ActionAid and EU-backed garden transforms lives of Toro Bah women farmers

By Dawda Baldeh

A new EU-funded garden project in Toro Bah has brought relief to more than 200 women farmers, ending years of hardship caused by stray animals and poor infrastructure.

The fully-fenced, 3-hectare garden—equipped with a reliable water supply—was officially handed over to the community this week. It will serve as a vital farming hub for 211 women, many of whom have long struggled to protect their crops from roaming animals.

“It’s like we are in heaven today. Gardening has always been our major source of income, but constant animal intrusion has made it devastating,” said Isatou Jallow, a prominent women’s leader. “But now, those days are gone.”

Fatou Bah, one of the gardeners, praised the initiative’s long-term potential. “We will do everything to make this garden successful and sustainable, serving as ambassadors of ActionAid,” she said.

The project is funded 90% by the European Union and will run for three years. ActionAid representative Fafa Cham said the initiative aims to promote organic farming and strengthen agro-ecology centres. “By the end of the project, we expect to produce and distribute 54,000 tons of organic fertilizer, supporting 25,000 women in increasing their use of organic methods while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers,” he explained.

ActionAid has also trained the women to produce organic manure, further enhancing their agricultural practices.

Della Faye-Colley, Executive Director of ActionAid International, The Gambia, urged the community to make the most of the opportunity. “I’m happy that this is going to benefit the women in this community,” she said. “This will empower women and amplify their voices within their families.”

Lamin Saidy, speaking on behalf of the North Bank Region Governor, described the garden as a milestone in sustainable agriculture and pledged support from the Directorate of Agriculture.

EU Ambassador to The Gambia, Ms. Immaculada Roca Cortes, welcomed the project’s completion and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting women. “This is for you, and that’s why we are here,” she said. “We cannot be here forever, so you need to ensure this is sustainable.”

The garden is expected to improve food security, boost incomes, and foster long-term productivity in the region.

 By Dawda Baldeh A new EU-funded garden project in Toro Bah has brought relief to more than 200 women farmers, ending years of hardship caused by stray animals and poor infrastructure. The fully-fenced, 3-hectare garden—equipped with a reliable water supply—was officially handed over to the community this week. It will serve as a vital farming The Fatu Network