President Jammeh’s back to the land call has received a massive response.

Over the past days, we have seen people, from all walks of life, professional men and women of all ages, going to Kanilai in order to participate in the exercise.

The common determination they’ve shown constitutes a clear indication that Gambians are not only ready to tackle the global food crisis that has hit most of the underdeveloped countries, but also to contribute to the country’s food independence.

What we need now is to translate the individuals' implicit understanding into a positive synergy capable of propelling The Gambia forward to a food self-sufficiency stage.

As the back to the land call has become stronger and more widely accepted, there is an enormous opportunity to change the status of the country from food importer to food exporter.

It is a great challenge for Gambians to follow the footsteps of President Jammeh who has demonstrated that the way forward is to ensure the country’s food independence.

The Gambian leader’s attitude is worthy of emulation by Gambians, as no country can retain genuine independence if it cannot protect its citizens from hunger.  It is therefore high time to move towards food independence for Gambians and Gambian households.

What is taking place in Kanilai projects optimistic perspectives for our beloved country. Consequently, we should adopt such a agricultural model so as to start recasting the food crisis.

In fine, Gambians have made their choice; their daily survival can no longer depend on the vagaries of volatile international markets.