katim Touray, the village Alkalo.
The impact of the project on Jerri Kaw Wollof has brought immense relief to the daily lives of community members, like Papa Njie, the local driver who endured countless repairs on his vehicle due to the harsh road conditions. "I used to spend a fortune repairing my car because of the terrible roads. It was heartbreaking to see people suffering, especially pregnant women who sometimes ended up delivering in my car while rushing to the hospital," recalls Mr. Njie.
These challenges were once a stark reality for the community, but thanks to the project, things have turned around quite well! They have paved the way with a new road, cutting travel time and making life easier for everyone. Since then, people can come and go as they please, boosting economic activity and even welcoming small cars to the area! "Now, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The road is smooth, and people can get to where they need to go without fear. It's a remarkable transformation," expresses Mr. Njie reflecting the newfound sense of relief and optimism shared by many in Jerri Kaw Wollof.
As one of the farming communities around Farafenni, people in Jerri Kaw Wollof were challenged to sell their farm produce at weekly lumos, because they were getting to the market late, due the condition of the road linking the community to the main road. Usually, they will arrive when the market is already flooded with similar produce from other communities. With the new feeder road, farmers can now get to the Farafenni weekly market as early as 07:00 am to partake in wholesale marketing, before the retailing commence in late morning, and could return to their homes to continue with other chores. Furthermore, vendors now travel to the community, buy farm produce and transport these produce to the market daily.
The community also said goodbye to pests and disasters ruining their harvest all thanks to the EU-funded project, which was also implemented by FAO, Jerri Kaw Wollof now has a massive seed store to keep their produce safe, mainly grain. They no longer risk it all in-home storage. However, for the sustainability of the store, using this facility is not free, one must pay a sum of money to keep their produce in the store.
"Our lives have changed for the better. Now, we can come and go as we please, store our proceeds for as long as necessary," expresses a relieved community member Abdoulie Touray.
However, sustainability comes at a cost, as utilizing the facility requires a nominal fee. Despite this, the benefits far outweigh the expenses, as the community now enjoys enhanced economic opportunities and greater resilience in the face of agri-food systems challenges.
It is incredible how a road and a seed store can transform so many lives. Community leaders and residents expressed immense gratitude for the opportunities FAO and donors brought to their community.
In the heart of Foni Bondali, the challenges faced by herding communities like Bisari Bajonki, are significant. Herders trek long distances for water and grazing lands. Cattle owners have endured arduous journeys to neighboring communities like Bulenghar or Kanwali, as well as venturing into the Senegalese region of Casamance just to meet their cattle's basic needs. During these treks, the cattle often stray into local farms, sparking tensions between the agrarian community and the ranchers as well as the risk of cattle theft. This clash of interests may add to longstanding conflict drivers in the area. The United Nations Peace Building Fund (PBF) implemented by FAO is an intervention that brings unity. Janga Sanneh, a farmer, whose farmlands were often affected by transhumance activity, expressed relief, saying, "We used to dread the sight of cattle straying into our fields, but now, with the designated stock routes and drinking points, our worries have vanished." Similarly, herders are rejoicing at the convenience brought by the project. Ousman Bah a herder shared, "Gone are the days of exhausting journeys in search of water. Now, we can easily access the drinking points erected in Bisari Bajonki, saving time and ensuring the well-being of our livestock." Foni Bondali has two watering points, with the second being 0.992km away. The importance of the second point is that cattle that would have entered Bisari in search of water no longer do thus mitigating intercommunal conflicts. The project's impact not only touched the lives of herders and farmers. With the equipped borehole, women in the community have seized the opportunity to venture into small-scale farming for horticulture. One woman highlighted the benefits, stating, "This Community Vegetable Garden not only provides us with fresh vegetables for our households but also serves as a source of income, food security, nutrition, empowering us economically." With these interventions in place, the once-divided communities are now united. Cattle owners can rest assured knowing their livestock's needs are met, while farmers tend to their fields without fear of intrusion. The intervention has alleviated both the immediate challenges and fostered solidarity and cooperation among community members. This intervention in Bisari Bajonki is just one of the many initiatives undertaken by the Peace Building Fund project across the country. Elsewhere, it is supporting communities in protecting their forests while also providing livelihood alternatives. Through these multifaceted efforts, the project aims to address various challenges faced by communities, promoting sustainability, harmony, and economic empowerment nationwide.
The Food and Agriculture of the United Nation (FAO)’s implemented Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP), has transformed lives in Juffureh, Niumi. This intervention included the provision of a milling machine which not only saved the women from the grueling task of pounding millet but has also become a lucrative source of income, benefiting nearby communities, and fostering economic growth.
In January, the AACCP project supported the community women with a milling machine, as the project aimed to eliminate the exhausting daily chore of pounding millet for porridge. Now, five months later, the machine has not only freed these women from the back-breaking work but has also turned into a significant source of income for the community.
Fatou Njie, a resident of Juffureh, recalls the drudgery before the machine arrived: “Before the machine arrived, pounding millet was back-breaking work. We spent hours each day, and it was exhausting. It affected our health and left us with little time for other activities.” The physical strain of pounding millet was a daily reality that took a toll on their health and well-being.
The arrival of the milling machine brought a wave of relief. Mariama Touray, another local woman, couldn’t hide her gratitude: “With the milking machine, our lives have changed for the better. We no longer suffer from the daily grind of pounding millet. Thanks to the FAO and the AACCP, we now have more time and energy for our families and other pursuits.” This new reality has not only improved their physical health but has also provided them with valuable time to engage in other important activities.
The economic benefits have been substantial. The machine they said, operates from morning until 1:00 AM, generating about 600 Dalasis daily. The community has wisely opened an account for the machine’s maintenance and has already saved 20,000 Dalasis. Lamin Janneh, a male member of the community involved in managing the project, highlighted the financial impact: “The milling machine has brought significant profits to our community. We have already saved a lot. This project has not only improved our livelihood but also taught us how to manage our resources effectively.”
