𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟎-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥

Ahmed Manjang has successfully completed a 10-day Permaculture Design Course (PDC) in Senegal, earning certification as a permaculture designer following the conclusion of the intensive training on Wednesday, 29th July 2026.

Ahmed Manjang received his certificate following the 10 day Permaculture Design Course in Senegal

Speaking to Gunjur Online after completing the programme, Mr. Manjang expressed his gratitude to the individuals and organisations that made the opportunity possible.

“Officially, I am a permaculture designer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick de Buck, a founding member of Soldagro, a Belgian NGO that supported my training entirely. I would also like to thank our host, Mr. Rahim, manager of 4 des Chemins, our trainers Mark Shepherd and Mama Lulu, and my fellow trainees from Senegal, The Gambia, Burkina Faso and Mali.”

During an exclusive interview with Gunjur Online, Mr. Manjang explained that the course provided practical knowledge on designing sustainable agricultural systems by working in harmony with nature.

“The training covered the core principles of permaculture, including soil regeneration, water management, agroforestry, composting, natural pest control and sustainable farm design,” he said. “I decided to undertake the course because I want to transform my gardening and small farming project in Gunjur into something more productive, resilient and profitable while improving the land for future generations.”

Mr. Manjang highlighted several techniques he intends to introduce to his farming project in Gunjur, particularly those aimed at improving soil fertility, conserving water and increasing biodiversity.

He explained that composting, mulching, worm farming and other soil-building practices would help restore nutrient-poor sandy soils while reducing reliance on expensive chemical fertilisers.

He also plans to introduce water conservation methods such as swales, contour bunds, keyhole gardens and mulching to maximise rainwater retention during the dry season and minimise soil erosion.

Another key lesson from the training was the importance of diverse planting systems. Instead of relying on monoculture, Mr. Manjang intends to establish companion planting systems that combine fruit trees, vegetables, herbs and indigenous medicinal plants to naturally improve soil health and control pests.

The training also introduced him to agroforestry and integrated livestock systems, where trees, crops and animals work together to create productive and environmentally sustainable farming systems.

Mr. Manjang believes these approaches will significantly improve both productivity and long-term sustainability.

“The biggest shift is moving from conventional methods that deplete the soil to regenerative methods that rebuild it,” he said. “I expect healthier plants, improved yields and lower production costs. Over time, the farm should become more resilient to drought and pests while producing healthy food throughout the year.”

Beyond increasing food production, he believes the knowledge gained could create new economic opportunities through the sale of organic produce, seedlings and compost, as well as providing training to aspiring young farmers.

While optimistic, Mr. Manjang acknowledged that implementing permaculture in The Gambia will come with challenges, including the labour required to establish systems, changing traditional farming mindsets and sourcing suitable materials.

To address these challenges, he plans to begin with a small demonstration plot, carefully document its progress and involve family members and neighbouring farmers so they can witness the results firsthand.

Looking ahead, Mr. Manjang hopes to establish a model permaculture farm in Gunjur that will serve not only as a productive agricultural enterprise but also as a centre for learning and innovation.

“My vision is to create a thriving demonstration permaculture farm in Gunjur that produces abundant, healthy food while regenerating the soil,” he said. “I want it to become a place where young farmers can learn practical solutions to climate change, food security and youth unemployment. With what I learned in Senegal, I believe we can build more resilient food systems along the South West Coast Region.”