In The Gambia, the activities of majority of fishermen and those who deal in fish are limited by certain factors, which include the money for the sustainability of their ventures.

This used to leave them in the mercy of others (the rich) who can produce all their needs at a go without facing difficulties. Majority of Gambian families living around fishing centres like Sanyang, Gunjur and Tanji used to derive their source of living from the river. It also used to create self-employment for many young people living around those areas. But over the past years, majority of our young people have found it difficult to sustain their professions due to certain pressures.

However, with the launching of a Sustainable Aquaculture Systems project by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation Gambia office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The project aims to develop a viable, sustainable aquaculture as a programme for diversification of livelihoods in rural areas as well as to improve the nutritional status, increase income-generating capacity of the people and to provide additional off-season activities through enhanced land and water resources utilisation.

The project will also bring to light an effective management of our aquatic resources - particularly fish. Over the past years, The Gambia used to experience good number of post-harvest fisheries, which the project will also address. During the launching of the project, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, Lamin Nyabally, branded FAO as a positive and true collaborator with his ministry in the improvement of the living standards of Gambian people. The onus now solely rests in the hand of Gambians to make the maximum and effective use of the 2-year US$408,000 project.