Farmers in Niamina West prefer direct cash payment for their groundnut.

By: Saikou Jawo

Farmers in the Niamina West district of The Gambia have voiced dissatisfaction with the payment system introduced by the Gambia Groundnut Corporation (GGC). Speaking to The New Global Media, Alhassan Jallow, a farmer, criticized the shift from the cash-based payment system previously handled by Agib Bank to the new Qmoney digital payment process.

According to Jallow, the majority of farmers in The Gambia, particularly in the Central River Region (CRR), are opposed to the Qmoney payment system but prefer direct cash payment. “Action needs to be taken because 75 percent of the farmers in The Gambia, most especially CRR, don’t agree with the Qmoney process of payment,” he said. He explained that the system has discouraged many farmers from selling their groundnuts to the seccos (groundnut buying centers).

Farmers have long preferred a “cash-and-carry” system, where they weigh their groundnuts and immediately receive cash payments, as was the case under Agib Bank for the past three years. Jallow lamented that the current process requires farmers to travel to Brikama Ba to receive their payments after weighing their groundnuts, a situation that many find impractical and frustrating.

“There is no Qmoney in Niamina. If a farmer weighs his or her groundnuts, you must go to Brikama Ba to receive your money, which many farmers are not satisfied with,” Jallow explained. He emphasized that the cash-based payment system was far more convenient and beneficial for farmers.

Jallow called on GGC and secco presidents to prioritize the needs of farmers and ensure their voices are heard in decisions that affect them. He criticized the decision to implement the Qmoney system without adequate consultation with farmers across various districts and regions.

“Secco presidents and GGC shouldn’t sign for Qmoney without further consultation with the entire farmers in various districts or regions. The needs of farmers should be the priorities of the authorities like GGC and its counterparts,” Jallow stressed.

The concerns raised by farmers highlight the importance of developing payment systems that cater to their unique needs and logistical challenges. As the groundnut trading season continues, farmers hope their voices will be heard and that measures will be taken to address their grievances.