Farmers hail government support, eye shift to smart farming

By Dawda Baaldeh

The Gambia Farmers Union has praised President Adama Barrow’s government for providing modern farming equipment to rural communities, calling it a milestone in transforming the country’s agriculture.

The tools, distributed under the World Bank‑backed Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV), are designed to boost productivity and resilience nationwide.

Speaking in Brikama‑ba, union vice president Alhagie Ceesay said: “We commend the government of President Adama Barrow for this important intervention. The provision of modern farming equipment demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers and advancing the agricultural sector.”

Ceesay noted that smallholder farmers have long struggled with limited access to modern tools, which has hampered efficiency. He said the new equipment would ease manual labour and increase output, marking “the beginning of a new era” for Gambian agriculture.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would accelerate the adoption of smart farming practices, stressing that mechanisation and innovation are key to sustainability and competitiveness. “We are optimistic about a future where smart farming replaces traditional subsistence practices,” he added.

The union urged continued investment in training, maintenance, and access to technology, while observers say the GIRAV project could reshape agricultural value chains, particularly in rural communities.

With equipment now reaching farmers, expectations are high that the intervention will boost productivity, improve incomes, and inspire a new generation to embrace innovation and sustainability.