Beyond the milling machine, AACCP's support extended further. The project also provided a power tiller, enhancing agricultural productivity. Additionally, a garden equipped with a borehole, chain links, and reservoirs was established, ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation and improving food security.
From the look of thinks, the FAO’s AACCP intervention in Juffureh has been a resounding success, transforming the lives of local women and the broader community and contributing towards alleviating poverty and physical labor.
The Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) was launched in 2018 at 6 Million 288, 356 Dalasis. The GEF-funded project implemented livestock and crop production programmes in over 25 communities in the North Bank Region, Central River Region North, and the Upper River Region North to promote sustainable and diversified livelihood strategies for reducing the impacts of climate variability and change. As the project ends in June 30th 2024, a lot of success has been documented
Following the launch of the AACCP project in 2018, communities and individuals were supported with 500 birds each as an alternative source of livelihood. Among the beneficiaries is Sheriff Cham, a middle-aged resident of Munyagen in Jokadu. Sheriff received 500 broilers, along with feed, equipment, and medication, in what could be described as a way of empowering him to support his family and community.
Sheriff Cham recalls the early days before the intervention: "Before the AACCP support, I was doing minimal jobs to make ends meet. It was a struggle to provide for my family." The introduction of the broilers was a turnaround for him. After each rearing cycle, he generated 200,000 Dalasis from sales, significantly boosting his daily sustenance.
Sheriff quickly understood the potential of this new venture. "After my first sale, I used the proceeds to restock my poultry with 500 birds again," he explains. Now, he has successfully restocked his poultry for the fifth time, showing the sustainability and profitability of the initiative.
Diversifying his income streams, Sheriff took advantage of the proceeds to invest in rams, particularly around the Tobaski feast. "Every Tobaski, I use the money from the broilers to buy and rear rams," he says. "This year, I have almost a dozen rams ready to be sold." Selling each ram for at least 17,000 Dalasis, Sheriff not only enhances his income but also provides an affordable option for his community during the feast.
The impact of the AACCP intervention covers several needs for the livestock farmer. Sheriff commends the FAO and the AACCP project for their support: "Thanks to the them, I can now take care of my children's needs and school expenses. This project has been a blessing for my family." The newfound stability has allowed him to save for the future, ensuring a more secure livelihood.
Sheriff's success manifests the power of targeted agricultural support. His booming poultry and ram business sustains his family and also benefits his community by making essential resources more accessible. "The business is doing well for me," Sheriff adds. "It makes it easy for people in my community to access rams for the feast at affordable prices."
The AACCP's intervention in Sheriff's life has created a ripple effect, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life in Munyagen. This story highlights the profound impact that well-planned agricultural projects can have on individual lives and communities.
The FAO's Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) has profoundly impacted the lives of women in Sara Kunda, NBR, by establishing a poultry and providing them with 500 birds. This intervention has improved their financial stability and enhanced the availability of protein in the community, significantly changing their livelihoods and promoting growth.
Located in the Sabach Sanjal constituency of the North Bank Region (NBR), the women led Tesito Kafo cooperative has experienced growth thanks to the project. Under the leadership of Aji Atta Njie, the president of the 90-member cooperative, these women received 500 birds as a seed, along with essential materials and feed, enabling them to start this poultry business.
Reflecting on the project's early days, Aji Atta Njie shares, "When we first started, we were just working from home. The support from the AACCP has been a success. After our first sale, we raised a significant amount of money, which allowed us to buy freezers to store our meat. This was just the beginning of our journey toward growth."
The impact of the AACCP intervention goes beyond mere financial gains. The initial proceeds were distributed among various women groups to buy groundnuts for processing and resale, further diversifying their income streams. Today, the cooperative is rearing layers and Blue Holland breeds, marking a significant step forward.
Kebba Ceesay, the senior livestock assistant in Sabach Sanjal, highlights the importance of this intervention: "Before this project, protein deficiency was a noticeable issue in the province. With the community now supported by 500 birds, the availability of protein and meat has significantly increased, benefiting the local people."
The cooperative's success has also had a ripple effect on the broader community. With layers producing three crates of eggs daily, sold at 250 Dalasis per crate, the availability of affordable protein has improved. Aji Atta Njie proudly notes, " This not only provides us with a steady income but also ensures that our community has access to fresh eggs."
The benefits of this intervention are felt widely. Fatou Bayo, a member of the cooperative, emphasizes the difference it has made: "Many people in our community couldn’t afford meat regularly. Now, with our poultry business, more families can access protein. It’s not just about income; it's about improving our community’s health."
For those who previously struggled to afford meat, the poultry project has been a blessing.
The women of Wassu have seen their lives changed profoundly thanks to the FAO's implemented Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP). The community now benefits from a well-equipped garden serving over 100 people. This five-hectare garden, fenced with a chain link, includes a multipurpose centre, a solar irrigation system, and 24 reservoirs. When we arrived, we found the women diligently weeding their crops, which were almost ready to flower, a testament to their dedication and the project's success.
This intervention has not only alleviated their daily struggles but also improved their livelihoods and ensured food security for their community, but in the past, the women faced immense challenges. They had to dig wells, which often failed to provide sufficient water for their vegetables.
The physical toll of drawing water left them exhausted, with little time for household chores or proper rest. "We barely slept or managed our homes because drawing water was so painful and time-consuming," recalls Fatou Ceesay, one of the garden's members. The arrival of the solar irrigation system has revolutionised their daily routine. "Now, with the reticulation system, watering our crops is easy and efficient. We are deeply grateful to FAO and AACCP for this intervention," Fatou adds.
