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At a ceremony on June 11, 2025, the Bakau Women Horticulture Garden in Kanifing Municipality, The Gambia, received a new market and cold storage facility. This donation was made by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Africa West Area of the Church, officially handed over the facility.
The garden is managed by 525 women who cultivate vegetables on a 10.5-hectare plot. Before receiving this donation, they faced challenges such as limited market access and post-harvest losses due to insufficient water storage and exposure to heat.
Deputy Lord Mayor Binta Janneh-Jallow spoke at the handover ceremony about her invitation from the Church to attend their International Strengthening Families Conference in Abuja, Nigeria in June 2023. There she discussed with Church leaders the challenges faced by the horticulture garden.
The donation includes a market platform with ten stalls and concrete counter tables for better market access. Additionally, a solar-powered cool container was provided for cold storage to preserve produce quality and reduce loss.
Prominent officials attended the event including Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Lord Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council; Deputy Lord Mayor Binta Janneh-Jallow; national assembly members; local religious leaders; government officials; Lamin Dibba from World Food Programme (WFP); Aja Salieu Njie from Bakau Old Town; and representatives from FAO and Diplomatic Corps.
Madame Janneh-Jallow expressed gratitude saying: “Today, we unveil a tangible result — a facility that stands as a testament to what is possible when people and institutions unite for the common good.”
Elder Kyungu stated: “Our objective was to empower these caretaker women with tools they need to thrive... In this handover, the Church is not just handing over infrastructure. We are pleased to be strengthening a community.”
The event concluded with dignitaries expressing their gratitude towards the Church for its contribution.
