The village of BOIRAM is now a model for most communities producing rice in the Gambia mainly because of all the support provided by WAAPP in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research Institute and the Ministry of Agriculture. Ms. Diagne's success a female farmer is mostly due to the use of high yielding rice varieties introduced by WAAPP's innovation platform of BOIRAM.

The introduction of the Sahel 134 variety, the adoption of 21 agricultural best practices and the provision of agricultural inputs in time by WAAPP Gambia has induced a rice yield increase by 500%. This, has motivated the women and youth of the village, to fully invest in the production of upland rice.

Ms. Jane and a number of rice farmers from BOIRAM have diversified into the production of rice seed and yields increased from 1.2T / ha to 4.5T / ha for the 2013 season. Therefore, the economic situation of Ms Jane has significantly improved. She described how she could now afford to educate her two daughters and take care of the household. Before the implementation of WAAPP in her village, she used to sell small ruminants to meet the needs of the family.

With the new farming skills acquired, she is able to equip and improve her farm and help other producers. She has provided seeds to up to 20 small scale rice farmers in her community and become a role model and champion in rice production in the district of Fulladou.

Furthermore, she is now able to actively participate in decision making in her community and confidently interact with local authorities.

Through various training she attended, her knowledge on gender and climate change issues are commended by WAAPP technicians intervening in BOIRAM village.

Ms Jane also invented 4 rice recipes (rice cookies, cakes, Chakeri and other products) that are appreciated by consumers. She is now able to train and educate other women on issues of nutrition and health.

Partnership