By Haddy Touray
Gambian economist Dr. Ousman Gajigo has expressed concern over what he described as declining agricultural productivity and ongoing challenges in The Gambia’s energy sector.
Speaking in an interview on “Coffee Time” with Peter Gomez on Friday, Gajigo said The Gambia currently records the lowest rice productivity among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
He said that while countries such as Senegal and Mali have made significant progress toward staple food self-sufficiency, The Gambia has regressed in rice production despite having comparable productivity levels in the 1990s.
Citing FAO figures, he said national rice yields average about one tonne per hectare, compared to a regional average of over two tonnes and more than four tonnes in Senegal.
He argued that the constraints facing agriculture are well known, including high land development costs, but questioned the level of implementation of policy solutions.
Gajigo said progress in key sectors depends largely on political will and effective execution of existing strategies.
In a separate comment, he disputed claims that The Gambia exports electricity to Senegal, describing the assertion as inaccurate due to the country’s limited generation capacity.
He said domestic electricity production remains significantly below national demand and therefore cannot support exports.
According to him, current generation is estimated at below 50 megawatts, while national demand exceeds 100 megawatts, creating a persistent supply deficit.
He added that ongoing power shortages make any electricity export arrangement unlikely under current conditions.
Gajigo also questioned statements regarding regional electricity trade, noting that institutions such as the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) have not publicly confirmed exports.
On regional energy cooperation, he said the Organisation pour la Mise en Valeur du fleuve Gambie (OMVG) hydropower project alone would not resolve the country’s energy challenges.
He noted that the Samba Ngallo dam, with a projected capacity of 128 megawatts, would still fall short of national demand, particularly due to seasonal variability in hydropower output.
Gajigo stressed that while regional integration projects are important, they must be complemented by increased domestic investment in power generation capacity to ensure long-term energy security.
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