Fatoumatta Kijera watering her onions at the AACCP-supported garden

In Nyakoi Kerewan, the FAO's Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) has revolutionised agricultural practices, enabling the community to generate substantial profits through year-round farming, ensuring long-term sustainability, and improving the quality of life for its residents. By introducing solar powered irrigation system and diversified agricultural practices, the project has empowered the community thereby significantly improving the livelihoods of its residents.

The garden, a key element of the AACCP, has become a hub for continuous agricultural activity. During the dry season, the women of Nyakoi Kerewan cultivate beds of onions, yielding impressive harvests. Last year, they produced 51 tons (51,975 kilograms) of onions, generating a significant 3 million 898,000 Dalasis in revenue. This year, the yield increased to 80 tons , bringing in an even more impressive 4 million Dalasis. The community also saw success with maize cultivation, harvesting 12 tons and generating 116,000 Dalasis from its sale.

"The profits from our harvests have been life-changing," says Fatoumata Kijera, a dedicated gardener. "We can now meet our daily needs, pay for school fees, and take care of personal expenses. The support from FAO and AACCP has been invaluable."

Infrastructure improvements have been crucial to this success. The garden features a 20-liter capacity water borehole and 25 reservoirs, each with a 5,000-liter capacity, resolving previous water shortages and ensuring efficient irrigation. According to Buba singateh, the Agricultural Extension Worker for Wuli West, "The garden has provided a new lease on life for the community. It offers a reliable source of income and has significantly enhanced our livelihoods."

The project’s reach includes beekeeping which provides the community with high-quality honey. Poultry farming and the milling machine have further diversified income sources, ensuring the community is not overly reliant on a single agricultural activity. The comprehensive support has enabled residents to better manage their resources and sustain their ventures.

"The benefits of the garden goes beyond income," remarks Mariama Fatty, another participant. "It has unified us, and we are all committed to making it a success. We no longer worry about water shortages, thanks to the borehole and reservoirs."

The future looks bright for Nyakoi Kerewan, with plans already in motion to cultivate an early maturing variety of maize for summer.

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The FAO's Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) has significantly transformed the lives of the people of Nyakoi Kerewan and Kiriwa, empowering them through a diversified agricultural system that has enhanced their incomes, food security, and overall quality of life.

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In the vibrant communities of Nyakoi Kerewan and Kiriwa, the FAO's Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change Project (AACCP) has ushered in a new era of prosperity and stability. By introducing a diversified agricultural system that includes a productive garden, beekeeping, poultry farming, and a milling machine, AACCP has created substantial economic opportunities, particularly for women.

The garden, a cornerstone of this initiative, has become a hive of year-round farming activity. During the dry season, the women cultivate beds of onions, yielding impressive harvests. Last year, they produced 51 tons of onions, generating a substantial 4 million Dalasis. This year, the yield increased to 80 tons (8,000 kilograms), bringing in an even more impressive 4 million Dalasis. The community also saw success with maize cultivation, harvesting 12 tons and generating 116,000 Dalasis from its sale.

"This project has been a lifesaver," shared Fatoumata Jallow, one of the women involved in the garden. "The income we generate helps us address our daily needs, pay school fees, take care of personal expenses, and support our male partners. We are incredibly grateful to the FAO and AACCP for this opportunity."

The infrastructure improvements have been pivotal. The garden features a 20-liter capacity water borehole and 25 reservoirs, each with a 5,000-liter capacity, resolving previous water shortages and ensuring efficient irrigation. Buba Singateh, the Agricultural Extension Worker for Woody West, notes the broader impact: "The garden has brought a new lease on life for the community. It provides an alternative source of income and has significantly improved our livelihoods."

The project’s reach extends beyond the garden. Beekeeping has flourished, providing the community with high-quality honey. Poultry farming and the milling machine have further diversified income sources, ensuring the community is not overly reliant on a single agricultural activity. The comprehensive support has enabled residents to better manage their resources and sustain their ventures.

"The benefits of the garden extend beyond income," remarks Mariama Sowe, another participant. "It has created a sense of unity among us, and we are all committed to making it a success. We no longer worry about water shortages, thanks to the borehole and reservoirs."

Plans for the future are already in motion, with the community preparing to cultivate an early maturing variety of maize for the summer. This proactive approach ensures a continuous supply of crops and income, reinforcing the community’s resilience and forward-thinking mindset.

"Our health has also improved significantly," adds Awa Camara. "We have access to fresh, organic vegetables and protein from the poultry and honey. The number of people visiting the hospital has decreased, and our overall well-being has improved."

The gratitude towards FAO and AACCP is palpable. "We cannot thank the FAO and AACCP enough," says Alieu Bah, a local farmer. "These interventions have changed our lives. We can now provide for our families, improve our health, and invest in our future. The skills and resources we have received are invaluable."

Overall, the AACCP's intervention in Nyakoi Kerewan and Kiriwa stands as a testament to the transformative power of targeted agricultural support. The combination of diverse agricultural activities, effective infrastructure, and comprehensive training has created thriving, self-sustaining communities. The people of Nyakoi Kerewan and Kiriwa are now better equipped to face the future with confidence and optimism, thanks to the life-changing impact of the AACCP.