The garden produces a variety of leafy vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, onion, and cabbage. Each woman contributes 100 Dalasis after every harvest, amounting to 200 Dalasis annually. "From each bed, we harvest two bags of onions. With 100 women each managing nine beds, the yield is substantial," explains Awa Jallow, another member of the cooperative. This systematic contribution has helped them save a significant amount of money, ensuring the garden's sustainability.
The project has also focused on diversifying agriculture in Wassu. The community received two power tillers, beehives for beekeeping, a cockerel exchange, a milling machine, livestock exchange, and seed supplies for the garden. These additions have not only generated income but also made protein more accessible to Wassu and surrounding areas. "The beekeeping initiative has provided us with quality honey, and the cockerel exchange has improved our poultry farming," says Mariama Bah. "This diversified approach ensures that we have multiple streams of income and resources."
Sustainability plans are firmly in place to keep the garden operational and prosperous. "We have saved up a substantial amount from our contributions and sales," notes Binta Drammeh. "This will ensure that we can maintain the garden and continue to support our families and community." The leadership training, compost making, and record-keeping skills provided by the project have empowered the women to manage the garden effectively and plan for the future.
The community has nothing but praise for the FAO and the AACCP. "This project has transformed our lives and our community," says Aji Njie, the garden's coordinator. "We can now provide for our families, improve our diets, and save for the future. The training and resources we have received are invaluable."
The women of Wassu have now overcome their previous hardships and have also created a thriving, self-sustaining agricultural hub that benefits everyone involved.
The people of Kwonkuba village in the Sandu District, Upper River Region, have spoke of the unprecedented transformations brought about by FAO's implemented Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) in their lives, noting the substantial income, enhancing food security, and improving health and livelihoods generated through diverse agricultural interventions at the community.
The community's gratitude towards FAO and AACCP is palpable. “We are grateful to FAO and AACCP for the intervention which brought stability and sustained income,” says Makaddy Touray, the assistant secretary. “In the past, we worked menial jobs for wealthier people just to get by. Now, we have our sources of income and can support our families better.”
The community was supported with 500 birds and other poultry products as a seed. In two years of this intervention, they have already made seven sales, generating an impressive 867,000 Dalasis cumulatively.
The impact of AACCP is visible everywhere in Kwonkuba. As we arrived, we found community members putting the finishing touches on various projects, including a borehole for cattle tracks. Despite the warm temperatures making it unwise to restock poultry, the community has effectively managed their resources, waiting for better weather to resume. The beehives they received from the project have thrived, producing 18 liters of honey in a recent harvest, all of which sold out quickly.
The garden, a focal point of the intervention, supports 358 people, many of whom are women. Each member maintains seven beds, cultivating a variety of crops. The last harvest saw remarkable yields: 10,488 kilograms of onions, 9,000 kilograms of bitter tomatoes, 6,600 kilograms of eggplants, 12,600 kilograms of cabbages, and significant quantities of hot peppers, okra, and green leaves. The garden includes 25 reticulation and solar irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water management and resource use.
Mambureh Touray, a gardener, highlights the difference the project has made: “We no longer dig wells thanks to the reticulation system. The proceeds from the garden help pay for our children’s school fees, uniforms, and medical bills. Our health has improved significantly because we have access to fresh, organic vegetables and protein from the poultry and honey.”
Sustainability is a key focus for the community. Each member contributes 500 Dalasis annually, accumulating 358,000 Dalasis in two years. This fund is used for maintenance, such as repairing the borehole, adding reticulation systems, and fixing leaking taps. They have also instituted laws to maintain order and harmony within the community, such as a 500 Dalasis penalty for quarrelling or fighting.
According to the community, the intervention has had a noticeable impact on their health. "Our health has improved, and fewer people need to visit the hospital," says Jalamang Touray, another gardener. "The malaria rate has dropped, and our market has expanded with more people coming to buy our produce."
The diversified agricultural system, which includes beekeeping, poultry farming, and gardening, has generated income and improved food security in Kwonkuba. “The training we received on food processing, honey and wax processing, and record-keeping has been invaluable,” explains Mariama Sowe. “We are now better equipped to manage our resources and sustain the project.”
The FAO and AACCP’s intervention in Kunkuba has ensured that these improvements are sustainable. The community remains grateful and committed to maintaining the gains achieved. “We thank FAO and AACCP for changing our lives,” says Makaddy. “We promise to sustain these interventions and continue to grow as a community.”
The community also received a fully functional milling machine to make it easy for women to process cereals.
In Nyakoi Kerewan, the FAO's Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) has revolutionised agricultural practices, enabling the community to generate substantial profits through year-round farming, ensuring long-term sustainability, and improving the quality of life for its residents. By introducing solar powered irrigation system and diversified agricultural practices, the project has empowered the community thereby significantly improving the livelihoods of its residents.
The garden, a key element of the AACCP, has become a hub for continuous agricultural activity. During the dry season, the women of Nyakoi Kerewan cultivate beds of onions, yielding impressive harvests. Last year, they produced 51 tons (51,975 kilograms) of onions, generating a significant 3 million 898,000 Dalasis in revenue. This year, the yield increased to 80 tons , bringing in an even more impressive 4 million Dalasis. The community also saw success with maize cultivation, harvesting 12 tons and generating 116,000 Dalasis from its sale.
"The profits from our harvests have been life-changing," says Fatoumata Kijera, a dedicated gardener. "We can now meet our daily needs, pay for school fees, and take care of personal expenses. The support from FAO and AACCP has been invaluable."
Infrastructure improvements have been crucial to this success. The garden features a 20-liter capacity water borehole and 25 reservoirs, each with a 5,000-liter capacity, resolving previous water shortages and ensuring efficient irrigation. According to Buba singateh, the Agricultural Extension Worker for Wuli West, "The garden has provided a new lease on life for the community. It offers a reliable source of income and has significantly enhanced our livelihoods."
The project’s reach includes beekeeping which provides the community with high-quality honey. Poultry farming and the milling machine have further diversified income sources, ensuring the community is not overly reliant on a single agricultural activity. The comprehensive support has enabled residents to better manage their resources and sustain their ventures.
