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Momodou
Denmark
11684 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Apr 2012 : 17:16:43
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Planning and Promotion of Agric Enterprises in Gambia
By Sarjo Bayang
Friday, April 13, 2012
With whole nation and people of The Gambia kneeling down stretching beggar hands for salvation from hunger due to failed agricultural performance, there may still be untried and untested solutions near enough for trial. When bigger nations like Mali cry to the blue sky for enduring a land locked geo-physical share of nature’s provisions, The Gambia is sitting on more than enough reserve of untapped water and land resources with potential gainful yields to propel the nation’s economic engine.
Soil and Water Management
The Gambia is endowed with very rich soil and most readily accessible water from the sea, River Gambia, and through ground water embarking on bore holes. Three months of rainfall could not be lesser grace from nature in addition. All that sparkling water is sitting right in front of everyone’s open eyes. Few people venture commercial agriculture at back yard level or just enough to keep families going. Farming is both traditional and quite readily, most people rely on it as source of revenue however, basic that amounts to.
Memory serves to recall a whole government institution known as Soil and Water Management Unit (SWAM) under Ministry of Agriculture. How could a nation expect to boost agricultural productivity while government of the day embarks on destroying talents and institutions that serve as back bone of this important sector? It is reliably learnt that some of the people who once worked and had training as experts on Soil and Water Management are back in The Gambia. There is however, no word or action indicating there useful presence. Dr Sidat Yaffa one of the trained staff of SWAM who wrote numerous articles on the subject at hand is currently running radio shows on agriculture over West Coast Radio in The Gambia. There may be some others elsewhere within the country whose expertise needs tapping on what this paper suggests. We have career agric talents like Sait Drammeh with vast knowledge of what is stock to propel the sector.
Military encroachment of state land
In almost 20 years ago, very little mention of this important establishment is heard of. Since military coup of July 1994, the premises where this institution was housed has been seized by the army in their bid of taking over all that massive piece of land now known as Yundum Army Barracks. Some of the institutions that fell to The Gambia Army land possession encroachment include Yundum Primary School, Agriculture Mechanical unit, Crop protection, Cooperative Training Centre, Agricultural Communication Unit, and of course former Yundum College premises to name some known places. The Gambia Army has since built concrete structures to house soldiers in the holy name of national security. Militarisation of Gambian land holdings has extended to other regions.
Recovering agriculture through better use of water and land
Tapping on the country’s vast water resources with a pool of agricultural experts in numerous high profile jobs around the world, there is no serious big pain in recovering the already known failed agriculture. There are willing and able experts like Ernest Aubee now heading a regional programme in Abuja, Nigeria. With simple e-mail contacts, these experts will have no trouble coming together placing a working document on the table for national consultation and debate. Given the speed and highly enhanced platforms of modern communication, it does not require endless unproductive workshops (walk chops) getting all Gambian experts on agriculture within a short span of time.
Willing and able, the state of The Gambia’s agriculture can be put in right place by those who know exactly what needs doing. Some of these people have worked around the country and know every spot of fertile soil and good water required for various types of crops.
River Gambia is grossly untapped
Over 300 kilometers of fresh water flows along the entire length of The Gambia with only hippopotamus, fish and crocodiles enjoying as swimming pool. Agricultural potential and commercial prospects for enterprise, using that steady stream of water has been largely neglected or very rarely put to productive use. All sorts of studies have been carried and whole agricultural research institutions established and running for over 20 years. Yet, after all that, one word we hear about is FARMING.
It appears as though agriculture and farming are synonymous. Of course they are not. But our experts are yet to tell us any difference even though we all know there is vast difference. This huge reserve of water known as River Gambia has great potential for commercial navigation and to provide all year round harvest for alternative crops. Considering the ecology, tourism can be boosted with eco tourism further inland. Paving the two banks of River Gambia with palm trees and banana plantations will attracts much of the wild life that tourists want to see. Not just that, but who would not want to feed your eyes on a fleet of green scenery healthy coconut and palm trees as you navigate from Banjul to Koina on a boat trip round Gambia ?
