By: Cecilia EL Mendy
The Gambian government and the European Union (EU) last Friday signed a financing agreement worth D1.7 billion (20 million euros) to boost the transformation of the agri-food system in the country.
The signing of financing agreement, which took place at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs Conference Hall in Banjul, was meant to support activities and actors involved in ‘getting food from field to fork,’ and it was specifically to modernize and strengthen the country’s horticulture sector, with a focus on women, youth, and rural communities.
Speaking shortly before the endorsement, Hon. Seedy K. M Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, says it is an initiative meant to increase investment, productivity, and income opportunities and working conditions for women and young people for the food value chains system in The Gambia.
Meanwhile, he described the financing agreement as a significant milestone in advancing rural development and food security. “It will contribute actively to our national goals of boosting food production, creating decent jobs for our people, and ensuring greater resilience in the face of climate change.”
Ambassador Immaculada Roca I Cortes of the European Union in The Gambia, for her part, says the financing agreement shows “our shared commitment to support Gambian farmers, especially women and young people, to grow more nutritious food by increasing their income, accessing new markets, and adopting eco-friendly farming practices that protect the environment.”
Also speaking at the ceremony was Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Dr. Demba Sabally, who emphasized on the initiative. He says it comes at a better time when the food system in The Gambia faces challenges ranging from low productivity, climate change, food safety issues, limited access to market and finance.
However, “through this program, these challenges will be tackled through increasing investment and broaden opportunities for Gambians, most especially, women and youth, focusing on the horticultural value chain,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Immaculada Roca I Cortes signed on behalf of European Union while Honourable Seedy KM Keita Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs signed the financing agreement on behalf of Gambia Government.
The program focuses on three main priorities and it will be implemented by COLED, a private sector not-for-profit organisation. This new agreement builds on the EU’s long-standing support for The Gambia’s development efforts and reflects both partners’ commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including food security, gender equality, and climate action.