Receiving from the hands of the President of the Transition, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, a large allocation of machinery adapted to revitalize the agro-pastoral sector in Gabon, the Minister of Agriculture, Jonathan Ignoumba, called on the entities under supervision to resolutely get to work to meet the challenge of food security in the country which imports more than 300 billion FCFA of food products each year.
“Our duty is now to be the working ant and not the singing cicada”urged Mr. Ignoumba, before calling for a green revolution in Gabon.
The first phase of delivery of this equipment supply that the Ministry of Agriculture will have to share with that of Public Works is composed in particular of: 13 graders, 10 loaders, 12 hydraulic excavators, 2 395 excavators, 9 tank carriers with 4 axles, 53 dump trucks, 2 water tankers and 27 Toyota Land cruiser double cabins.
The significant endowment acquired results from a partnership between the Ebomaf group and the Gabonese State. These machines are suitable for all tasks, from the simplest to the most complex, in particular for digging, excavating and plowing the arable land of Gabon.
For the Minister of Agriculture who invites young people to take an interest in a sector which brings a considerable reduction in unemployment, “the state is sending a strong signal through this promotion of the agricultural-pastoral sector to the extent that agriculture and livestock are sources of self-employment and generator of income.”
Camille Boussoughou
2024-11-25 11:04:00
#duty #working #ant #singing #cicada #Jonathan #Ignoumba #Minister #Agriculture
How does Minister Ignoumba plan to address Gabon’s high dependency on food imports through agro-pastoral reforms?
**Interview with Minister of Agriculture Jonathan Ignoumba on Gabon’s Agro-Pastoral Revitalization Efforts**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Ignoumba. Recently, you received a significant allocation of machinery from President General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema aimed at revitalizing Gabon’s agro-pastoral sector. Can you tell us more about what this machinery represents for the agricultural landscape in Gabon?
**Minister Ignoumba:** Thank you for having me. This machinery is crucial for our agricultural transformation. It symbolizes our commitment to modernizing the agro-pastoral sector, which has suffered from years of underinvestment. With these new tools, we aim to boost production capacities and efficiency, which is essential for our country’s food security.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned food security, highlighting that Gabon imports over 300 billion FCFA worth of food products annually. How do you plan to change this situation?
**Minister Ignoumba:** Our immediate goal is to reduce our dependency on imports by enhancing local production. We are focusing on improving agricultural practices and utilizing this new machinery effectively to increase yields. This includes engaging local farmers, providing training, and ensuring that they have access to these resources to produce enough to meet our local demands.
**Interviewer:** You’ve called on various entities under your supervision to take action. What specific steps do you envision these entities should take to meet this challenge?
**Minister Ignoumba:** I expect all stakeholders—from government agencies to private sector partners—to collaborate closely. This involves implementing best practices in farming, investing in research and development, and ensuring infrastructure supports agricultural activities. We also need to encourage community engagement to promote sustainable farming techniques.
**Interviewer:** Gabon has faced numerous challenges, especially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. How has the pandemic affected your plans, and how do you see the future of agriculture in Gabon post-pandemic?
**Minister Ignoumba:** The pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities in our food supply chains. It impeded the movement of goods and people, leading to significant disruptions. However, it also served as a wake-up call for us to invest more in our agricultural sector. Looking ahead, I am optimistic that with the right investments and a strong push for modernization, Gabon can become more self-sufficient and resilient.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Ignoumba, for sharing your insights on this important initiative. We wish you all the best in overcoming the challenges ahead.
**Minister Ignoumba:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these vital issues. Together, we can create a more food-secure Gabon.