"The benefits of the garden goes beyond income," remarks Mariama Fatty, another participant. "It has unified us, and we are all committed to making it a success. We no longer worry about water shortages, thanks to the borehole and reservoirs."
The future looks bright for Nyakoi Kerewan, with plans already in motion to cultivate an early maturing variety of maize for summer.
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The FAO's Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) has significantly transformed the lives of the people of Nyakoi Kerewan and Kiriwa, empowering them through a diversified agricultural system that has enhanced their incomes, food security, and overall quality of life.
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In the vibrant communities of Nyakoi Kerewan and Kiriwa, the FAO's Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) has ushered in a new era of prosperity and stability. By introducing a diversified agricultural system that includes a productive garden, beekeeping, poultry farming, and a milling machine, AACCP has created substantial economic opportunities, particularly for women.
The garden, a cornerstone of this initiative, has become a hive of year-round farming activity. During the dry season, the women cultivate beds of onions, yielding impressive harvests. Last year, they produced 51 tons of onions, generating a substantial 4 million Dalasis. This year, the yield increased to 80 tons (8,000 kilograms), bringing in an even more impressive 4 million Dalasis. The community also saw success with maize cultivation, harvesting 12 tons and generating 116,000 Dalasis from its sale.
"This project has been a lifesaver," shared Fatoumata Jallow, one of the women involved in the garden. "The income we generate helps us address our daily needs, pay school fees, take care of personal expenses, and support our male partners. We are incredibly grateful to the FAO and AACCP for this opportunity."
The infrastructure improvements have been pivotal. The garden features a 20-liter capacity water borehole and 25 reservoirs, each with a 5,000-liter capacity, resolving previous water shortages and ensuring efficient irrigation. Buba Singateh, the Agricultural Extension Worker for Woody West, notes the broader impact: "The garden has brought a new lease on life for the community. It provides an alternative source of income and has significantly improved our livelihoods."
The project’s reach extends beyond the garden. Beekeeping has flourished, providing the community with high-quality honey. Poultry farming and the milling machine have further diversified income sources, ensuring the community is not overly reliant on a single agricultural activity. The comprehensive support has enabled residents to better manage their resources and sustain their ventures.
"The benefits of the garden extend beyond income," remarks Mariama Sowe, another participant. "It has created a sense of unity among us, and we are all committed to making it a success. We no longer worry about water shortages, thanks to the borehole and reservoirs."
Plans for the future are already in motion, with the community preparing to cultivate an early maturing variety of maize for the summer. This proactive approach ensures a continuous supply of crops and income, reinforcing the community’s resilience and forward-thinking mindset.
"Our health has also improved significantly," adds Awa Camara. "We have access to fresh, organic vegetables and protein from the poultry and honey. The number of people visiting the hospital has decreased, and our overall well-being has improved."
The gratitude towards FAO and AACCP is palpable. "We cannot thank the FAO and AACCP enough," says Alieu Bah, a local farmer. "These interventions have changed our lives. We can now provide for our families, improve our health, and invest in our future. The skills and resources we have received are invaluable."
Overall, the AACCP's intervention in Nyakoi Kerewan and Kiriwa stands as a testament to the transformative power of targeted agricultural support. The combination of diverse agricultural activities, effective infrastructure, and comprehensive training has created thriving, self-sustaining communities. The people of Nyakoi Kerewan and Kiriwa are now better equipped to face the future with confidence and optimism, thanks to the life-changing impact of the AACCP.
UK DEFRA and FAO mainstream advances in Animal Health: EMA-i training's tangible impact months later
Months after introducing the Event Mobile Application (EMA-i) Tool supported by the United Kingdom’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Project and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the veterinary community in The Gambia is experiencing substantial improvements in animal health surveillance and disease control. According to veterinary officials and practitioners, the introduction of the EMA-i Tool has revolutionized reporting mechanisms and provides significant advantages over the previously used Kobo Surveillance Tool.
Isatou Savage, Regional Director at the Brikama Veterinary Centre, shared her positive experiences with the EMA-i Tool. "The user-friendly nature of EMA-i App is far better than the old Kobo system we used to rely on. In just a month, we received 27,000 reports from our 17 field staff using the EMA-I Tool, compared to only 210 reports with Kobo. This dramatic increase in data has enhanced our ability to monitor and respond to animal health issues swiftly," Savage explained.
The EMA-i Tool's effectiveness has improved data collection and facilitated better disease management. Savage added, "We conducted Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) sensitizations in schools, educating pupils on the importance of avoiding contact with dead wild birds. This proactive approach is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases."
However, Savage highlighted the need for continuous training. "While the tool is excellent, our staff require more refresher courses to fully master its capabilities."
Dr. Ousman Ceesay, Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), emphasized the project's broader impact. "The EMA-i training has equipped our personnel to report in real-time animal health events, which is essential for timely interventions. The project has strengthened our animal health service delivery system and provided a One-Health Approach," he noted.
Ceesay also pointed out the crucial role of FAO collaboration during the HPAI outbreak among wild birds in 2023. "We got help to contain the disease by developing a national contingency plan, supplying laboratory consumables, and building farmers' capacities in biosecurity," he said.
At the Chemical Veterinary Clinic, significant advancements and improvements have been observed, according to officials at the clinic. Following a discussion with DLS officials, the DEFRA visiting team conveyed their impressions, quoting Sharron Nestor, "The impact of the tool has been profound, it is there for all to see, and it has led to noticeable enhancements in operations."
The introduction of EMA-I Tool through FAO’s facilitation and the valuable DEFRA support is a testament to the importance of digital technological advancements in improving veterinary services. With ongoing support and further training, The Gambia's Veterinary Sector is poised for continuing progress in Animal Health Management.
