By Madiba Singhateh and Louise Jobe
The National Beekeepers Association of The Gambia (NBAG) on Tuesday, 20th May 2025, joined the global community in commemorating International Bee Day with an event held in Brikama. This year’s theme was: “Be Aware of the Importance to Protect Bees and Other Pollinators for Their Contribution to Eliminating Hunger in Developing Countries, Halting Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Degradation.”
The event, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Forest Farm Facility, focused on promoting sustainable forest and farm food systems, with beekeeping at the heart of rural development, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood creation.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor of the West Coast Region, Babba Galeh Jallow, highlighted the importance of the occasion.
“Today, 20th May 2025, we join the world in celebrating World Bee Day—a moment to honor the vital role of bees and other pollinators in sustaining biodiversity, food security, and rural livelihoods,” he said.
Jallow praised NBAG for leading sustainable beekeeping efforts in the country, noting its reach across more than 30 organizations and hundreds of individual members. He said the association continues to empower communities through training in modern agricultural practices, business management, and ethical honey production.
“Beekeeping in The Gambia is more than just a livelihood. It is a tool for environmental stewardship,” he said, adding that NBAG’s youth and women-focused training programs have enabled participants to create value-added products like beeswax soap and ointments, contributing to entrepreneurship and community development.
Also addressing the gathering was FAO Country Representative Shibu Rampedi, who called for renewed commitment to the protection of bees and other pollinators.
“Since 2018, we’ve marked this day, thanks to the Government of Slovenia’s efforts that led the UN General Assembly to declare May 20 as World Bee Day,” Rampedi noted.
She emphasized that this year’s theme, “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All,” underscores the critical role of bees in agri-food systems and planetary health. Rampedi warned that pollinators face increasing threats from habitat loss, climate change, unsustainable farming, and pollution.
“Bees pollinate over 75% of the world’s food crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Their decline poses a serious threat to food production, particularly for rural communities,” she said.
Addressing young graduates of NBAG’s training programs, Rampedi said, “You are the defenders of biodiversity, the new voice of sustainable agriculture, and custodians of a better future.”
She expressed gratitude to the Government of The Gambia, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR), and civil society for their support in preserving pollinators and forests.
Musa Gibba, President of NBAG, thanked their partners and donors for their continuous support. He expressed hope that the annual celebration of World Bee Day would grow stronger in The Gambia each year.
As part of the day’s events, NBAG awarded certificates to graduates of a beekeeping training program, which included hands-on sessions on making Kenyan-style beehives. The event concluded with a symbolic march-past from Brikama FM to the Brikama mini-stadium, attracting local residents, stakeholders, and youth participants.
