The vice president Dr.Isatou Njie Saidy on Thursday presided over the launch of a Regional Project on Sustainable Management of Endemic Ruminants in West Africa (PROGEBE). She appeared on behalf of President Jammeh at a ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach hotel.

The project, according to officials, is funded by the African Development Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEEF) at the tune of forty million dollars. The United Nations office for Project Services  and the International Tripanotolerance Centre are the executing partners.

In her statement at the launch, the vice-president revealed that the project intends to fulfil a regional reach towards preserving and enhancing the productivity of endemic ruminant’s livestock species in the four countries of The Gambia, Senegal, Mali and Guinea Conakry.  The initiative, she said, is a clear indication of the commitment these countries have towards addressing sustainable development challenges.

According to her, the project will cover close to five million cattle and one million five hundred thousand small ruminants in 20 sites. She further revealed that close to two million and four hundred individuals, mostly farmers in life stock management, would benefit from the project. It would also contribute to the attainment of food security in the sub region and thus reduce poverty said the vice president.

She urged all the countries involved to work hard in order to achieve the benefits of the project.

Other speakers included the Ministers of Fisheries and Livestock of Senegal and Mali Madam Oumie Idaeiyhairu Gaye Secka and Mrs. Malilen Jallow respectively.

Acting UN Residence Co-ordinator Malcom Duthie also spoke at the occasion.