The Gambia Horticultural Enterprises (GHE), a multi-purpose agri-business company engaged in the entire horticultural value chain, on Tuesday, 19 January 2021, began a training programme for the first batch of one hundred (100) youths from various regions, centering on agro-food processing and vegetable production.
The training for participants from Central River Region (CRR), Lower River Region (LRR), and North Bank Region (NBR), is taking place at GHE Farm and Multi-purpose Agro-processing Centre at Kembujeh village, West Coast Region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, a GHE representative, Ms. Haddy M. Ceesay, informed them that the training is meant to equip the youths with skills that are needed in agricultural food processing and vegetable production, which are in high demand at the jobs market.
She indicated that participants would be given the chance to identify the types of crops they want to specialize in processing. She said the training would help to improve job opportunities for the youths, and could also help them to set up their own business with the skills they acquired after the training.
Mr. Yusupha Keita, a representative of ITC (International Trade Centre), observed that there are a lot of unemployed youths in the country, and therefore, having the chance to be part of the skills training would go a long way in addressing the unemployment rate. He emphasized that, for the youths to contribute to any development, they need to acquire the skills required to enhance development.
While hinting them that there would be challenges along the way, he also said that doesn’t mean they should be discouraged from the training. He encouraged that every successful person has a story to tell, so they should work hard in order to achieve their primary goals.
Mr. Ebrima Bah, the Vegetable Production Trainer at GHE underscored the importance of agriculture, while reminding that it plays a vital role in the development of this nation, and “without agriculture, people will find it very difficult [to earn their livelihood]”.
The trainer described agriculture as the backbone of the country, and noted that vegetable production would help a lot. Keita told the gathering that acquiring the required skills on vegetable production would help in mitigating the challenges people are facing in their day-to-day lives. He averred there is no other way they could develop their country in the absence of agriculture. “A hungry country cannot think of development”, he stated, and went on to say that could lead to the instability of the country’s economy.
“When the country can produce food from agriculture, it can help to address life-threatening challenges and also can lead to rapid development,” Keita submitted.
Mr. Hassan M. Jagne, a trainer in horticulture, urged the trainees to be committed to the training, and not to allow anyone to distract them from the training. He also tasked them to go back to their respective communities [after the training] and motivate others to join the next batch for the training.
Mr. Salifu Jaiteh, who represented UNCDF [UN Capital Development Fund] at the opening programme thanked the European Union (EU) for funding the training which, he maintained, is significant for the youths. Saying the training is a four-year programme, Jaiteh challenged all the trainees to acquire the required tools for the training.
“If you want your community to change, you must take the lead to change your community,” Jaiteh charged the youth folk.
Birom E. Bah of LRR representing the vegetable producers; Muhammed Fofana from CRR representative for agro-food processors, all expressed gratitude to the organizing committee. They are optimistic that the training, if completed, would help them to acquire jobs that could enhance their sustainability in life.
The duo enjoined their fellow participants to go back, after the training, and take the lead in [the development of] their communities.
