Former Jokadou NA Candidate Claims Govt’s Groundnut Pricing Jeopardizes Farmers’ Livelihoods

By Dawda Baldeh

In the last three years, President Adama Barrow’s administration has maintained the groundnut price at D38,000 per ton, a decision that has raised significant concerns among farmers.

In 2022, the price for a ton of groundnuts was D28,000, with an additional D10,000 increase in 2023. This provided a glimmer of hope for farmers; however, there has been no further increase since then.

Bai Saine, a farmer and prominent youth leader in Jokadou who ran in the 2022 parliamentary election but lost to incumbent Salifu Jawo, stated that the fixed price has jeopardized farmers’ livelihoods.

Like many others, he expressed that the groundnut price set by the Government of The Gambia for the 2025/2026 trading season has caused significant concern among farmers.

“Rather than providing relief following a challenging year marked by high fertilizer costs and limited farming inputs, the announced price threatens our ability to maintain our farms and livelihoods,” Saine said.

Saine further stated, “This has become the main topic of conversation in our village bantabas, where many feel disheartened and discouraged.” He called on the President to take advantage of the remaining days of his nationwide constitutional tour to hear farmers’ concerns.

“We respectfully urge your government to seize this opportunity to genuinely listen to farmers, comprehend the pressures we face, and reconsider the groundnut price. A fair and encouraging price will not only bolster the farming sector but also help mitigate the increasing issue of rural-urban migration,” he added.

Recently, the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Cooperation announced securing a substantial D2 billion to purchase groundnuts.

 By Dawda Baldeh In the last three years, President Adama Barrow’s administration has maintained the groundnut price at D38,000 per ton, a decision that has raised significant concerns among farmers. In 2022, the price for a ton of groundnuts was D28,000, with an additional D10,000 increase in 2023. This provided a glimmer of hope for The Fatu Network