FAO, DEFRA team and DLS officials pose for a photo after a fruitful meeting At the DLS complex, Abuko

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)’s Project team from the United Kingdom recently concluded a productive three-day monitoring visit to The Gambia in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The visit, aimed at evaluating ongoing projects and identifying areas for further support, included a series of site inspections and meetings with local officials and stakeholders.

 During their visit, the DEFRA team held a briefing session with officials at the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and visited key locations including a Poultry Production Unit, a laboratory in Abuko, and the Regional Livestock Department in Brikama. They also toured a beneficiary local poultry farm in Sotokoi and various other facilities such as the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Parks and Wildlife, the epidemiology unit, and a private aquaculture farm.

 Sharron Nestor, the Program Manager of the DEFRA project, explained the purpose of their visit. "We are here to monitor progress, share knowledge with local personnel, and identify potential areas for further intervention to support the country's veterinary services in controlling animal diseases. This collaboration is in partnership with FAO, which continues to provide technical support."

 The DEFRA team was particularly impressed with the impact of the marketing training organized for 30 farmers. Ousman Mballow, a veterinary officer, noted, "The training has equipped farmers with skills to create profitable portions and enhance their marketing strategies, which has significantly benefited their operations."

 At the Chemical Veterinary Clinic, where the EMA-i Surveillance Tool is in use, the DEFRA team expressed their satisfaction with the Tool's effectiveness. "We are impressed with how the EMA-i system is ensuring effective surveillance of animal diseases. It’s a valuable asset for the department," shared Prof. Antony Fooks, a member of the DEFRA team.

 Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Dr Ousman Ceesay said, "This visit was fundamental to assess the project's effectiveness and its impact. It is crucial to see how far we have come in implementing the project and to gauge areas where we can increase support. External evaluations help us understand our capacity gaps and improve our strategies."

 He continued, "The DEFRA supported Project has significantly contributed to strengthening our animal health delivery system. During the HPAI outbreak among wild birds in 2023, the project provided vital support, helping us contain the disease and safeguard our food systems."

 The DEFRA Project's budget, amounting to 158,428 US Dollars,  with FAO’s facilitation and oversight   includes community and radio sensitizations on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), further highlighting its comprehensive approach to animal health.

 Both the DEFRA team and DLS officials expressed satisfaction with the visit, acknowledging its success in fostering stronger partnerships and paving the way for enhanced support and collaboration in the future. The teams also showed interest in supporting government institutions visited.