The  Ministry of Agriculture officially launched the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ Country Programming Framework (CPF) for the period 2024-2028 in The Gambia. The event, attended by government officials, UN Representatives, stakeholders and partners, marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to enhance food and nutrition security, promote sustainable agriculture, and address key challenges in the agrifood and natural resources sectors.

In her statement, Moshibudi Rampedi, FAO  Representative expressed gratitude to the Government, donors, and implementing partners for their dedication to transforming agrifood systems and realizing the 2030 Agenda. She emphasized the collaborative nature of the new CPF, developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders, and its strategic focus on food and nutrition security, climate change adaptation, and livelihood enhancement. "The new Country Programming Framework is a strategic blueprint informed by invaluable past lessons; it is  aligned to The Gambia's national priorities," said the FAO Country Representative. "It offers technical assistance and support in priority areas such as strengthening institutional and producer capacities, disaster risk reduction, and support for agriculture and natural resources value chains, particularly for women and youth."

Echoing the sentiments of collaboration, the Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Dr. Demba Sabally, highlighted the CPF's role in enhancing engagement and transforming agrifood systems. "The CPF will modernize agriculture, enhance food self-sufficiency, and foster economic growth, aligning closely with our overarching goal of achieving sustained economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction," he emphasized.

Rose Sarr, UNFPA Representative who was speaking on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, commended FAO's commitment to inclusive and resilient agricultural practices, emphasizing the importance of empowering women and youth in the sector. "The CPF outlines specific targets and objectives to address critical challenges facing agriculture, fisheries, and the environment, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals such as zero hunger, gender equality, and climate action," she remarked.

The Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources, and National Assembly Matters,  Musa Drammeh noted that the importance of the fisheries sector in contributing to GDP, employment, food security, and nutrition.   Honourable Rohey John Manjang, the Minister of  Environment Climate Change and Natural Resources, Mrs  Rohey John Manjang acknowledged FAO's support in addressing challenges related to forestry, climate change mitigation and adaptation. She commended the past and the new FAO CPFs for   implementing initiatives to promote sustainable utilization of natural resources.

With the signing and official launch of the FAO Country Programming Framework for 2024-2028, stakeholders and partners reaffirm their commitment to translating its ambitious objectives into actions that will  benefit the Gambia’s Agri-food systems and contribute to the attainment of the 2030 Agenda targets.