Palm Tree Cultivation for Commercial use
Almost every part of The Gambia has good soil to grow palm trees. This is more viable along the River Gambia and swampy areas. Within the coastal areas too both palm tree and coconut are commercially viable plants. Some people have tried palm tree and do make occasional harvest of the fruit for low level oil extraction. If taken serious enough, palm tree cultivation opens up wider prospects for palm oil industry that can feed exports and provide jobs for many, even some physically infirm.
By some twist of irony, coconut which has potential for large scale coir industry in The Gambia, only few people have gone into cultivating this anywhere beyond garden or back yard use. For palm tree, what we know most about it is palm wine tapping to send the joyful users sleeping well enough. When you name palm in The Gambia, what comes to mind is the joyful hours of cheap wine provided by palm wine tappers. Commercial cultivation of palm and coconut will serve as reliable source of earning and added beauty to The Gambia’s ecological possession. This is an area open to expert interest and feasibility studies.
Cassava, Sweet Potatoes, and Beans
Talk about agriculture or crops in The Gambia, peanut and rice readily spring to mind. To an extent, farming, agriculture, peanut, and rice are key words of the sector. Cassava, sweet potatoes, and beans offer some of better nutrition and demand no greater labour than rice and peanut. For some reason, Gambian farmers are made to bear in mind that only peanuts will fetch cash at time of harvest.
That came about with profiteering dealers back in the days. They have since hooked up Gambian farmers and the whole agricultural sector tied down on a crop that no longer bears expected returns. At least for a change other substitutes deserve testing.
It does not have to be driven by commercial interest of peanut merchants. The Gambia’s agriculture has to be liberated. Communities and individuals have to be properly sensitised to venture into alternative crops with higher returns at same or lower cost in terms of labour and other resource inputs.
Establishment of Agric Enterprise Department
Creating a Department of Agric Enterprise is long overdue for The Gambia’s staggering yet high potential sector. All the time, much attention has been paid to crop research and very little has been done about viable commercial agric enterprise as industry and bankable part of the sector under review. It is not enough to have technical results documented for subsequent reviews. Commercial agriculture does not have be a matter of cash crop cultivation for profiteering merchants, local or overseas.
Agricultural extension work has to include a curriculum on commercial orientation of the sector operatives. That includes all stage holders ranging from state officials, people in horticulture and broader streams of agricultural ventures in various spheres. Taking things for granted does not suffice. All stakeholders require to operate on clearly informed alternatives with variety of choice open to each and every person involved. Ministry of Trade and Industry could have a desk for commercial agriculture initiatives planned and organised on lines of enterprise gains. It appears that all government sectors are operating aloof and that is not paying much dividend.
All year harvest of alternative crops
So much research has been carried about various crops and where they do well in terms of soil and water conditions. All that information is sitting somewhere and hardly shared with the wider public. It is time to start digging not just that hard muddy soil Gambian farming communities encounter year after year. The digging has to go deeper with all the research documentation collecting dust in decades of failing agriculture The Gambia faces through years.
Provided there is total harmony between all stakeholders, prospects of making all year harvest for alternative crops in The Gambia can only be true and gainfully rewarding for people and the economy.
Sustainable Agro Industries
Put together, long and short term gains of boosting The Gambia’s agricultural sector goes beyond a wild dream. It is feasible if only all stakeholders’ share equal understanding of what it takes and resources are evenly distributed for everyone’s ready access. Conduct a thorough feasibility study and be ready to commit resources prudent. The rest is a flourishing economy sustained by readily viable agricultural enterprise industry for The Gambia and the region.
Source: Daily News
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11684 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2012 : 17:21:22
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Daily News Editorial: River Gambia is grossly untapped
Friday, April 13, 2012
 Over 300 kilometer stretch of fresh water flows along the entire length of The Gambia is occupied by only hippopotamus, fish and crocodiles enjoying as swimming pool.
Agricultural potential and commercial prospects for enterprise, using that steady stream of water has been largely neglected or very rarely put to productive use. All sorts of studies have been carried and whole agricultural research institutions established and running for over 20 years. Yet, after all that, one word we hear about is farming.
