Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-15 19:47:30
The European Union funded Agriculture for Economic Growth Project, known as Envelope A, may have concluded, but its impact on communities like Jerri Kaw Wollof in the North Bank Region is undeniable. Before the project, the village faced significant challenges regarding transportation, with bad roads requiring long walks or unreliable horse carts to reach the highway, making it difficult to access essential services like medical care in emergencies.
Katim Touray, the village Alkalo, remembers the struggles they faced due to the poor road conditions. Transportation was a nightmare, especially during emergencies when urgent medical attention was needed. This situation was particularly challenging for locals like Papa Njie, a driver who had to endure frequent vehicle repairs due to the harsh road conditions. Pregnant women sometimes even ended up delivering babies in his car while rushing to the hospital.
However, the implementation of the project brought substantial relief to Jerri Kaw Wollof. A new road was constructed, significantly reducing travel time and making daily life much easier for community members. Residents like Papa Njie now feel a sense of liberation, as they can move around freely without the fear of the previous road conditions. Economic activities have also received a significant boost, with small cars now able to access the area, enhancing transportation and trade opportunities.
One of the vital changes brought about by the project is the improved access to markets for farmers in Jerri Kaw Wollof. Previously, they struggled to sell their produce at weekly markets due to delays caused by the poor road conditions. With the new feeder road, farmers can now arrive early at the Farafenni weekly market, participate in wholesale marketing, and return home to continue with other tasks. Vendors also visit the community daily to purchase farm produce and transport it to the market, enhancing economic opportunities for residents.
In addition to the transportation improvements, the community also benefited from a seed store funded by the EU project and implemented by FAO. The seed store provides a safe space to store produce, particularly grains, reducing the risk of pests and disasters ruining harvests. While utilizing the facility incurs a nominal fee, the benefits of enhanced economic opportunities and increased resilience in agri-food systems outweigh the expenses for community members like Abdoulie Touray.
The transformation brought about by the road and seed store in Jerri Kaw Wollof has been life-changing for residents. Community leaders and residents express immense gratitude for the opportunities brought by FAO and donors to their community. For more information on the project and its impact, interested individuals can contact Etheine Sylva at [email protected] or visit the FAO Gambia Office website and social media platforms.
Read the original article on The Standard
