By Kebba AF Touray
A new wave of opportunity is taking root in The Gambia’s agricultural sector as ActionAid International, The Gambia, through its SAPOF Project and with funding from the European Union, trains farmers and agripreneurs on market linkages for organic fertiliser production and sales.
As The Gambia strives toward climate resilience and food sovereignty, initiatives like the SAPOF Project serve as vital steps toward creating a green and inclusive agricultural economy—one where farmers, women, and youth are not just producers but key players in shaping the nation’s sustainable future.
The training, held under the Strengthening CSO Support and Advocacy for Sustainable Production and Use of Organic Fertiliser in The Gambia (SAPOF) Project, aimed to strengthen the connection between farmers, private businesses, transporters, and raw material producers to build a viable market system that supports the production, distribution, and use of organic fertiliser nationwide.
According to Saikou F. Bah, Project Manager of the SAPOF Project under ActionAid International, The Gambia, the initiative goes beyond simply promoting composting; it seeks to transform organic fertiliser into a profitable and sustainable enterprise.
“We realised that while compost chambers are being built in many communities, the real impact comes when farmers approach organic fertiliser with a business mindset,” Bah explained. He added that this training is about “linking farmers with private sector actors to create a sustainable market system that benefits everyone, producers, sellers, and users alike.”
Currently, the use of organic fertiliser in The Gambia remains limited, despite growing awareness of its benefits. The session, facilitated by Help Desk, an organisation specialising in market linkages, introduced innovative ways for farmers to reach buyers, including using WhatsApp groups and online platforms to share market information, advertise products, and connect directly with customers.
“Organic fertiliser is cheaper, improves soil fertility, and protects the environment. It also helps retain capital within the country instead of spending on imported chemical fertilisers,” Bah noted. “We are encouraging local businesses to invest and for the government to support this shift by subsidising local organic fertiliser production.”
Farmers Welcome the Change
Participants, many of whom are smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs, expressed optimism about the opportunities the training has created. Alfu M. Sarr, Founder and Company Secretary of Sarr Green Hectares Gambia Limited, said the forum provided valuable insights and networking opportunities that will enhance his company’s operations. “This training has opened new doors for collaboration. Organic fertiliser is not only more affordable but also safer for our health and the environment. Unlike chemical fertilisers, which can lead to long-term health problems like hypertension and diabetes, organic options promote sustainability and wellbeing,” he said.
Sarr further noted that embracing organic farming can help reduce production costs, attract more customers during peak seasons, and support community-based producers.
From the Central River Region North, Mbombe Ceesay, a woman gardener from Panchang, described the forum as an eye-opener for women in agriculture. “In our garden in Panchang, we only use organic fertiliser because it’s affordable and healthier,” she said. She added, “Most of us were trained by ActionAid on how to produce it. What we need now is more support in marketing our products and increasing production for commercial purposes.”
Bah concluded, “This is not just about farming. It’s about building a greener economy that empowers people, protects our environment, and ensures that development remains in the hands of Gambians.”
A Call for Policy Support
The forum concluded with a collective call for greater government engagement and policy support to scale up the production and use of organic fertiliser across the country. Participants explored how digital tools can help overcome logistical challenges and improve access to organic fertiliser across regions. Bah added that increased adoption of organic fertiliser could bring multiple gains for the country’s economy and environment.
Participants emphasised that providing alternatives to chemical fertilisers and investing in local production would not only support farmers but also conserve foreign exchange and promote sustainable growth.
