By Nelson Manneh
The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) in The Gambia received a specialized drone from South Carolina State University (SCSU) on Monday, a donation aimed at enhancing agricultural research and addressing food insecurity across the West African nation. The presentation, held at NARI’s conference room in Brikama, was coordinated by Board Chairperson Dr. Ernest Obi and attended by the institute’s directors and Director General Dr. Demba Jallow.
The drone, described by NARI officials as a “first of its kind” for the institute, will assist researchers in collecting accurate and timely data to improve crop yields and optimize field operations. “We must acknowledge and appreciate this support, which is the first of its kind for NARI to acquire such a latest technology,” Dr. Jallow said. He noted that the drone is expected to reduce operational costs and increase efficiency in data collection.
Dr. Jallow also commended NARI’s senior management for their dedication and praised the Board under Dr. Obi for ushering in initiatives that strengthen the institute’s performance.
Dr. Ernest Obi described the ceremony as a critical step toward modernizing NARI’s operations. “Today, if NARI has adopted the usage of drones, it is a welcome development and major break not only for NARI but for The Gambia,” he said. “This drone will provide accurate, timely, and reliable data.” He emphasized that the initiative reflects the global shift toward digital solutions in agriculture and underscores the importance of adopting new technologies in the country’s research institutions.
South Carolina State University, founded in 1896 as the Colored Normal Industrial Agricultural and Mechanical College of South Carolina, is a public historically Black land-grant university located in Orangeburg. Designated as a Research 2 (R2) institution, SCSU is recognized for its high level of research activity and is committed to supporting agriculture, technology, and education globally.
