The National Steering Committee (NSC) field mission entered Day 4 with activities in the Central River Region (CRR) and Lower River Region (LRR).
The day began with a courtesy visit to the Hon. Governor of CRR, who welcomed the delegation and commended the ROOTS Project for its outstanding impact on the lives of rural farmers.
“ROOTS is a very important project for the Government, and I am pleased with how it is being implemented,” he said.
In response, Project Director Mr. Mamour Alieu Jagne thanked the Governor for his continued support and partnership since the regional launch of ROOTS, noting that such courtesy visits strengthen collaboration at all levels.
Pacharr- Youth Entrepreneur Muhammed Sama
The team then visited Pacharr, where they met Muhammed Sama, a Youth-Based Matching Grant (YBMG) beneficiary who received a tricycle.
Muhammed shared that before ROOTS, he had planned to embark on the backway, but the support changed his life.
“The tricycle gave me livelihood. I made over D60,000 this season, bought two goats, and employed another youth,” he said.
He now earns a living transporting rice and other goods between farms and communities. His only challenge is limited access to spare parts. The Hon. DPS encouraged him to keep proper records and make the most of the support, while also inspiring others to pursue opportunities in agriculture.
Tabanding Rice Farmers
At Tabanding, the Rice Farmers Organization President, Foday Conateh, expressed appreciation for ROOTS support.
“This is our first year with ROOTS, and all inputs ploughing, seeds, fertilizer, and herbicides arrived on time. You did your part, and we are doing ours,” he said proudly.
The group cultivated 30 hectares of rice this year and plans to expand next season. Members also benefited from training on safe herbicide use and disposal.
They appealed for an access road and a storage facility to safeguard their produce. Community elders praised the ROOTS regional team led by Fatoumata Jammeh for their dedication and regular field presence.
Representatives from NARI, GCCI, and NACOFAG encouraged the farmers to maintain their commitment and involve more youth, noting that “agriculture remains the backbone of our economy.”
Jahally–Pacharr:
At Jahally-Pacharr, the Rice Farmers Organization led by Haruna Gassama showcased the remarkable transformation brought by ROOTS.
“Yesterday’s Jahally-Pacharr is different from today’s. Before ROOTS, we struggled to access inputs and services. Today, we have 4 tractors, repaired culverts and gates, and even a combine harvester through the 4P Matching Grant,” he said.
The organization has generated over D700,000 from tractor services and harvested 25,000 tons of rice this year. ROOTS rehabilitated 105 gates and culverts, resolving long-standing water control issues. The community now plans to acquire 4 power tillers to complement their tractors a strong example of sustainability and ownership in action.
Nanaba Cluster Garden
The next stop was Nanaba Cluster Garden in CRR, where women farmers highlighted how ROOTS interventions including fence rehabilitation, borehole and reservoir repair, water tanks, and literacy and GALS training have transformed their lives.
“ROOTS has empowered us economically and socially. We can now read, write, weigh our harvest, and manage our income,” said Sunkary Sowe.
Members contribute D250 each season and have over D200,000 in savings. They also produce compost for internal sales and maintain strict work rules to ensure accountability. Their only major challenge is insufficient water supply during peak production.
Head of Component 1, Mr. Lamin S. Darboe, assured them that the project will address the water issue before the dry season, while Hon. DPS Fatou Jammeh-Touray commended their determination and encouraged them to seize new opportunities under YBMG and AVIP market linkages.
Jarra Madina Garden in LRR
The day concluded with a visit to Jarra Madina Garden in the Lower River Region (LRR). The 10-hectare garden, rehabilitated by ROOTS, produced 1,120 beds of onions, earning over D953,000 this season.
Lady President Aja Satou Gikineh expressed gratitude to ROOTS for the rehabilitation of their fence, farmhouse, reservoirs, and borehole, as well as training through FFS, GALS, and adult literacy programs.
“ROOTS changed our lives — we are now able to plan, record sales, and weigh our harvest,” she said.
Despite challenges with water supply and market access, members are implementing a strong sustainability plan, contributing between D700 and D2,500 annually based on their location. The garden also grows sweet potato and cassava through support from NARI.
“ROOTS has given us the confidence to work hard, plan ahead, and sustain our gardens. From literacy to livelihood, we have been empowered,” – Aja Satou Gikineh, President, Jarra Madina Garden (LRR).