From January 7-10, 2025, The Gambia’s National Seed Secretariat (NSS), in collaboration with CIRAWA, conducted a training workshop at the NARI Horticulture Gardens in Yundum, focused on building the capacity of women gardeners in vegetable seed production. The training aimed to equip participants with the requisite theoretical knowledge and practical skills for high-quality, agroecological seed production, while also providing guidance on seed certification processes in The Gambia.
The workshop brought together women gardeners from five community gardens in the North Bank Region (NBR) and Central River Region North (CRR), with the goal of increasing national self-sufficiency in vegetable seeds and reducing dependence on imported varieties. A total of 10 participants and two resource persons attended. The training was led by NSS experts Mr. Morro Manga, Director General; Mr. Yankuba Sanneh, Head of Planning and Industry; Mr. Ebrima Jobe, Head of Finance; and NARI’s Horticultural Department Head, Mr. Tom Senghore. The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Demba Jallow of CIRAWA.
Over the course of four days, participants engaged in field visits to NARI’s demonstration gardens, where they explored a range of vegetable crops including cabbage, spring onion, eggplant, bitter tomato, sunflower, lettuce, pepper, bio-fortified sweet potato, and cassava. The training emphasised agroecological production methods, including nursery preparation using compost-filled trays, which reduce water usage, minimise seed wastage, and allow for more efficient and profitable nursery production. Practical demonstrations included seed sorting, planting with proper spacing, and organic manure application to boost soil fertility. Farmers also learned about mulching techniques to retain soil moisture and improve seedling success.
On the final day, the training moved to the NSS Laboratory, where participants were introduced to seed testing methods. These practices help ensure seed viability before planting and are essential to achieving reliable yields. Participants also received guidance on the standards and regulations required to become certified seed growers in The Gambia. An interactive discussion concluded the workshop, providing space for participants to share ideas, raise questions, and reflect on the knowledge gained.
This training represents a key milestone in CIRAWA’s mission to promote agroecological practices in The Gambia and West Africa. By equipping local gardeners with the skills to produce and test their own seeds, the initiative supports the development of a resilient, locally rooted seed system – one that reduces reliance on imports, boosts the national economy, and strengthens livelihoods across the country.
