The call for greater investment in local fertiliser production and agroecological farming deserves serious attention as The Gambia seeks to strengthen food security and build a more resilient agricultural sector.
Agriculture remains central to the livelihoods of thousands of Gambians, particularly smallholder farmers, women and young people. Yet farmers continue to face challenges linked to rising input costs, declining soil fertility, climate change and dependence on imported agricultural inputs. These challenges require solutions that are affordable, sustainable and adapted to local conditions.
The National Agroecology Forum 2026 has highlighted an important opportunity: making greater use of locally available resources to produce organic fertiliser while improving soil health and reducing excessive dependence on chemical inputs.
The experience of community composting initiatives supported by ActionAid International The Gambia demonstrates that organic fertiliser production can be developed at community level. Such initiatives can also create opportunities for rural employment while helping farmers make productive use of agricultural and household waste.
Government support, however, will be essential if these initiatives are to move beyond individual projects and achieve wider national impact. Investment should include training, research, access to appropriate farm implements, improved extension services and financing for farmers and local fertiliser producers.
At the same time, any transition away from chemical fertilisers should be carefully managed. Farmers need practical and affordable alternatives, as well as evidence-based guidance on maintaining productivity and soil fertility.
The government, civil society organisations, researchers and farmers should therefore work together to develop a coherent national strategy for agroecology and local fertiliser production.
Supporting locally produced fertiliser is not simply an environmental issue. It is also an economic and food-security issue. By strengthening farmers’ capacity to produce and access affordable agricultural inputs locally, The Gambia can reduce vulnerabilities, improve rural livelihoods and build a more climate-resilient food system.
The message from the forum should therefore be translated into concrete policies, financing and action.