President Adama Barrow has unveiled three major agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting food production, tackling hunger, and improving livelihoods across The Gambia. The projects, with a combined value of $68.4 million, are part of a national drive to build resilience, expand access to funding for farmers, and strengthen food systems in rural communities.
The newly launched programmes include efforts to address food and nutrition insecurity, introduce a risk-sharing system for agricultural lending, and develop the rice value chain across West Africa. They will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security and are expected to directly benefit tens of thousands of households across the country.
Speaking at the launch, President Barrow described the projects as a critical step toward food self-sufficiency and economic empowerment. “Today marks a major step forward in our journey to reduce our dependence on food imports and empower our farmers,” he said.
He emphasized that these efforts go beyond just growing more food — they aim to create jobs, build climate resilience, and ensure agriculture remains a promising and sustainable livelihood for generations to come.
The president shared specific targets for the initiatives. One programme will reach 67,200 vulnerable households in the North Bank, Central River, and West Coast regions. Another will directly support 8,000 households, with an additional 120,000 benefiting indirectly in agricultural regions nationwide.
President Barrow reiterated his government’s commitment to agriculture as the backbone of the Gambian economy, linking the new projects to the country’s National Development Plan and its food and nutrition strategy. He stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture must be fully accountable in delivering real, life-changing outcomes for the people.
In a show of support, representatives involved in the initiatives expressed optimism that The Gambia’s focus on food security and inclusive growth will yield lasting results. As the nation continues to face challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and youth unemployment, these agricultural programmes are seen as a powerful tool for stability, prosperity, and long-term development.