The first EMA-i Tool training was held in November 2023 and was followed by a step-down training in February 2024 for 50 veterinarians and para-veterinarians, to facilitate real-time disease reporting and to improve the quality and access to reports.
Access to income and protein in rural Gambia grows as beneficiaries in Sare Birom gain healthier diets
Sare Birom a remote community in Niumi North Bank Region practices rainfed crop farming. Like other hard-to-reach rural communities, Sare Birom is also bereft of basic but essential services making it difficult for the inhabitants to have improved living conditions during the dry season. However, in search of means of livelihood to sustain themselves during this period, the village women mobilized themselves and started a garden with the hope of generating income for a better life.
They teamed up to dig wells measuring up to 18 meters deep for irrigation, only to be dismayed at poor yields due to the erratic nature of the groundwater levels. It was not until the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) intervened with a poultry farm as a climate change adaptation measure to diversify their means of livelihood, that the community experienced a watershed moment.
“This farm is transforming our lives daily; our members are fully and productively engaged, and our living conditions have improved.” Fatoumatta Sowe, the leader of the women’s group explained.
The women’s group called “Wellingara Association” were given day-old chicks as seed capital to run a poultry farm some months ago with the expectation that they will sell the birds when they mature and plow back the proceeds to sustain the much-needed intervention. In search of clues on how FAO’s AACCP is changing lives in rural Gambia, FAO visited the community and noticed good progress.
We found women beaming with smiles perhaps to the inspiring success they registered at the farm. Already, they have raised 100,000 GMD, from the first batch of birds they received as seed capital some months ago and have already restocked the poultry with 600 birds, from the proceeds of the initial sale. “This is our first breakthrough some of the birds bought are already mature for the market, and customers such as lodge owners and restaurateurs within the region, as well as people from nearby communities, have started to make bookings thus far, we also have a customer comes from Serrekunda to buy 250 birds.”
This confirms the growing sales and returns to profitability at the farm, likewise, the improved economic situation of these women could not have raised such income in their gardens in a short period, due to irregular water supply.
“In the past, we used to travel long distances to buy chicken legs, especially during Ramadan, sometimes our meat will defrost and get spoiled before we reach home because the money, we spend on it is huge we sometimes cook and consume some and end up experiencing gastrointestinal infectious diseases. Today, thanks to the AACCP project, we can buy as many portions of meat as we can afford.” Said Jainaba Bah, one of the farmers.
Pateh Jawo, a livestock officer in Kerewan discussed the economic gains of poultry farming in NBR which he said is gaining momentum. “Poultry farms sell birds for 300GMD each, if you multiply that by 500, you will notice the huge profit a farmer can make from poultry farming, thanks to projects like AACCP, many livelihoods have changed.”
If what Pateh and the women poultry farmers said is anything to go by, a brighter prognosis and a better life, and a healthy rural population is guaranteed.
Reaping the rewards of Agriculture Investment, better productivity, improving lives
There are positive trends and signs of addressing malnutrition at GEF-funded Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) intervention areas in the Gambia.
From the North Bank Region to the Upper River Region, heart-to-heart testimonies from poultry farms and community gardens attest to FAO’s support in producing various nutritious products for the benefit of households.
FAO visited other communities, Kwonkuba; FAO’s support is evident and confirmed by community members.
“Thanks to FAO Gambia, we have a road that makes it easy for the community ambulance to transport patients to the nearest referral health facility, they also supported us with milling machines, power tillers, and other farm implements.” a happy Jalamang Touray disclosed.
The village is also home to an AACCP-supported Poultry Farm which generates income and protein for the beneficiaries. The farm is integrated with a Vegetable Garden supplying it with compost manure to ensure the healthy growth of vegetables. The garden benefits 358 people most of whom are women. Each member 500 Dalasis to the village account every year contributing to a working capital amount of 179,000 Dalasis.
The amount raised and any profits derived are used for the development of the village including investing in the community garden. “The project gave us a solid chain-link fence, a borehole, a solar and reticulation systems, however due to the size of the garden and the number of people working here, we also took it upon ourselves to erect additional reticulation systems, to provide easy access to water in other parts of the garden.”
The community efforts confirm the commitment to taking ownership of every support they receive; the evidence is in the amount of over 20 million GMD generated in the 2022 harvest.
“Last year, we generated about 12.5 million GMD from bitter tomato sales, 2.5 million GMD from onion sales, and 5.1 million from the sale of mint cumulatively from the garden.”
Speaking to other beneficiaries at the garden about the project, one senses a heartwarming feeling of gratitude and contentment in them. They are pleased with the numerous benefits these projects brought to them, with a promise of growth.
“We are lost for words, FAO changed the way we grow our crops, they taught us how to preserve compost manure and its use on our vegetables. This improved our yield and customer base because many people from other places prefer to buy from us, our produce is organic, and can be credited for the huge profit we all generate from the garden.” Tamara Tambajang one of the gardeners said.
The number of harvests and record sales at the visited AACCP-supported sites are memorable, relatable, and inspiring success stories, not to mention their sustenance, it speaks to better production, a better environment, and a better life. However, more needs to be done to support the committed farmers.
marketing their produce.
Gambian pearl millet growers discuss its huge monetary and nutritional benefits.
When other crops fail, pearl millet is the one cash crop that farmer folk in the Gambia can rely on for their needs. The cereal is drought tolerant.
pearl millet may not be an export product, it contributes to eradicating hunger and poverty among rural dwellers. The cereal is usually grown after the first rains around July when farmers would have cleared and ploughed their fields.
It goes through a unique process from the farm to the fork. During harvest, the stalks are cut-off from plants using knives and are placed in piles before they are tied into bundles with tree-bark ropes to ensure easy transportation to a storage site. Several weeks later, farmers especially women would then remove the bundles from the store to extract seeds from stalks and hulls through threshing and winnowing.
It is no easy feat. This drudgery may be very itchy, nonetheless, some women seem to enjoy it, and they even entertain themselves while in the process.
