The story of the Jahally-Pacharr Rice Farmers Organization in the Central River Region South is nothing short of inspirational.
What began in 2023 with subsidized inputs from the ROOTS Project has grown into a shining model of resilience, innovation, and sustainability for rice farmers across The Gambia.
From Support to Self-Reliance:
In 2023, the farmers of Jahally-Pacharr received assistance under the ROOTS Subsidized Input Support Program for rice. The Project provided ploughing services, certified rice seeds, fertilizers, and herbicides on a reducing balance basis: 80:20 in year one, 50:50 in year two, and 60:40 in year three.
This arrangement laid the foundation for the community’s remarkable progress. Within a short period, the organization was able to purchase four tractors using proceeds from their contributions toward input payments, further boosting productivity. In 2025, they went even further by acquiring a combine harvester through the ROOTS 4P Matching Grant—a landmark achievement for the farmers.
Celebrating Milestones:
On Saturday, 27th September 2025, the organization invited the ROOTS Project Director, Mamour Alieu Jagne, to Pacharr to witness firsthand the fruits of their labor. In just one month of operation, the combine harvester had produced 791 bags of paddy rice—a testament to the transformative impact of the intervention.
The event was graced by senior officials including the Regional Agriculture Director for CRRS, Mr. John Mendy; Lamin Darboe, Senior Climate Smart Agriculture Officer; Nuha Nyangado, Capacity Development, Knowledge Management & Communication Officer; and the executive of the farmers’ organization led by President Haruna Gassama.
Voices from the Community:
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Gassama expressed profound gratitude to the government and the ROOTS Project:
“From the provision of inputs to helping us get our own tractors, ROOTS has been with us every step of the way.
Last year, through the Crisis Response Initiative, ROOTS repaired over 100 gates and 11 culverts in our scheme, which increased yields significantly. Today, we are proud to show the results of the combine harvester.”
He revealed that the tractors alone had generated over D600,000 in revenue, now safely deposited in the organization’s account. For him, the support extended far beyond productivity—it was about building sustainability.
Regional Agriculture Director, Mr. Mendy, also praised the progress:
“The repairing of gates and culverts has enhanced productivity. This year, farmers recorded their highest harvest thanks to ROOTS support.”
Women leaders and members echoed similar sentiments. Madam Darboe, a female executive member, called for the provision of a large rice milling machine, while another member, Kawsu, commended the dedication of those managing the store and the harvester’s operations.
Speaking at the event, ROOTS Project Director Mamour Alieu Jagne commended the Jahally-Pacharr Rice Farmers Organization as a model for all rice intervention communities:
“You did not just manage the resources well, you also developed a sustainability plan. None of our rice intervention sites compares to Jahally-Pacharr. You paid your counterpart funding for the harvester, and in one month you have already made significant returns. We are truly proud of you.”
He encouraged other farming communities under ROOTS to emulate Jahally-Pacharr’s example.
He also revealed plans for upcoming land development at the Pacharr site and urged the farmers to apply for the next 4P Matching Grant to pursue their request for a large rice milling machine.
A Story of Resilience and Inspiration:
The Jahally-Pacharr Rice Farmers Organization’s journey—from receiving subsidized inputs to owning tractors and a combine harvester—is proof of what strong leadership, effective management, and a shared vision can achieve. Their story is not just about farming; it is about resilience, sustainability, and inspiring other communities across The Gambia to dream big.