Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-04-19 09:38:06
SIG Ventures, managed by Ousainou M Jallow, operates a poultry farm in Abuko and has expressed gratitude towards the Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV) Matching Grant Scheme for its support in expanding the farm. The project, funded by the World Bank, has provided a matching grant window for SMEs, which has had a significant impact on the farm’s operations.
Before receiving support from the GIRAV project, the farm was struggling to maintain profitability with around twelve thousand to fifteen thousand birds. However, with the support, the farm now produces one hundred and fifty to a hundred and sixty crates of eggs per day. Jallow mentioned that they are looking to further increase their production capacity to fifty thousand layers with the support from GIRAV. This expansion will not only enhance their productivity but also create opportunities for more employment as they plan to increase their staff from 18 to potentially 60 individuals.
One of the significant challenges faced by the farm is the competition from imported eggs and the reliance on imported feeds. Jallow highlighted the impact of selling their eggs at low prices and the difficulties in sourcing feeds due to financial constraints. He urged the government to address these challenges to facilitate the growth of local businesses for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.
In addition to the economic challenges, the farm also faces difficulties in procuring feeds as they have to rely on suppliers from Senegal due to the lack of large-scale feed production industries in The Gambia. This reliance on external sources exposes them to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, impacting their operational costs and profitability. Jallow emphasized the need for local feed production to provide more control over costs and ensure sustainability in the long run.
The expansion of SIG Ventures’ poultry farm not only promises to enhance its productivity but also offers socio-economic benefits to the local community by creating more employment opportunities. The increased capacity and efficiency resulting from the GIRAV project support will enable the farm to contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector in The Gambia.
Overall, the recognition of the challenges faced by agribusiness in the region and the proactive measures taken by SIG Ventures to address them through partnerships with initiatives like GIRAV demonstrate a commitment to sustainable growth and development in the agricultural sector. By leveraging support from government programs and international funding, businesses like SIG Ventures can overcome obstacles and thrive in a competitive market while also benefiting the local economy and community.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
