As the harvest season begins in Chad's Mayo-Kebbi Ouest province, Prefect Kalmaïbé Maye Romkeuh of the Nanaye department has urged farmers to better plan and manage their agricultural income. He made the call during a visit to the Gagal market, accompanied by local authorities, security personnel, and agricultural officials. The prefect aimed to assess the market's supply situation and atmosphere, which is crucial for the entire province.
The prefect's visit came as farmers in several Nanaye villages started flooding weekly markets with their agricultural products destined for various commercial centers. With this situation, he advised farmers to avoid rapid sales or spending of their income, warning that this year's unfavorable rainfall could impact harvests and agricultural earnings. The prefect emphasized the need for rational management of income to ensure sustainable benefits for farmers.
During his visit, Prefect Kalmaïbé Maye Romkeuh engaged with female market leaders on storage conditions and the importance of avoiding panic sales that could depress prices to the detriment of farmers. He also highlighted the security aspect of the visit, given the department's proximity to conflict zones and recent cases of kidnappings for ransom. The prefect commended the efforts of defense and security forces in securing production areas and commercial routes.
The prefect urged market leaders to collaborate closely with authorities on the security of people and goods, reporting any suspicious movements around markets. He also called for preserving peaceful coexistence during this post-cultural period, as herds begin their transhumance, to prevent conflicts between farmers and herders. This appeal is crucial in maintaining social stability in the region.
Local leaders, including the Gagal canton chief and the president of the millet market management committee, welcomed the prefect's visit as "historic and reassuring," demonstrating the administration's commitment to rural communities. They acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in transforming this temporary abundance into sustainable food security through community storage facilities and anti-speculation measures.
The prefect's initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and market stability in the region. By promoting better income management and security, authorities aim to mitigate the impact of climate-related challenges and support the livelihoods of local farmers. The situation in Nanaye will likely influence agricultural policies and practices in other parts of Chad.
As the harvest season progresses, the effectiveness of Prefect Kalmaïbé Maye Romkeuh's strategies will be closely monitored. The collaboration between local authorities, farmers, and market leaders will be crucial in addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector in Mayo-Kebbi Ouest and ensuring a stable food supply for the region.
Key points
- Chad's Nanaye prefect calls on farmers to manage agricultural income wisely amid unfavorable rainfall and market fluctuations.
- The prefect's visit aimed to assess market supply and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
- Authorities seek to transform temporary abundance into sustainable food security through community storage and anti-speculation measures.
