President Adama Barrow has launched a series of major agricultural initiatives worth more than $68 million, aimed at transforming the country’s farming sector and improving food security.

The three projects, REWARD-Gambia, the P2-P2RS Sahel Resilience Initiative, and the GAMIRSAL Establishment Project , were unveiled at a ceremony attended by government officials, international donors and development partners.

Speaking at the Sir Dawda K. Jawara International Conference Centre, President Barrow described the initiatives as a “turning point” for Gambian agriculture, saying they would significantly benefit rural communities and help the country adapt to climate change.

 “These projects mark a turning point in our national quest for agricultural transformation, food sovereignty and climate resilience,” he said.

“I am confident that their impact will be felt across all corners of The Gambia, particularly in our rural communities.”

The programmes, which align with The Gambia’s National Development Plan (2023–2027) and the National Agricultural Investment Plan (2019–2026), are expected to support tens of thousands of farming households.

REWARD-Gambia aims to assist 8,000 households directly and over 120,000 people indirectly by investing in modern irrigation systems, improved seed varieties, farm mechanisation services, and expanded market access.

The P2-P2RS initiative will focus on the Lower River, Central River, and West Coast regions, targeting 67,200 vulnerable households. It will enhance resilience infrastructure, provide climate-smart seeds and fertilisers. 

By Adama Makasuba