By Assan Bah
GAM United Breeders Association (GUBA) commenced the first edition of the International Livestock Exhibition at the GCCI Trade Fair grounds in Brusubi, last Friday, February 14, 2025.
The ten-day event, according to the organizers, aims to promote livestock breeding in the Gambia by showcasing the different breeds of the country.
Speaking to journalists during the event on Friday, Mustapha John, President of the GAM United Breeders Association said the idea is to promote livestock as part of agriculture, which is a crucial sector of the economy.
According to Mr. John, most of the participants are young entrepreneurs and breeders engaged in the feeding or catering industry and in selling other merchandise. He said the breeders have showcased sheep breeds called ‘‘Ladoum’’ together with some rabbits and chickens.
“We have the ‘ladoum’ breed which is very unique and we want the public to be aware of it because it can be a breed that can enhance the livestock sector. At six months old, this breed can give tender and softer meat and it can also be used to cross-breed with other sheep breeds, to enhance growth and ensure an improved quality and quantity of meat for the people,’’ Mr. John said.
The exhibition is also expected to receive guest participants from Mauritania, Italy, Turkey, Austria, and Senegal to grace the occasion. Mr. John called for more government support in acquiring pasture farms because of the high cost of feeding ruminants.
This, he said, is a major challenge for livestock breeders.
According to Mr. John, they import livestock feed from Senegal including both transportation and other costs and urged the government to provide them with grazing land where they can grow nutritious grass and other cereals that the country’s livestock can feed on. He also said that a factory that can produce feed for livestock will obviously reduce the import of feed from other countries. He equally called for an improvement in the health care sector for livestock.
“We need qualified young Gambians in the veterinary sector to ensure that our request for medicines and other demands are addressed,” he said.
Famara Colley, GUBA’s Vice President said: “As an organization, we feel that it is key in our economy to highlight and promote livestock in the country. Livestock plays a key role in our social events such as the Tobaski feast, naming ceremonies, funerals, etc. As a country, the consistency of reducing the importation of livestock from other countries cannot be mitigated without the intervention of the private sector.”
Mrs Ellen Baldeh Saho, a female breeder called on her fellow women to venture into livestock breeding which she said is the same as any other business.