After the seeds are extracted from stalks and hulls, they are later sorted from the light dust produced during the first and second stages, they are then dried and crushed into flour. This process is mostly done by a milling machine or a mortar and a pestle. Once the flour is produced, it can be used to make palatable delicacies like porridge.
The celebration of the 2023 as the United Nations’ International Year of Millets could not have come at a better time for one of the Gambia’s Chiefs. For a man who holds the title of longest-serving Chief in the history of The Gambia, there is perhaps no better person to explain the benefits of millet growing to Gambian farmers.
“Millets provide a livelihood for us in forest-degraded communities. Last year I produced approximately 300 bags of pearl millet from my six hectares of farm.”
With just a horse, the local seed grower and octogenarian farmer who himself has been cultivating millet for more than four decades said he was able to perform the Hajj in Mecca, build his home, buy cattle, and pay his children’s tuition fees from the proceeds of his millet and groundnut farms.
In Boiram Central River Region South, millet is grown by almost every household, it is a staple food. “We prepare millet dishes for dinner for the elderly, and patients with non-communicable diseases. Our pregnant women, lactating mothers, and infants also consume porridge as nutritional supplements, due to lack of access to modern milk supplements.” Awa Jagne a housewife in Boiram narrated.
The nutritional value of millet is immense, it serves as a good source of protein. “Millets can provide essential vitamins and minerals for children’s growth and can control blood sugar levels among pregnant women.” Malang Fofana, Deputy Executive Director of the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) highlighted.
The Gambia’s millet production plummeted in recent years, in 2021, 36,000 tonnes were produced, showing a decline of 13,000 tonnes compared to the 2020 figures published by Knoema Corporation. More needs to be done to support the farming community by noting the nutritional value of pearl millet. As a drought tolerant crop, it is suited for the uncertainties imposed by climate change thus securing household food and nutrition security notwithstanding economic benefits for subsistence farmers.
FAO Gambia transforms a seasonal farming village into a prominent modern year-round pepper farming community.
The story of Gui Jahanka is very exciting to tell. The remote village which due to its topographical location only relied on rain to grow field crops in the past now finds itself among very prominent names on FAO Gambia’s list of success stories. Gui Jahanka was supported by FAO through projects like the Agriculture for Economic Growth Project (AfEG) to become a model in vegetable production.
FAO expanded Gui Jahanka’s community garden and modernized it with a chain-linked fence, a borehole with a 20,000-litter elevated tank, an effective solar, and a reticulated system. The community also received additional agricultural inputs such as improved seeds from FAO, as further support to ensure farm productivity and profitability, especially for women farmers. After having received this support, the community then drew inspiration from the “One Community one Product initiative,” and grew pepper on a large scale during the dry season, to begin what would later become a highly profitable venture.
To further ensure that Gui Jahanka’s economic activities continue unabated, FAO through AfEG later provided the community with crop production knowledge, by deploying two young Gambia Songhai Initiative graduates who during their year-long assignment at the vegetable garden in 2022, imparted gainful new farming methods, including organic vegetable production, managing organic systems, and appropriate vegetable spacing for a better environment and better production.
“During our first season, we were able to convince farmers to create space between their peppers to ensure better yields, the community also increased their production to 590 beds which later grew to 662 by the time we departed the village.” Mamadou Dem, one of the crop production assistants explained.
Today, not only has Gui Jahanka departed from seasonal farming to year-round farming, but it is also a major supplier of pepper in the region. Out of the 662 beds, they make every season, a good chunk of them is set aside for pepper growing whilst the rest can be used to cultivate salad, onions, and tomatoes.
“Yields and economic activities in the village suddenly improved, whilst women farmers’ income increased as a result of FAO’s intervention.”
“FAO changed our lives; they have made farming look very easy and profitable for us. Today we can proudly say that we can take care of our needs now without having to rely on our husbands.” Salla Bah, the lady president of the community Garden said.
FAO’s intervention in Gui Jahanka is an example of its firm commitment to reducing rural poverty and making agriculture more inclusive, sustainable, and productive. It is also doing the same in several other rural communities by helping them to increase their yields and income and adapt to climate change.
FAO FTT-Thiaroye Ovens produce wholesome smoked fish for local and international markets- beneficiaries
The Food and Agriculture Organization’s newly introduced FTT- Thiaroye Ovens are changing the narrative in The Gambia’s fisheries sector. The ovens are producing wholesome fish for the local and international markets, essentially generating more revenue for women fish vendors, saving time, and improving their health beneficiaries say.
Introduced in The Gambia in 2021 as a simple but efficient alternative to the old and traditional fish smoking, the FTT-Thiaroye ovens were first piloted at the coastal settlement of Gunjur Southern Gambia, where close to 30 participants from fish landing sites were trained on the use of this technology.
“We were trained on handling, hazards, health, and smoking of fish when using the FTT ovens. From the training, some of us were sent to Ghana, to undergo an advanced course on the use of this technology.” Said Isatou Bajan Bojang, a beneficiary who is now identified as a trainer.
The women in Gunjur started using the smokehouses after the training and have attested to the huge benefits brought about by the FTTs.
“Most of our colleagues abandoned fish smoking because they almost became visually impaired whilst others suffer heart and lung diseases due to plumes of smoke discharged from the traditional smokehouses, this smoke is mostly generated from foreign and dirty materials we used to smoke fish, today our health improved, because the FTTs emit less or no smoke.” Jainaba Janneh A native of Gunjur posited.
Jaiaba Janneh counts herself lucky to benefit from this latest technology for she no longer needs to worry about smoke anymore, with the FTT-Thiaroye ovens a healthier work environment is guaranteed.
“We don’t need to be far from the smokehouse when the process is ongoing for fear of inhaling smoke, we stay close to the ovens and won’t be bothered by smoke. The FTTs are very economical, they take less firewood, charcoal and can smoke and dry fish in a day as opposed to the old process which takes three days.”
