By: Fatou Krubally
The Minister of Agriculture, Demba Sabally has disclosed that there is no comprehensive national transhumance policy in effect in The Gambia, but efforts are in high gear to get one.
He was responding to the questions raised by National Assembly Joint Committee on Environment and Agriculture’s probe into the activities of transhumance in the country.
According to Minister Sabally, there are clear and active steps being taken to develop a comprehensive national transhumance policy for the country.
“The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, has initiated a process which will eventually lead to the draftinKg of a National Transhumance Policy,” he announced
He said their international partners like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have started supporting the effort and a national consultation was held in July 2025 to validate data and tools critical for shaping the policy.
“This indicates the development process is active and in its relatively early stages,” he added.
According to him, climate vulnerability assessment maps out climate vulnerability hotspots and guide proactive interventions and conflict-sensitive planning.
He said that his ministry would prioritize the development of designated pasture development zones and water reservoirs in the upcoming agricultural fiscal year.
“This will however need the support of the National Assembly in facilitating the allocation of the necessary development funds to the Department of Livestock Services,” Minister Sabally added.
He acknowledged that environmental sustainability and transhumance must go hand-in-hand. “In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, we will promote and demonstrate controlled grazing and rotational systems to communities. We will also champion the proposed community-led reforestation campaigns in critically degraded areas,” he emphasized.
However, he pointed out that the implementation of the recommendations required a whole government approach and, crucially, the continued partnership, support and oversight of the National Assembly.