By Assan Bah
Key players in The Gambia’s agricultural sector convened on Thursday for an agroforum focused on promoting Liquid Amino Acid Organic Fertilizer and advancing climate-smart agriculture.
The forum, held under the Slovak Aid Project, was organised in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DOA), ROKOSAN (Reavia) – a Slovak organisation – local partner Jabang Jobe & Associates, and other stakeholders.
The initiative aims to lay the groundwork for self-sufficiency in amino acid fertilizer production by processing animal waste. It also seeks to raise awareness about the benefits of amino acid fertilizers, boost food availability, and contribute to environmental rehabilitation across the country.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Fatou Jammeh, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, underscored the project’s importance. She said the initiative is a multifaceted solution that addresses both agricultural productivity and environmental challenges, such as waste management and soil degradation.
“It will save the earth from harmful emissions often caused by chemical fertilizers,” Mrs. Jammeh said, acknowledging that while eliminating chemical fertilizers entirely may be difficult, this project represents a global shift toward sustainable practices.
“Change is gradual, but as a country, we must find a safe exit from chemical fertilizers,” she said.
She added that organically produced food is not only healthier but also more marketable, enhancing food safety and economic opportunities for Gambian farmers. “If you produce healthy food, you will obviously have customers,” she noted.
Mr. Stefan Szoke of ROKOSAN, who serves as a professional guarantor for the project, described the initiative as more than just an agricultural undertaking—it is a karmic mission.
“Our shared responsibility is clear: to protect the Gambian soil, water, crops, and natural resources, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier, more self-sufficient world,” he remarked.
Szoke reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to building bridges of cooperation, sharing technical expertise, and inspiring sustainable action through the joint initiative focused on greening, self-sufficiency, and food security in The Gambia.
The SlovakAid-supported project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. It aims to reduce The Gambia’s reliance on imported fertilizers, promote organic farming, create employment opportunities, enhance the competitiveness of local products, improve soil quality, preserve ecosystems, and eliminate animal waste from landfills.
