Source: The Daily Observer (Banjul)
In The Gambia, a good percentage of the population relies on agriculture as their main source of income and staple food. This is sometimes limited by the unavailability of technical know-how and knowledge on agriculture.

In this first edition, we introduce to you, the horticultural activities of women at the Bajulinding horticultural garden, which has been pioneered and supported by President Jammeh fromthe early days of the second republic.

Kadesa Sambou, the president of the garden gave a brief introduction of the garden, which she said was established in 1996 withinitial support from the World Bank project. After the phasing out of WB support to the project, she said, the government of The Gambia in collaboration with the government of Taiwan came in to assist them. According to her, before the intervention of the Taiwanesethe total size of the garden was one hectare, but it graduallyexpanded to 23 hectares.

Benefits from the Taiwanese support projects

Taiwanese support also included the rehabilitation of the borehole and reservoir. In addition, the project also elevated water tanks in the garden and installed several taps fitted with reservoirs for easy watering of their vegetables Though the Taiwanese project has phased out, Sambou thanked the embassy, describing them as true friends of the Gambia, observing that they have contributed in no small measure to the welfare of not only the people of Banjulunding but to the entire Gambian people.

Kansaikou Ceesay, a senior Agriculture officer said his work with the women include seed selection, nursery management or technology, land preparation, cultural practices, integrated pest and disease management as well as water management, post harvest technology and marketing strategies among other things. The women are however in need of support for sprinkler irrigation pipes.

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• Gambia