It appears as though agriculture and farming are synonymous. Of course they are not. But our experts are yet to tell us any difference even though we all know there is vast difference. This huge reserve of water known as River Gambia has great potential for commercial navigation and to provide all year round harvest for alternative crops.
Considering the ecology, tourism can be boosted with eco tourism further inland. Paving the two banks of River Gambia with palm trees and banana plantations will attracts much of the wild life that tourists want to see. Not just that, but who would not want to feed your eyes on a fleet of green scenery healthy coconut and palm trees as you navigate from Banjul to Koina on a boat trip round The Gambia ?
Moreover, almost every part of The Gambia has good soil to grow palm trees. This is more viable along the River Gambia and swampy areas. Within the coastal areas too both palm tree and coconut are commercially viable plants. Some people have tried palm tree and do make occasional harvest of the fruit for low level oil extraction. If taken serious enough, palm tree cultivation opens up wider prospects for palm oil industry that can feed exports and provide jobs for many, even some physically infirm.
By some twist of irony, coconut which has potential for large scale coir industry in The Gambia, only few people have gone into cultivating this anywhere beyond garden or back yard use. For palm tree, what we know most about it is palm wine tapping to send the joyful users sleeping well enough.
When you name palm in The Gambia, what comes to mind is the joyful hours of cheap wine provided by palm wine tapers. Commercial cultivation of palm and coconut will serve as reliable source of earning and added beauty to Gambia’s ecological possession. This is an area open to expert interest and feasibility studies.
Talk about agriculture or crops in The Gambia, peanut and rice readily spring to mind. To an extent, farming, agriculture, peanut, and rice are key words of the sector. Cassava, sweet potatoes, and beans offer some of better nutrition and demand no greater labour than rice and peanut. For some reason, Gambian farmers are made to bear in mind that only peanuts will fetch cash at time of harvest.
That came about with profiteering dealers back in the days. They have since hooked up Gambian farmers and the whole agricultural sector tied down on a crop that no longer bears expected returns. At least for a change other substitutes deserve testing.
It does not have to be driven by commercial interest of peanut merchants. The Gambia’s agriculture has to be liberated. Communities and individuals have to be properly sensitised to venture into alternative crops with higher returns at same or lower cost in terms of labour and other resource inputs.
Our today’s guest editorial is excerpted from one of our most regular contributor, Sarjo Bayang’s op-ed on titled: ‘Planning and Promotion of Agric Enterprises in Gambia.’
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11684 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2012 : 18:33:24
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These are positive proposals. I agree with the author that many good reports are just gathering dust instead of being implemented. Talents are being wasted not only in the Agric field but in many other professions too. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2012 : 18:46:40
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Many call it Workshop where lot of money is allocated for boarding, lodging, and feeding. That's why it comes to be known as walk chop as indicated in this piece.
Thank you Momodou
If only Gambians take the right relation with resources in productive terms, what this author proposes can be real positive transformation for Gambia. From what one can see, it appears that more money is spent on criss-crossing in the name of projects. Transports, allowances, and meeting costs. How much goes to real people? Lot of the talk is about people and not once with people affected.
It is time people are involved with their own affairs and get direct access to resources. It seems that is not happening. To agree further, Gambia has resources largely under utilised.
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Karamba |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2012 : 19:36:41
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Now that would be a definite improvement. BUT what would happen to the "Jolly" that was enjoyed by those attending the "work- chop" to "discuss" these projects ? Answer:(They would lose out !),its a bit like politics all talk no action
"If only Gambians take the right relation with resources in productive terms, what this author proposes can be real positive transformation for Gambia. From what one can see, it appears that more money is spent on criss-crossing in the name of projects. Transports, allowances, and meeting costs. How much goes to real people? Lot of the talk is about people and not once with people affected.
