Watermelon has become one of the most common street foods in The Gambia. It is refreshing, affordable, and enjoyed by everyone. Although a fruit, it has long served as a quick and convenient substitute for fast food across Senegambia, especially during the harvest season when the streets are flooded with freshly picked produce. Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, fibre, and water content, watermelon keeps the body hydrated, improves digestion, and boosts overall health.
Yet behind this vibrant fruit lies a harsh reality for the vendors who supply it. Many farmers and traders travel from rural regions such as CRR, URR, and NBR to the Greater Banjul Area, sleeping beside their produce on open streets without proper shelter, water, or sanitation. Some remain in these conditions for weeks, exposed to heat during the day and cold winds at night, tying their daily income around their waists in fear of theft. Despite their sacrifices, they struggle to make a fair profit, often forced to throw away spoiled watermelons each day due to delayed sales.
Even with the current glut in the market, prices remain high and wastage continues unchecked. This situation calls for smarter investment. Processing industries, particularly juice production and preservation factories, could transform the fruit into packaged watermelon juice, jam, or even export products, ensuring year-round availability and increased income for growers and sellers.
Reducing prices to encourage faster sales would also minimise spoilage and losses. The watermelon sector has enormous potential not only to nourish the nation, but to boost the economy. What is needed now is innovation and investment that turns our seasonal abundance into sustainable prosperity.
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Watermelon has become one of the most common street foods in The Gambia. It is refreshing, affordable, and enjoyed by…
The post Turning Watermelon Wastage into Wealth appeared first on .
