Our second day documenting the ROOTS Project’s impact led us to the Pacharr Perimeter, where we engaged with Fallai Sama, President of the Rice Farmers Association. He described the project as a lifeline for local farmers:
“This rice field is our livelihood. ROOTS of the Ministry of Agriculture stepped in when we were facing serious challenges with seeds, fertilizers, ploughing services, herbicides, and broken canal gates.
Thanks to their support through the Crisis Response Initiative and the Subsidized Input Support Program for Rice, our infrastructure was rehabilitated, and production increased significantly.”
Crisis Response Results:
* Gates and culverts repaired
* Yield and production area increased
* Harvests improved
Through the ROOTS 4P Matching Grant, the association received a combine harvester making post-harvest operations easier and significantly reducing losses.
Under the Subsidized Input Support Program, they also received 4 tractors, now being used sustainably by offering paid services to members.
Fallai added:
“ROOTS isn’t just giving handouts. They’re helping us sustain ourselves. That’s why we charge for the harvester and tractor services to keep it going.”
The team then visited the fields of the newly launched Youth Entrepreneurship in Rice Production Initiative, an effort led by the Minister of Agriculture (ROOTS and P2P2RS) in partnership with Maruo Farms.
Musa Darboe, CEO of Maruo Farms, shared:
“This initiative involves 40 youths. It empowers young Gambians to become key players in rice production, reduces rural-urban migration, and boosts food security. With a successful harvest, these youths will walk away with significant earnings.”
He also commended ROOTS for its infrastructural developments, which have not only improved yields but also lifted farmer morale.
Hawa Sama, who oversees tractor operations in Pacharr, shared:
“Thanks to ROOTS Project of the Ministry of Agriculture, we no longer buy rice. We feed our families from our fields. Through sustainability, we now charge for the tractors and harvester to maintain operations.”
The team also met with Basirou Boye from Alulai village.
From just two plots, he harvested 50 and 45 bags of paddy rice, respectively.
“The subsidized input support changed everything for us. My harvest feeds me for a year.”
Regional Director of Agriculture (CRRS), Mr. John Mendy concluded:
“ROOTS’ support has significantly boosted production at Jahally Pacharr. The replacement of canal gates, culvert rehabilitation, and input support have made a real difference. We thank the project deeply.”
ROOTS is not only improving agricultural yields, but it is also transforming lives through sustainability, modern infrastructure, and youth empowerment.