By Mariam Williams
The Project Support Unit (PSU) of the National Agricultural Land and Water Management Development Project popularly known as Nema-Chosso, had recently convened an event called ‘Visibility Day’ at Qcity conference hall in Bijilo.
The purpose of this event was to showcase the key achievements, innovations and lessons, and the theme was “sharing lessons, successes and best practices from agriculture sector projects”.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Momodou Mbye Jabang, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, informed the gathering that, the visibility event was expected to highlight key project achievements and illustrates how the project had contributed to improving the lives and livelihoods of rural population across the country.
From the capital investment stimulation fund to investment in infrastructure development as well as capacity building and market linkage, Nema Chosso, as he indicated, has worked with multiple partners and project beneficiaries to deliver key targeted project outcomes.
The PS continued, “The project reflects the resolve of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Government of The Gambia (GoTG) to continue investing in improving the lives of poor rural people in the country.”
The Agric Ministry’s Number 2 also reminded his audience that the development goal of Nema is to reduce poverty of rural women and youths by increasing income from improved productivity based on sustainable land and water management practices.
He explained that during the past seven years, the PSU has worked together with partners and stakeholders to address key rural and agriculture development challenges, in sometimes, difficult contexts.
With the engagement of beneficiaries, innovative partnerships and the resolve of stakeholders, the project has progressively improved performance and ensure that deliverables are attained, acknowledged the PS.
He informed the Visibility Day attendees that “the innovations and good practices showcased in the event will continue to provide useful lessons and guidance for sustainable rural and agricultural development in the Gambia.”
The senior Agriculture Ministry official didn’t conclude without thanking the multiple implementing partners and service providers for their support during what he termed, “the exciting journey” of rural and agricultural development in the country.
PS Jabang again: “I also acknowledge the important contribution of the entire Nema-Chosso project staff over the past 7 years.
“Finally, but most importantly, I acknowledge the important role and contributions of all project beneficiaries, who maintained their active participation and engagement throughout this process.”
The Nema Chosso’s point man, Mr. Momodou Gassama, in his remarks told the gathering, that they were extremely pleased to share with them the compendium of innovations, successes and lessons learned from the implementation of the National Agricultural Land and Water Management Development Project (Nema-Chosso).
According to Project Director Gassama, the project reflects the resolve of IFAD and GoTG “to continue investing in improving the lives of poor rural people in the country”.
The Nema-Chosso boss reiterated the development goal of the project, which is to reduce poverty of rural women and youth by increasing income from improved productivity based on sustainable land and water management practices.
Mr. Ebrima Ceesay, representative of IFAD, refreshed that IFAD had been in this country since 1982 adding that since its inception in this West African country to date, the UN agency for agricultural development had “implemented 10 different projects in the country”.
“For us at IFAD, the most important thing is to work hand-in-glove with the government in order to alleviate poverty.This is the main objective of IFAD as a development partner,” Ceesay underlined.
The event was punctuated with drama performances and screening of success stories.
