Ebrima Tabora Manneh, the leader of All People’s Party, has urged the government to urgently step up remedial assistance to the nation’s farming population over fears of a of a poor farming season. 

He also advised the government to resolve challenges facing the economy with pragmatic solutions.

Mr Manneh made the remarks during his party’s news conference in Latrikunda Sabiji, where he lashed out at the tenure of the current minister of agriculture, Dr Demba Sabally, for “woefully failing“ farmers. 

He projecting a grim 2025 farming season for the country.

More than 60% of the Gambia’s 2.5 million population rely on agriculture for their subsistence, the sector is the driving force behind the country’s ailing economy for the past decades.

“The country’s agriculture seriously failed, especially this year. Because the farming season was very poor,” said Manneh. 

But he proffered that in order to address further hardship like food insecurity, the government should urgently provide assistance to the farming population.

“The government should provide assistance for the farmers to avoid further disaster, as we have projected a tough 2025 year for the country given the failure of the farming season,” he added.

By Adama Makasuba