Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-05 09:45:20
Elisa Sambou, a dedicated mother of five and a seasoned oyster harvester in Meme Jokadu district, starts her day long before the sun rises, waking up as early as 3 am to head to the estuary. Alongside her colleagues, she paddles through calm waters in small canoes, venturing into the dense mangroves where oysters thrive. Equipped with small axes, they painstakingly gather the prized shellfish, fully aware that each oyster represents a small fraction of their daily earnings. Despite the hardships, Elisa persists, boiling the day’s yield in thick smoke to prepare it for sale at the market.
Nevertheless, despite her unwavering efforts, her income from labor barely covers her family’s needs, especially with school fees looming for her children. However, a glimmer of hope emerges with the introduction of the FISH4ACP project, offering innovation and transformation for oyster harvesters like Elisa. Embracing the new approach with excitement, she looks forward to increased profits and an extended harvesting season, a prospect that fills her with hope.
The innovative methodology introduced by FISH4ACP involves placing spat collectors in the sea, allowing oyster larvae to mature until they reach a marketable size. This technique not only simplifies the harvesting process but also guarantees the availability of fresh oysters—a novelty for consumers in The Gambia. Encouraged by the project’s emphasis on cooperation, Elisa collaborates with her fellow harvesters to form an association, enabling them to collectively benefit from the new technology.
“The new method is a game-changer for us,” Elisa declares with a hopeful smile. “It enables us to work more efficiently and enhances our chances of providing for our families.”
Implemented by the FAO and funded by the European Union and BMZ, FISH4ACP has identified four strategic sites—Kartong, Block, Kubune, and Meme—to pilot this innovative technology. The initiative aims not only to increase income for women harvesters but also to enhance working conditions and offer consumers more opportunities to enjoy fresh oysters.
The transformation of the Oyster Value Chain in The Gambia seeks to boost productivity by deploying spat collectors in the sea before transferring them ashore to incubate oyster larvae until they are ready for market. This process has revolutionized the work conditions for oyster harvesters, allowing year-round harvesting instead of being limited to a seasonal four-month window as before.
Despite her decades of experience, Elisa faces a significant challenge—she cannot swim. This limitation not only restricts her movements in certain areas but also instills a deep fear of drowning. However, the swimming programme introduced by FISH4ACP offers a ray of hope. Elisa eagerly looks forward to enrolling in the program, as mastering this essential skill will not only enhance her safety in the water but also empower her to explore new opportunities without fear.
The adoption of new aquaculture technology by women oyster harvesters in Kartong, Kombo South, represents a significant advancement in enhancing the oyster value chain in The Gambia. Through initiatives like FISH4ACP, implemented by FAO and funded by the EU and BMZ, these innovations aim to increase productivity and income for women, improve working conditions, and provide consumers with access to high-quality fresh oysters. With the successful implementation of these projects, the future of oyster harvesting in The Gambia appears promising, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for everyone involved in the industry.
For more information, please contact:
Etheine Sylva
FAO Gambia Communications Officer
E-mail: [email protected]
Read the original article on The Standard
