No fewer than thirty-five active farmers in Foni Bintang Karanai over the weekend took part in a one-day forum on weather and climate change, held at Sibanor Lower Basic School.

The forum, which was funded by Spanish Meteorological Agency, in collaboration with World Metrological Organisation and implemented by the National Water Resources, seeks to sensitise practising farmers on some of the activities relating to the weather and climate change.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Peter Gibba, the Head of Research and Application (R&A) at Meteorological Office in Banjul, spoke at length on the importance of the forum, adding that if farmers are well informed on the dangers of climate change, they will definitely be well equipped.

“We are fully aware that the overwhelming majority of farming activities in this country take place during rainy season and I have no doubt that farmers have good skills in observing and interpreting climate, through the changes that occur in their immediate surroundings”, he stated.

For his part, Mr Lamin Touray, Senior Meteorological Officer in Yundum, stated that the relationship between farmers and weather and climate services has proved to be of immense benefits, noting that “if we are to survive harmoniously, then the issue of climate change should be given a greater attention to the variation of the weather and climate in order to reduce the risks associated with hazards in practical terms; this means establishing partnership between impacted sector professional (farmers) and the weather and climate service.”

“We must remember that what is sold to us is the surplus production,” he added.

According to him, once the weather and climate are not stagnant overtime, this partnership would require a solid foundation as it has to stay for a very long time. He noted that the support of the local authorities is required, which he said, will involve some investment of resources.

The Chief of the area, Seyfo Alhagie Mustapha Camara, commended the National Water Resources for their timely intervention, describing the forum as very educative.