Farmers in Alagie Karu, Jokadu, who had long awaited payment for their groundnut produce, have finally been compensated following government directives to the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Cooperation (NFSPM) former Gambia Groundnut Cooperation (GCC).
The disbursement was held at NFSPM headquarters in Banjul on Monday.
Deputy Managing Director of National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Cooperation Lamin Sanyang, confirmed that between D1.2 million and D1.6 million has been disbursed to affected farmers. The payment comes after months of frustration, during which the Secco President had collected both the groundnuts and the funds but failed to remit them to GCC.
“It is very ironic because the Secco President received the groundnut, received the money, but neither returned the money nor the groundnut to GCC,” Mr. Sanyang stated.
Strict Measures Against Credit Buying
Sanyang emphasized that Secco Presidents are prohibited from buying on credit. Farmers must be paid instantly upon delivery, with every lot of 50 tonnes backed by D2 million. Reimbursements are processed once 75% of the lot is delivered.
He warned farmers not to be misled by claims of “no money,” stressing that funds are always available. “This excuse of owing farmers is not acceptable,” he said.
Accountability and Legal Action
Authorities have begun investigating Secco Presidents who mismanaged funds. Some cases have already been reported to the police, with arrests and statements underway. The government intends to recover misappropriated money through the courts.
Decline in Mismanagement
Compared to last year’s payout of D25 million, this year’s figure is significantly lower due to tighter controls and stricter contract enforcement. Current payments stand at D1.2–1.6 million, with remaining expected claims not exceeding D900,000 to D1 million.
Sanyang assured farmers that the government does not owe them any money and pledged further reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Secretary General of the National Farmers Union, Modou Njie, has commended the Government of The Gambia for its swift and decisive support to farmers across the country. Speaking on behalf of the union, Njie praised the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Cooperation for their timely intervention, which he described as critical in safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring food security.
Njie noted that the government’s proactive measures have come at a crucial time, helping to stabilize agricultural productivity and strengthen the resilience of rural communities. He emphasized that such interventions not only provide immediate relief but also reinforce the long-term sustainability of the nation’s farming sector.
The National Farmers Union continues to advocate for stronger collaboration between farmers and government institutions, highlighting that coordinated efforts are essential to address challenges posed by climate change, market fluctuations, and resource constraints.
Njie’s commendation reflects the union’s commitment to working hand in hand with policymakers to secure a brighter future for Gambian agriculture
