Agriculture, the backbone of many developing economies, remains a vital driver of food security, employment and rural livelihoods in The Gambia. In a major boost to the sector, the European Union has signed a €20 million ($21.6 million) financing deal with the Gambian government to modernise farming and strengthen climate resilience.
The 1.7 billion dalasi programme, signed on Friday in Banjul by EU Ambassador Immaculada Roca i Cortés and Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally, will primarily target the horticulture industry. Officials say the initiative will help improve food production, create jobs and promote sustainable farming practices.
“This new programme will help boost food production, create decent jobs, and strengthen our capacity to face the impacts of climate change,” Sabally said at the signing ceremony.
Ambassador Roca i Cortés emphasised that the investment reflects a shared vision between the EU and The Gambia. “We are investing in the people of The Gambia particularly women and young farmers to grow nutritious food, increase incomes and adopt eco-friendly practices that protect the environment,” she said.
The project, titled Accelerating the Sustainable and Inclusive Transformation of Agri-Food Systems in The Gambia, will focus on climate-resilient value chains, boosting horticultural productivity and promoting nutrition-sensitive farming to support women, youth, and rural communities.