From the look of things, the Impact of the FTTs in Gunjur is already immense, according to the women, the new technology did not only improve their health, but it also improves their income as it produces very wholesome fish.
“In the past when we export smoked fish it is normally rejected due to high concentrations of smoke in them, but since we started using the FTT ovens all our exports are accepted, we are happy that this improved our economic situation.” Musukuta Darboe another excited fish smoker explained.
The FAO-Thiaroye Technique (FTT) a new fish smoking technology pioneered by FAO and has the potential to greatly enhance fish operators’ livelihoods. After Gunjur, the technology was recently introduced at the Brufut and Tanji fish landing sites and are set to benefit dozens of women in these coastal settlements. Already the beneficiaries have concluded trainings on the use of the smokehouses and are already excited about them.
FAO’s AfEG enhances better life in rural Gambia- (Case of Jolie, Kiang West, Lower River Region)
Meet Jainaba Manneh, a 37-year-old farmer from the far-flung community of Jolie, Kiang West, Lower River Region. Her life has changed for the better, thanks to the intervention of the European Union-funded Agriculture for Economic Growth (AfEG) Project of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Jainaba is a mother of seven and the bread winner of her family; she channeled her passion into farming to provide for her family. Jainaba cultivates 10-15 beds (10 m x 1 m) each year to produce vegetables such as bitter tomatoes, onions, and cabbage in an FAO supported Vegetable Garden
“Gardening is what takes care of my family’s needs. I have children some of whom are in school, going, I must work to pay the bills and place food on the table.”
The 37-year-old has been a gardener all her life, she described horticulture as a satisfying labor with a decent profit margin. However, this labor though satisfying has not been all smooth sailing, she took time to recollect the day-to-day drudgery of work she and her colleague gardeners in a scarcely populated village, undergo before and after they harvest their vegetables.
“Access to the garden, water and a good road to transport produce to the highway were a major problem; we paid men to dig wells but drawing water from these wells was a daunting task, we hardly could do our house chores or sleep when we get back home due to the pain and fatigue. Nonetheless, we wake up at dawn each day to head back to the garden, left with time to be with our families.”
Joli is 6.3 kilometers away from Kiang Manduar, a village where commercial vehicles and middlemen and women traders are. Joli is not accessible to traders due to poor road conditions.
“The only way we could sell our vegetables is by taking the risks of waking up as early as 03:00 am to join the only vehicle that goes from Joilie to Manduar each day, sometimes one walks through forested and woody areas just to get to traders in Manduar, thus most leafy vegetables get spoiled especially during warm weather, affecting our financial income.” 37-year-old Jainaba narrated.
To contribute to better life change for people in Jolie, the AfEG Project of FAO fenced a 5-hectare land area, outside the community for vegetable production. The Garden is provided with solar irrigation systems (overhead tank and reticulation) and a feeder road linking the community garden to Manduar. Jainaba. The entire community members are relieved for having this support.
“Ice trucks selling fish can now reach Jolie, this was impossible five months ago. Vegetable yields increased because stray animals can no longer access the crops, and traders can now buy harvested vegetables in the community, this has reduced post-harvest losses.”
Jainaba commended FAO for taking the project to them, noting that the lives of people in Jolie would have been worst, due to the current economic situation country is grappling with.
“As a breadwinner, this means a lot, today I can provide enough for my family thanks to this project”.
AfEG, an FAO European Union-funded Project is implemented in the North Bank, Lower River, Central, and Upper River Regions to address food insecurity and malnutrition through interventions that facilitates better production and a better life. One of these interventions is building feeder roads for 11 communities, to enhance access to markets, especially for women.
Jainaba told a compelling story of how a rural woman’s life was changed after years of hardships. She remains grateful to the project for giving her a new lease of life.
Gambian Farmers Laud Agroforestry’s Potential to Improve livelihood
Gambian Farmers Laud Agroforestry’s Potential to Improve livelihood
In a small village of Aljamdou in the North Bank Region of the Gambia, crop fields look slightly unusual with different shades of colour and vegetation. However, a closer look reveals that the farms are dotted with trees integrated and grown with crops. At first glance, it might look odd, but this practice can potentially improve livelihoods, economic viability and agricultural production significantly.
Known as “Agroforestry”, the practice involves integrating trees or shrubs with annual or perennial crops or livestock on the same land, usually at the same time and complementing each other. Through a project supported by the Global Environment Facility called the “Community-based sustainable dryland forest management project,” FAO has assisted in the introduction of tree plantation on over 329 hectares of farmland in the Gambia in the past 3 years. Results from some farms are encouraging, with reasonable seeding survival rates and many farmers already reporting potential contribution of the practice to increase crop yields, even though agroforestry has just been adopted as part of their farming systems.
“We had no idea that planting trees and crops together was beneficial,” says Bukary Manneh, the village headman of Demba Wondu community in the Upper River Region, where over 50 households are benefiting from agroforestry. “Trees that we have planted add nutrition to the farm and protect our fields from erosion while improving our productivity. We are grateful for this help”.
Trees in the fields can be helpful for the growing crops beneath as they can improve soil fertility through the litter that falls from the trees and ultimately decompose in the soil. In addition, farmers can also use the trees for livestock feed, timber, fuelwood and other medicinal purposes. At the same time, the presence of trees can also control and protect the crops from wind and water erosion. The principle behind agroforestry is that it uses the complementary relationship between trees and crops so that they can help each other.
“We used to spend a lot of money to buy fertilizers for our fields, but something is interesting in the idea that trees can serve as fertilizers,” Bunana Hydara, a farmer in the village, said. “Since we planted trees and integrated them into our fields, we have saved money while protecting our farms from erosion”.
