FAO IN THE GAMBIA: SUPPORTING NATIONAL POLICIES FOR THE FOUR BETTERS

Guided by the commitment to “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture,” FAO’s work in The Gambia aligns with the Green Recovery Focused National Development Plan and the 2030 Agenda through the objectives of the FAO Strategic Framework (2022 – 2031). Since its establishment in 1978, the FAO Country Office has supported the Gambian government in advancing agriculture and natural resource development, implementing over 130 impactful projects. FAO’s recent contributions include policy support for Food Fortification Regulations, Extension Services, Disaster Risk Management, Value Chains Analysis, Seed Policy and Agriculture and Natural Resources utilization alongside interventions for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.

With its extensive, underutilized agricultural resources, The Gambia has significant potential to boost domestic production, improve food and nutrition security, build resilience and reduce reliance on food imports, and alleviate food insecurity affecting 4.6% of the population, as identified the annual Cadre Harmonisé data and FAO’s State of Food Insecurity Reports.

PRIORITY AREAS

Aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031 and the Gambia’s United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, FAO’s Country Programming Framework (CPF, 2024 -2028) promotes efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems for a better quality of life. FAO’s strategic focus in The Gambia has four key areas:

1. Promoting inclusive, competitive, sustainable, and nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems to strengthen food security and boost local economies.

2. Reducing disaster risk and building resilience to shocks and crises, contributing to sustainable peace by preparing communities for environmental and economic challenges.

3. Sustainable management of the environment and natural resources to safeguard biodiversity and ensure long-term ecological balance.

4. Promoting youth employment and women’s empowerment in food systems to create inclusive opportunities for growth and self-reliance.

As a trusted partner in The Gambia’s development journey, FAO leverages its technical capacity, extensive partnerships, and expertise to shape policies and implement programs that foster sustainable growth. With a commitment to “Leaving No One Behind,” FAO supports the Gambia to build a more secure, resilient, and prosperous future for a better life.