The National Coordinating Organization for Farmers Association, the Gambia (NACOFAG), has undertaken a significant initiative to sensitize local government authorities on preventing gender-based violence (GBV) and enhancing women’s access to land.

This effort, supported by the FAO Forest and Farm Facility, is part of a broader series of sensitizations organized by NACOFAC to emphasize the importance of GBV prevention and women’s land rights.

Governor Usman Bojang commended NACOFAG for their efforts, highlighting that protection against GBV contributes to enhancing social cohesion, as well as food production and productivity. He emphasized the importance of addressing the land tenure system to ensure sustainable agriculture that can support the country’s future needs.

“We are here to have a reflection and to discuss, led by the Women’s Bureau, the Department of Land and Survey, and our local authorities, some of the issues that befall farmers related to gender issues related to access to agriculturally productive land. All these are cause for concern,” said Alieu Sow, the national coordinator of NACOFAG.

Pierre Gomez, Agricultural Extension Supervisor, emphasized the impact of GBV on agricultural development and called for women to have ownership and access to land. He stressed the need for gender equality in land ownership for the country’s development.

President Ibrahim O. Jallow of Naloa, representing NACOFAG, highlighted the importance of public awareness in preventing GBV. He urged stakeholders to support the protection of women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence and ensure women have access to productive land.

Kaddy Janneh, regional officer of the Directorate of Gender at the Governor’s Office in the West Coast region, praised NACOFAG for complementing the government’s efforts in protecting women and girls from GBV. She emphasized the critical role of women’s access to land in addressing food security and called for increased efforts to empower women in agriculture.

The sensitization program also addressed issues such as child abuse and women’s violence, urging the government to consider a land policy to address the plight of women for increased food production and productivity. Participants discussed the need to eliminate negative cultural and traditional barriers and promote the regular reporting of gender-based violence incidents for redress.

The initiative reflects a collaborative effort between NACOFAG, government authorities, and other stakeholders to promote gender equality, prevent gender-based violence, and enhance women’s access to land, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural development in The Gambia.