The World Food Programme has claimed that The Gambia is experiencing its “highest levels of food insecurity and increased humanitarian needs in the last decade”.  

The World Food Programme deputy country director, Malick Ndiaye, made the statement during WFP 77 years anniversary held in Janjabureh.

He said that Central River Region (CRR North) is the worst hit region in terms of food security, and nutrition- both stunting and wasting food.

“The challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition in The Gambia are complex, inter-linked and multifaceted. WFP is committed to building and strengthening the climate resilience, safety net and sustainable food and nutrition security in this country,” he added.

Dr. Demba Sabally, minister of agriculture, also highlighted the government’s renewed commitment to developing agriculture and improved food systems in the country.

“The services provided by various Departments and Technical Service Units under the Ministry of Agriculture are indeed demand-driven, market-oriented and guided by stakeholder participatory learning. 

“The National development approach calls for the need to forge and sustain stakeholder and institutional linkages, while ensuring quality and equity of service delivery.

“The policy provides that the new extension services will be pluralistic as agricultural extensions services will be provided by both public and the private sector in a decentralised system,” he said.

The minister added that the World Food Day was commemorated to increase public awareness on achievements in food and agriculture development “ensuring the maintenance and sustainable environmental protection for generations to come”.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba