By Adama Makasuba
Scores of families in The Gambia are now replacing fish with chicken wings because they said fish is becoming unbearable to buy in the country amid the rising cost of living.
According to statistics, fisheries contribute 12% to the country’s GDP and create 300,000 jobs for Gambians and non-Gambians.
According to statistics, fisheries contribute 12% to the country’s GDP and create 300,000 jobs for Gambians and non-Gambians.
But despite the excellent sum of employment and revenue generation, fish is now becoming a diamond for poor Gambian families, many of whom barely put three-square meals on the table daily due to the crippling poverty rate.
Reacting to the issue, Edrisa Barrow blamed the business community for the high cost of fish in the country.
He said, “The middle sellers in the market make it more expensive. They will have it at resalable prices, especially when the catches are plentiful yet still very expensive for the final consumer.”
But despite the excellent sum of employment and revenue generation, fish is now becoming a diamond for poor Gambian families
However, Njie Musa disagreed with the blame on the country’s ailing economy, adding that “globally, fish is normally more expensive than meat.”
“I have switched from fish to chicken since 2019, as I can’t afford fish. I am enjoying chicken now. Let the Chinese stop fishing in our country,” Geoge Jatta said.
Ebrima Zuma continued: “I remember when I went to Tipar garage market to buy fish, the seller sure me one fish and told me the price of that fish was D 500; then I decided to buy Meet the Fish.”
