The Gambia has taken a big step toward strengthening its agriculture sector with the launch of a new support programme worth more than D241 million (US $3.3 million). The initiative, unveiled on June 16, 2026, by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security through its Central Project Coordinating Unit (CPCU), is designed to help farmers increase productivity and improve food security across the country.
Under the programme, farming communities nationwide will receive certified seeds and other agricultural inputs. The support will cover over 20,000 hectares of farmland and reach around 1,500 communities, with rice production given top priority as part of the government’s push for national self-sufficiency. Other crops such as maize, groundnut, findi, and cowpea will also benefit.
The initiative is being carried out in partnership with several government-backed projects and international development partners, including REWARD-The Gambia, P2-P2RS, GIRAV, ROOTS Project Gambia, GAFSP, and RRVCDP. Together, they are working to empower vulnerable communities and ensure that Gambian farmers have the tools they need to thrive.
At the launch ceremony in Abuko, Agriculture Minister Dr. Demba Sabally praised the collaboration, noting that the programme will help avoid duplication of efforts and promote synergy among projects. He emphasized that the support scheme is not only about boosting crop yields but also about building resilience, improving household incomes, and advancing the government’s broader food sovereignty agenda.
With this investment, the government hopes to reduce reliance on food imports, strengthen nutrition, and give farmers the means to secure a more sustainable future.