It is time people are involved with their own affairs and get direct access to resources. It seems that is not happening. To agree further, Gambia has resources largely under utilised." |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 14 Apr 2012 19:40:27 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2012 : 21:01:02
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| To keep the "walk chop" going is to deny majority of people true worth of resources spent. Better they get stopped so that development resources flow free and fair to those who deserve it most. |
Karamba |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2012 : 10:59:24
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| Karamba,I do not think that "walk-chops" should be done away with,if you did that then discussion in high places would never take place,what would be an improvement would be if actions followed from recommendations,in that way those who have the privilege in taking part in the "jolly" would have the satisfaction of knowing that the hospitality given to them was worthwhile.Politicians and powerful people have great "jollys" look at Davos for instance (http://www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2012) all powerful people are at it,change is unlikely. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2012 : 18:55:17
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| That is one relevant link Toubab1020. All over the waorld there is so much talk and chop. There is difference when talk chop leades to walk and work. That is not happening in some remote experience, so much the reason why people are not advancing. |
Karamba |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2012 : 23:50:19
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| Karamba,There must be those who lead and those who follow,it would be great if ALL those who lead were concerned ONLY with the betterment of the lives of everyone including those who follow, but this world is not perfect. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 16 Apr 2012 : 19:56:17
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Fairness is the other vital element Toubab1020. People who lead will be seen greedy by taking everything for self desire.
What do you make of the idea to direct good part of Gambia public resources towards agriculture projects and commercial enterprises as suggested in Daily News ? |
Karamba |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 16 Apr 2012 : 21:16:11
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Karamba,the suggestion is one way forward,BUT as usual it boils down to money,who will fund this ? Gambia has loans upon loans for MOST things,will these be repaid in the future ? Will these debts be serviced ? Will these debts be written off? I have no idea I only am able to comment on that that is in the public domain and accessible without too much trouble, as you have noticed most of my stuff is about what is published in the Gambian press, and other media I have no expert knowledge myself, I leave that to others .I also feel that the General Gambian population is unable to undertake such a task in the near future because attitudinal change has not taken place as far as I am able to observe,things that were still are.
An Example:
http://www.foroyaa.gm/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9482
And This:
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/government-secures-us10m-for-bilingual-education |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 17 Apr 2012 14:43:00 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 16 Apr 2012 : 21:39:50
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Well Toubab1020, getting good part of whatever is called debt money towards starting something that yields in the long run is still better than buying fleet of vehicles, feeding those vehicles with imported fuel and parts. Many in Gambia have no clue where all the million in debt goes. It only gives hope that some money is being pumped in. What happens next, only the devil knows.
You may not want to call yourself expert but, of course Toubab1020, you have good stuff no doubt. Your contribution is no small deal. |
Karamba |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2012 : 00:12:02
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"You may not want to call yourself expert but, of course Toubab1020, you have good stuff no doubt. Your contribution is no small deal." |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 17 Apr 2012 00:12:44 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2012 : 22:23:15
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Toubab1020, you have what it takes. How do you think Gambia advances better without embarking on self sustaining strategies ?
There is a saying that "Quality is free". |
Karamba |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 18 Apr 2012 : 11:06:17
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Karamba,I am sorry, but Gambia does not advance sustainably this is the problem,I would be pleased if you could isolate strategy's that have been put in place some time ago and are still working and improving with everyone's backing,everything that was started collapses,there have been shrimp farms,there have been big bus people transport systems,there have been air cargo projects and more, all started by people (who have been rarely Gambian) who wanted to make a viable enterprise and give jobs,all failed,why? corruption,jealousy,greed, tribalism ,get something for nothing thinking ,some examples of things that must be tackled by attitudinal change in the way Gambians think about their lives,if the life of the average Gambian is to improve sustainably.
I am not a Gambian,and I shouldn't be asked to tell Gambians my opinions,but you did ask,I presume you are a Gambian yourself and not living in Gambia,I am pleased that you have decided to discuss things about Gambia. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 18 Apr 2012 : 20:32:02
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Toubab1020, human rights is not simply the authorisation by people in power to permit others express their views freely. Every good human has right to contribute towards the welfare of other humans no matter where they are located on this planet. That is why we have the United Nations and other humanitarian organisations. How many charity bodies in some parts of the world are providing support to far distance locations around the world?
By that consideration, you are no intruder when it comes to making helpful suggestions for advancement of Gambia or any part of this wider universe.
You good ideas are useful. |
Karamba |
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