Earlier today, the ROOTS Project under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security hosted an orientation session at its headquarters in Abuko for the third batch of youths under the Gambia Songhai Initiative (GSI) Youth Placement Program.
Nine (9) young participants (5 female and 4 male) have been assigned to support ROOTS beneficiary vegetable gardens across various communities. The placement aims to empower women vegetable gardeners by enhancing production techniques, record keeping, and year-round garden management.
Highlights from the event:
• Madam Amie Badgie (GSI) expressed pride in the new cohort, noting their selection was based on the exceptional performance of the previous batches. She encouraged the youths to serve as ambassadors of GSI, upholding discipline, commitment, and service.
• Mr. Mbye Saine, Project Coordinator (GSI) thanked ROOTS for the ongoing partnership and emphasized the program’s role in creating meaningful pathways for youth participation in agriculture. “Use this opportunity to learn, serve, and grow,” he told the participants.
• Mr. Lamin S Darboe, Senior Climate-smart Agriculture Officer and head of Component one (ROOTS) highlighted that the ROOTS–GSI partnership, launched in 2021, continues to deliver results. He noted ROOTS’ goal of 25% youth participation, showing the critical role young people play in transforming agriculture.
Key responsibilities of the placed youths include:
Working directly with women vegetable farmers
Applying GSI knowledge to improve production techniques
Supporting climate-smart practices, proper spacing, production planning, water management, and botanical preparations
Assisting farmers in maintaining production and yield records
Guiding garden management and facility maintenance
Submitting monthly and quarterly activity reports
Mr. Darboe reminded the youths that expectations are high, citing the lasting impact of previous batches, which the communities are still requesting for their return. He assured participants of full support from the ROOTS Regional Teams and the Regional Agriculture Directorate.
This initiative demonstrates ROOTS’ commitment to youth empowerment, agricultural innovation, and community development, proving that when young people are given opportunities, they make a meaningful impact.
#GSI #ROOTSGambia #YouthEmpowerment #AgricultureInnovation #CommunityDevelopment
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) FIDAfrique-IFADAfrica Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce Gambia Women’s Chamber Of Commerce The Gambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry - GCCI Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Food Security Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
