The Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS), in collaboration with its partners, has commenced a two-day parliamentary session to review the draft legislative proposal on organic fertilizer with lawmakers and other stakeholders.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the legislative framework for the production, use, and promotion of organic fertilizer in The Gambia, with broader implications for sustainable agriculture, soil and environmental protection, public health, and the resilience of Gambian farming systems.
The session aimed to present a legislative proposal on organic fertilizer as a technical working document for consideration, facilitate dialogue between lawmakers, the Ministry of Agriculture, stakeholders, farmers, and the private sector, and advocate for the Agriculture Ministry to sponsor it as an executive bill.
In his overview of the session, Mr. Landing Gibba, Project Officer at CISS, noted that The Gambia does not have a specific legal framework for organic fertilizer production, standards, certification, quality control, and commercialization.
“While chemical fertilizer is regulated, organic fertilizer, despite its proven benefits, remains informal and unregulated,” he said.
Mr. Gibba explained that CISS is not authorized to introduce a bill to the National Assembly, as this must be done by a legislator or a member of the cabinet. Instead, CISS provides advocacy, technical support, and stakeholder facilitation to call on the executive and parliament to consider a legislative framework.
Alieu Bojang, from SOS Children’s Village, highlighted that despite government’s significant investment in importing fertilizer, research shows that most farmers still find it unaffordable, making accessibility difficult.
He suggested that “a solution could be the promotion and promulgation of locally produced organic fertilizers.” He added that supporting local producers would also create employment opportunities for women and young people, while generating tax revenue through production and commercialization.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Buba Tamba said the objective of the forum was to strengthen the capacities of local CSOs to engage in policy dialogue at the national level. He emphasized the importance of empowering community structures and like-minded CSOs to effectively monitor and implement EU and national development programs.
Hon. Yaya Gassama, representing the Chairperson of the Agriculture Committee of the National Assembly, described the engagement on the promotion and regulation of organic fertilizers as crucial, noting that agriculture remains central to food security, rural livelihoods, and the national economy.
“The promotion of organic fertilizers presents an important opportunity to improve soil health, support sustainable agriculture, and reduce our dependence on costly imports,” he said.
He stressed, however, that promotion must go hand in hand with proper regulation, ensuring farmers have access to organic fertilizers that are safe, effective, and of reliable quality. He cautioned that regulation should not disadvantage small-scale farmers, local producers, and agricultural entrepreneurs.
“This legislation should protect our farmers and consumers while encouraging innovation, investment, and the development of a stronger domestic organic fertilizer industry,” he added.
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fatou Jammeh Touray, emphasized that the Agriculture and Natural Resource Working Group is advocating for smart practices that provide nutritious and healthy food. “We cannot achieve that with the use of chemicals,” she said.
She further noted that sensitization is central to helping farmers embrace the transition from chemical fertilizers to organic alternatives.
