Published by participants in the  Certificate in Journalism program

of the African Virtual University-Indiana University of Pennsylvania Partnership.

The African Star

Homepage

Pictures (GAMBIA)
Pictures (Somaliland)

Farmers appeal for help as crops fail

Farmers from different parts of the country recently appealed for more support and encouragement from government, non-government organisations (NGO) and the private sector, following the crop failure the hits the country over the past two years.

According to the President of the National Farmers’ Platform (NFP), Musa Jawneh, a recent study revealed that over 75 percent of the farmers were seriously affected by the crop failures, which has greatly contributed to seed and food insecurity and shortages in the country.

“We are therefore appealing to the government, the private sector and NGOs to come to our aid and assist us with seeds, food in preparation for the fourth coming raining season.” He said.

On the strength of agricultural produce marketing, Jawneh said the marketing of agricultural products is another great constraint for farmers as the local consumers are more willing to purchase imported products than the local products, which have a greater quality than the imported one.

He said that the current state of farming in the country is not encouraging as farmers are faced with different problems that  are retarding both productivity and marketing.

Lamin jobe another farmer in Wellingara Kombo North District said farmers are  preparing for the farming season but lack of seeds and fertilizer are frustrating the efforts. When asked if farmers receive subsidies from government, Jobe said they used to   receive subsidies from government and commercial banks and Agricultural banks. However since the change of government farmers do not enjoy these subsidies any more. ‘We receive technical assistance in the form of extension,” said Jobe

Jobe assured the government and any potential donor that given the support, farmers can change the current state of the economy which will bring food self-sufficiency .