The Gambia Standards Bureau, with support from the GIRAV Project Gambia, today handed over communication materials on rice, maize, and groundnut to support farmers across The Gambia.
Funded by the World Bank through the GIRAV Project, the materials were developed as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and competitiveness of Gambian agricultural products and improve access to regional and international markets.
The communication materials provide practical guidance on quality standards, good agricultural practices, and post-harvest handling, equipping farmers with the knowledge needed to produce crops that meet market requirements while reducing post-harvest losses.
The Director General of The Gambia Standards Bureau, Mr. Papa Secka, highlighted the importance of translating standards into practical, easy-to-understand messages for farmers.
“These materials are not only intended to promote good agricultural practices that improve productivity and quality, but they also address one of the major challenges facing our agricultural sector, such as post-harvest losses,” he said.
By following these standards, he explained, farmers can improve production methods, reduce losses, and ultimately enhance the quality and marketability of their products.
Speaking on behalf of the GIRAV Project, Ms. Ramatoulie Hydara Sanyang, Director of Operations, emphasized the significance of the initiative in strengthening agricultural value chains.
“Our goal is to increase production, enhance product quality, and connect our farmers to better markets.”
In his launching remarks, Mr. Alhagie Nyangado, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure farmers are educated on the standards.
He noted that increased awareness and adoption of these standards will contribute to higher yields, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved market opportunities for Gambian farmers.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of TGSB, the GIRAV Project, the World Bank, and the Ministry of Agriculture to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to produce quality.
