The Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa and has a population of just over 2 million people.
Agriculture is one of the most important sectors and contributes to 32% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It provides employment and income for 80% of the population
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
Despite The Gambia’s potential for agricultural production, many key commodities are still being imported. For example, up to 80% of the rice consumed is being brought in from abroad.
The country is in need of more agro-processing companies, which in return could add increased value to the locally produced raw materials.
INTRODUCING URBAN FARMERS
There is massive potential in local rice production in The Gambia. It has an estimated annual demand of $130 Million. Saikou Bojang, the founder of Urban Farmers, has developed solutions that will increase production, rice supply and economic potential.
These solutions include, but are not limited to:
- Introducing innovative farming equipment to scale production
- Implementing irrigation based cultivation to reduce weather reliance
- Building agro-processing units, such as mills, to process rice more effectively
- Training and empowering the youth to develop technical and business skills
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTED RESULTS?
- 11,000 tons of rice in the next five years
- 30,000 new jobs created over a 10-year period
- 4,500 new small businesses
- Millions saved in annual rice import
- 15% reduction in youth unemployment
Sources:
- The World Bank Group
- Ministry of Agriculture, The Gambia
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
