The National Coordinating Organisation for Farmers Associations The Gambia (NACOFAG) recently secured a Global Agricultural Food Security Project (GAFSP) support at a tune of US$28 million.

The five-year project is co-funded by Australia, Canada Gates, Ireland, Korea, Spain and the United States and is expected to intervene in the country's food security by means of value adding, nutritional training programme, climate change mitigation and other sensitive environmental issues targeting smallholder farmers, women and youth.

This information was disclosed at the Network of Peasants and Producers Organisation of West Africa (ROPPA) consultative meeting on the GAFSP held at the NACOFAG office in Brikama.

Speaking at the meeting, the deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Sheriff Bojang expressed delight at the achievements, saying government through the leadership of President Jammeh is doing all it can to help farmers in attaining food security in the country.

He highlighted the Gambia government's commitment to farmer's plights and to the agricultural sector adding that the project will do more on 'value adding' and further support more of women and youth. He also tasked NACOFAG to do as expected of them in ensuring the smooth completion of the project.

Gjibo Banya, president of ROPPA also dilated on the importance of the project, noting that it is meant to help develop women, youths and the agricultural sector at large. "Farmers are doing a lot for a country's food sector. They take the task and risk of going to the bush in order for the development of their country. Therefore, they should be commended and assisted by all means," he said. Banya advised NACOFAG staff to work closely and transparently since the project is for the whole country.

Speaking earlier, the president of NACOFAG, Muhammad Fayinke thanked all the participants and reminded all that his organisation stands for the country's food security and agricultural development by ways of engaging farmers in their activities. He urged for concerted efforts to ensure a successful implementation of the project.