Kaur CRRN
TThe team began the day at the onion curing facility established under the Crisis Response Initiative (CRI). This facility cured 2,268kg of onion, reducing post-harvest losses for farmers like beneficiary Sainey Marena and his family.
Wassu
The team met with Lamin Manneh, a ROOTS Youth-Based Matching Grant (YBMG) beneficiary. He received a power tiller and thresher, employing 3 youth apprentices and providing ploughing services to women farmers. Lamin has inspired others like his apprentice Alhagie to join rice production and other income-generating activities. Community elders and women expressed gratitude for the support, which is strengthening livelihoods in Wassu.
Sukuta Rice Fields
Community members welcomed the team with pride in their rich rice production history. With support from ROOTS through the CRI, gates and 14 culverts were repaired, allowing better water control across their 105ha field. Farmers also benefitted from inputs, ploughing services, and sustainability training. The community has 242 farmers and is already saving collectively for the future. “For the country to succeed, we have to succeed in agriculture,” said Lady President Jabbi.
Kunting Jahaka Garden
The team concluded the day at Kunting Jahaka, where women shared how ROOTS support has transformed their lives. Beneficiary Mama Fatty said:
“Now we are eating healthy from our harvest and also getting income. It gave us livelihood.”
Through GALS training, farmer field schools, and cooperative development support, members have improved skills in vegetable production, compost making, and preservation. The garden has D350,000+ saved in their account and has boosted community nutrition. Youths benefitted from YBMG equipment and 4P Matching Grants.
The community appealed for a second borehole, market access support, and garden expansion to scale their success.
From onions to rice fields to vegetable gardens, ROOTS interventions are strengthening resilience, boosting food security, and improving livelihoods across communities.