President Barrow Launches Major Agricultural Projects to Tackle Poverty and Boost Food Security

President Adama Barrow has officially launched three landmark agricultural initiatives: the REWARD-Gambia Programme, the P2-P2RS Sahel Resilience Initiative, and the Gambia Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Establishment Project (GAMIRSAL).

Speaking at the launch, President Barrow emphasized agriculture as the backbone of the national economy and a key driver of sustainable development. The projects are designed to increase productivity, build resilience to climate change, and expand access to financing for farmers across the country.

The REWARD-Gambia Programme aims to modernize rice production through the development of irrigation infrastructure, improved seed systems, mechanisation, and enhanced market access. It is expected to directly benefit 8,000 households and reach over 120,000 indirect beneficiaries across the seven agricultural regions of the country.

The P2-P2RS Sahel Resilience Initiative focuses on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities through the rehabilitation of gardens and rice fields, provision of agricultural machinery, and distribution of climate-smart seeds, fertilisers, small ruminants, and poultry. This initiative targets 67,200 direct and indirect beneficiaries across 19 districts.

The third project, GAMIRSAL, seeks to revolutionize agricultural financing in the country. It will provide 5,000 direct and 20,000 indirect beneficiaries with access to credit through a national risk-sharing system, thereby encouraging investment in agriculture and reducing financial barriers for farmers.

Crucially, all three projects aim for at least 50% of their beneficiaries to be youth and women, ensuring inclusive participation and empowering these groups to become key players in national food production and economic growth.

Together, these initiatives mark a significant step forward in The Gambia’s journey toward sustainable agriculture, economic resilience, and national food security.