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By Dawda Baldeh
National Democratic Party (NDP) leader Kebba Madi Bojang has pledged to revive The Gambia’s agricultural sector and tackle the country’s food security challenges within three months if elected president in December.
Addressing supporters at a political rally in Bundung on Saturday night, Bojang said his party had developed what he described as practical plans to transform agriculture during the first quarter of an NDP administration.
“We can revive agriculture in just three months. We have the plans. It’s doable. Let them not fool you. Vote for NDP,” he told supporters.
The former National People’s Party (NPP) national youth president accused successive governments of neglecting agriculture, arguing that despite significant spending on development projects, the sector had not achieved meaningful progress.
Bojang said the country’s agricultural challenges stemmed from poor management rather than a lack of resources, maintaining that The Gambia has sufficient land and capacity to produce enough food to feed its population.
His remarks come amid continuing concerns over rising food prices, dependence on imported rice and the difficulties facing local farmers.
Bojang said the country must reduce its reliance on food imports by making better use of available agricultural land to grow rice and other staple crops. He argued that greater food self-sufficiency could be achieved if resources were properly managed and farmers received adequate support.
The pledge places agriculture and food security at the heart of the NDP’s campaign ahead of the December 5 presidential election, with voters expected to scrutinise how the party intends to deliver on its proposed reforms.
