SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY FARM
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WHAT: A section of an existing community farm will be developed as a model farm where farmers can learn new, sustainable, eco-friendly farming technologies.
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| WHY: The
agricultural sector is the most important sector of Gambia's
economy, contributing 32% of the gross domestic product, providing
employment and income for 80% of the population, and accounting for
70% of the country's foreign exchange earnings.
It remains the prime sector for raising income levels, for investments, for improving food
security and reducing levels of poverty.With
the importance of agriculture to Gambia's economy, attention to
sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices is essential to make
people's lives more prosperous.
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HOW: The model farm has 4 components:
1. Integrated Crops and Livestock Farming:
About 10 acres of the land will be planted alternatively with forage
for cows and goats and vegetables for sale. The forage will feed the
cows and goats within the compound. The organic and sustainable
vegetable farm will be introduced for duplication to the women
vegetable farmers in the area.
2. Cow and Goat Fattening: Ten cows and 10 goats will be fed with the grasses from the farm.
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3. Construction of Bio-Gas Digester: Cow and goat waste will be used to generate energy and the construction of the bio-gas digester will serve as a learning tool.
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4. Construction of a Water Reservoir: The reservoir will be used to irrigate the community garden, as well as the garden of the local women's' organization.
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EXPECTED RESULTS: At the end of the project:
- 10 acres will be fenced and planted with pasture forages and integrated with fruits, vegetables, and other tropical trees;
- A 20x20 meter fishpond will be constructed;
- A building will be constructed for goats and cattle fattening;
- 20 goats and 20 cows will be placed in the fattening center and fed sustainably;
- A model bio-gas technology will be erected at the farmhouse and cow and goat manure will be used to generate energy;
- A 1,500 liter plastic reservoir will be constructed for irrigating the womens' gardens and those of the model farm;
- A 5 acre organic, sustainable garden will be planted with vegetables;
- Vegetables produced in the farm will be sold for a profit.
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