By Alieu Ceesay
Madou Camara, the Regional Livestock Director for the Lower River Region (LRR), has called for increased investment from public and private institutions in poultry farming to reduce The Gambia’s dependence on imported poultry products.
Speaking at a day-long quarterly convergence held at the Governor’s office in Mansakonko, Camara highlighted the potential of poultry farming to drive economic growth and sustainability, despite challenges such as high import costs for chickens, feed, and vaccines.
The event, organized by ActionAid International, The Gambia, brought together members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to discuss institutional challenges, successes, and future opportunities. Camara emphasized that adequate funding is critical for disease prevention in poultry production, stating, “We need funding to prevent disease as prevention is better than a cure. Also, the government needs to come up with policies to reduce the importation of chicken wings. Our farmers need to be patrons.”
The event, organized by ActionAid International, The Gambia, brought together members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to discuss institutional challenges, successes, and future opportunities.
Camara urged the government to implement policies limiting chicken wing imports, which would empower local farmers to establish sustainable and profitable poultry operations. He also noted that frequent disease outbreaks, exacerbated by climate change, pose significant challenges to the sector. However, he expressed optimism that with sufficient investment and collaborative efforts, these issues could be effectively addressed.
The convergence also served as a platform for stakeholders to reflect on broader regional development priorities, including sports. Fa Bakary Sanneh, the Regional Youth and Sports Coordinator for LRR, announced the election of new executive members to the HD Lower River Region Sports Committee.
Sanneh revealed plans for capacity-building training for executives and sports administrators ahead of the Nawettan season, aiming to promote peaceful competition and sportsmanship. “By taking these training sessions seriously, we can foster a culture of healthy competition in Nawettan,” he said.
Momodou Camara, Deputy Governor of LRR, described the convergence as a vital opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. “The insights gathered here will play a crucial role in guiding the government’s policy-making and budgeting processes,” he noted. The event also received support from the Chief Executive Officer of the Mansakonko Area Council, underscoring a collective commitment to inclusive governance.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of continued engagement to strengthen ties between duty bearers and rights holders. These efforts aim to address challenges in poultry farming and sports development, contributing to broader national progress and community well-being.
Camara’s call for investment in poultry farming aligns with The Gambia’s broader push for agricultural self-sufficiency. The high cost of imported poultry products has long strained the country’s economy, and local farmers face significant hurdles, including access to affordable feed and vaccines. By prioritizing disease prevention and reducing import reliance, Camara believes the poultry sector can become a cornerstone of economic empowerment for rural communities.
The convergence highlighted the interconnectedness of regional development goals. While poultry farming addresses food security and economic growth, sports development fosters community engagement and youth empowerment. Sanneh’s focus on training for the Nawettan season reflects a commitment to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive sports culture that promotes unity and discipline among young people.
As the Lower River Region looks to the future, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential for progress. With sustained investment, supportive policies, and collaborative platforms like the TAC convergence, the region is well-positioned to overcome its challenges and build a more resilient and prosperous future. By addressing the needs of both agriculture and sports, LRR is laying the foundation for holistic development that benefits all its residents.
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