Fish sellers at Brikama Central Market blame rising CFA exchange rates for expensive fish prices. The West African currency grows stronger against Gambian dalasi and forces vendors to pay more for imported seafood. Ba-Kebba Drammeh works as a fish vendor and says CFA advantages hurt local traders. Fish pan costs jumped from 1,200 dalasi to 1,450 dalasi because of currency problems. Drammeh warns that current conditions make Senegalese people richer and leave Gambians poorer.
Vendors also report fish shortages connected to Tobaski Muslim celebrations across the region. Many fishing boat owners come from other countries and returned home for religious prayers. Sulayman Gassama has worked as a fisherman for sixteen years and calls current times the worst period. Business people from different sectors complain about CFA currency exchange problems affecting their profits. Gassama notes that fish industry struggles match difficulties faced across other business areas.
Drammeh explains that families need food and vendors carry heavy financial responsibilities during tough economic times. He considers finding alternative work instead of continuing fish business that barely provides survival income. Vendors expect profits from their hard work rather than losses that benefit foreign nationals. Amadou Mballow, Mariama Njie and Lamin Jawara face similar challenges throughout Gambian fish markets. The exchange rate situation threatens local fishing industry jobs and family incomes.
Vendors also report fish shortages connected to Tobaski Muslim celebrations across the region. Many fishing boat owners come from other countries and returned home for religious prayers. Sulayman Gassama has worked as a fisherman for sixteen years and calls current times the worst period. Business people from different sectors complain about CFA currency exchange problems affecting their profits. Gassama notes that fish industry struggles match difficulties faced across other business areas.
Drammeh explains that families need food and vendors carry heavy financial responsibilities during tough economic times. He considers finding alternative work instead of continuing fish business that barely provides survival income. Vendors expect profits from their hard work rather than losses that benefit foreign nationals. Amadou Mballow, Mariama Njie and Lamin Jawara face similar challenges throughout Gambian fish markets. The exchange rate situation threatens local fishing industry jobs and family incomes.