Agroforestry is known to enhance the value of agro-ecosystems as the practice can help in carbon storage while mitigating the adverse effects of deforestation and land degradation. It can also help in water purification, erosion control and soil improvement. In general, agroforestry can make agricultural lands more resilient to climate change and help farmers withstand events such as floods, heavy winds and drought. FAO has supplied mostly Leucaena lecocephala, Cassia siamea, Gliricidia sepium, Moringa oleifera and Faidherbia albida trees as they usually add more nutrients to the field and protect them against erosion.
The project started supporting agroforestry practice on a large scale in 2019 through sensitization, identification of farmers interested in agroforestry trials, capacity-building support and the supply of seedlings and planting on farms. The project targets to put 500 hectares of farmland in the Gambia under agroforestry practice with the involvement of over 400 households before it phases out.
No ordinary irrigation in the Gambia
No ordinary irrigation in the Gambia
Innovative solar-powered technologies are securing access to water for rural communities
Across many parts of rural Gambia, women farmers often start their days before dawn to ensure that they have enough water to irrigate their gardens and to cook, clean and bathe at home.
“Some of us would wake up as early as 3.00 a.m. to 4.00 a.m. just to get water. Hyenas attacked us on three different occasions,” said Salla Bah, a vegetable farmer in the Central River Region in the north of the Gambia. “We had to endure all these challenges to be able to water our crops and find time for chores at home.”
Like most residents in her village, Salla depends on one of three deep water wells in her village. You can never be too early, and arriving at the wrong time could cost you an entire morning and the day’s wages. The vegetable farms are vital sources of income, allowing the community members to support their households with food and income.
Read More: https://www.fao.org/fao-stories/article/en/c/1542923/
No sweeter business
No sweeter business
Embracing beekeeping as a livelihood in the Gambia’s dryland forests
They are dotted with riverine vegetation, palm and hardwood trees. They are speckled with salt flats, savanna and mangrove creeks. At the first glance, the forests and the woodlands of the Gambia, tinged in different shades of green, look menacing and breathtaking in equal measure.
Adorned with an array of prominent baobabs, striking silk-cotton trees and jades of mangrove forests found both far inland and along the humid banks of the river Gambia, the country holds 480 000 hectares of forests with unseen promise.
Read more: https://www.fao.org/fao-stories/article/en/c/1500032/
FAO-Supported Vegetable Garden is an Answered Prayer for the Community
FAO-Supported Vegetable Garden is an Answered Prayer for the Community
“FAO brought to us something we’ve wanted since 1992 and we will forever remain grateful”– Mba Kumba Touray
Kuwonkuba is a village in the Missira Ward of Sandu District in the Upper River Region of The Gambia. The community of Kuwonkuba is one of ten communities that has benefitted from a five hectares garden established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).
Jalamang Touray, the Secretary of the Garden Committee, is among many beneficiaries who feel that the establishment of the garden is an answer to a prayer they have been making for a long time. He recollects how it all began in 1992 when on a fine day he was sitting with his friends under a tree shade brewing Ataya (Gambian tea), they saw some women from a neighbouring village selling onions to the women of that village.
However, instead of trading money for the onions, the women sellers demanded groundnuts. The men knew this was unfair trade but could do little about it, as the women in his village, deprived of onions, needed them to cook their meals. “It was then that we decided to come together to help the women from our village have their own vegetable garden” Jalamang recalls.
To create a garden for its women, the community erected a fence from local materials and dug wells through personal labour and funds mobilized from members. Later, an NGO assisted with barbed wire fencing and a number of concrete lined wells. The community though determined to produce vegetables had limited knowledge of vegetable production. With no standard beds, frequent flooding of the garden and animal invasion was the order of the day until FAO intervened in 2018 to set up the AACCP garden.
Jalamang claims that there has been a noticeable improvement in the lives and welfare of people in the community since the establishment of the AACCP garden in their village in 2019. He noted that the project while improving the garden has also facilitated training on good horticultural practices and cooperative management. He added that the project has facilitated the training of three of their members as Farmer Field School (FFS) facilitators and they have played instrumental roles in providing good guidance and advice on smart agriculture.
The Garden now has 352 members, seven of whom are males. Each member has six beds on which they cultivate. The vegetables they cultivate include onions, tomatoes, garden eggs, bitter tomatoes, cabbages, okra, lettuce and potatoes.
“We are so grateful to FAO because we now produce our vegetables and eat healthy diets. We also make income by selling the excess vegetables.” Mba Kumba Touray President of the Garden Committee said. “While the health and economic benefits the garden has provided are for anyone to see, the garden has also created a greater sense of unity and a strong family-like bond within the community,” she said adding:
“FAO brought to us something we’ve wanted since 1992 and we will forever remain grateful for this AACCP-funded garden.”
Best Practices and long-range plan
According to Jalamang, the garden committee has created rules to help ensure good management of the garden for sustainability. Only organic manure is allowed in the garden. The FFS facilitators are always available to help make organic composts. Providing statistics on the amount of organic manure used in the garden, Jalamang explained each bed takes up 60 kg of organic manure. That, multiplied by the total number of 2,112 beds amounts to almost 127 metric tonnes of organic manure usage in the entire garden.
To ensure the sustainability of the garden after the project ends, Jalamang said that each member of the garden contributes GMD 30 every three months, which the group saves into a bank account they have opened. He also added that those who violate garden rules must pay a fine and all these funds go into the same account, which forms a sort of emergency reserve fund. These funds are used when contingencies emerge needing finance. They are encouraging more young people to join the garden so that they can also nurture a culture of gardening in their daily practice.
Eat what you grow, and grow what you eat!
The community of Kuwonkuba has developed a policy of “Eat what you grow and grow what you eat” and are optimistic that with the necessary help, they will realize this goal. Community members have noted that while they continue achieving required production targets in six beds, they are ready for expansion so that they can cultivate more. Apart from vegetable production, community members are also engaged in small ruminant and honey production.