Pirang Horticulturists Struggle with Water and Fertilizer Shortages, Appeal for Support

By Modou L. Badjie

In the heart of Pirang Village, local horticulturists face an uphill battle due to insufficient water supply and a scarcity of fertilizer, hindering their productivity and yield.

Gardeners in Pirang Village, who often rely on horticulture as their primary source of income, find themselves grappling with challenges that impede their agricultural pursuits. Modou L. Badjie, on a visit to the Kombo East village, discovered the strenuous efforts of these local horticulturists striving to overcome obstacles and enhance their production. Inadequate water supply and a scarcity of fertilizer emerge as the central hurdles faced by gardeners at the Pirang Agricultural Garden.

Fanta Sanyang, a gardener, revealed that the reliance on animal waste products for fertilizer is compounded by the difficulty of obtaining these materials, requiring extensive travel. Additionally, the lack of space to showcase their products adds another layer to the challenges faced by these industrious women.

She passionately expressed, “We travel very far to get animal dumps because it is the available fertilizer we use in our gardens, and having a place to sell our products is also another problem for us. We want to call people from all walks of life to support us.”

The reliance on solar panels for water generation introduces another layer of complexity, with the current weather conditions further exacerbating the inadequacy of water supply.

Fatou Bojang, also a gardener, emphasised the impact of winter on their solar panels. She calls on both the government and philanthropic groups to extend a helping hand.

Dodou Bojang, an extension worker, shed light on the challenges faced in enhancing the production capacities of these diligent women. He emphasised that inadequate water supply and fertilizer shortages are the predominant obstacles, highlighting the potential transformative impact of support on the diligent efforts of these local gardeners.

Supporting this initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of Pirang’s horticulturists but also aligns with The Gambia’s broader goals in achieving agricultural sustainability and developmental objectives.