The Gambia Food and Nutrition Agency (GAFNA)–a registered non-governmental organization aiming to improve the quality of food consumed by the general population and to promote food security via a self-sufficient society in The Gambia–had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (an MoU) with the Departments of Agriculture, and Livestock Services (both under Ministry of Agriculture), and Department of Water Resources (DWR)–under Fisheries Ministry– aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of refugees, particularly in the agricultural sector.
In his address at the signing ceremony held at the GAFNA conference room in Kanifing, Executive Director Yusupha J. Gomez underscored the importance of collaboration and partnership with government departments to strengthen and up-skill the capacity of the refugees staying in the country, by championing their status in the area of gardening, livestock and other farming activities.
The GAFNA boss continued: “We deem it necessary to come up with this idea of fostering our long relations and partnership by making it official and formal in continuing, enhancing, and improving our collective efforts towards the development of refugees. And this needs collective responsibility for all of us; and I know you have been supporting, and together, we can make The Gambia a safe heaven for refugees.”
Gomez expressed their appreciations to the communities hosting the refugees for their unflinching support, while lauding UNHCR’s tremendous contribution to the welfare of refugees in The Gambia.
Dr. Saikou E. Sanyang, Director General (DG) of Department of Agriculture (DoA) described the initiative as “timely and significant”, noting it’s a way forward in expanding agricultural activities to all people living in the Gambia.
The DoA chief promised them of his office’s continued support to refugees in order to improve their livelihoods through agricultural means.
Dr. Abdou Ceesay, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, speaking at the event, acknowledged the signing of the MoU would immensely contribute to boosting the status of refugees, to a higher level. He said they would be committed to achieving the objectives of the MoU.
In his remarks, the Director of Water Resources, Dr. Lamin Mai Touray, reiterated government’s commitment to encourage women and youth to take aquaculture as a business enterprise, and therefore stressed that refugees should not be left behind .
“We are supporting and encouraging them to be committed as well assuring them that our doors are open; and we are ready to give them all the necessary assistance required,’’ stated Dr. Touray.
