The CPF results are guided by FAO’s Strategic Framework (2022-2031) that places the 2030 Agenda at its centre by using SDGs and their indicators to promote focus and track progress. Guided by the lens of SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (No hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities). FAO’s contributions to agrifood systems transformation span across all SDGs organized along the Four Betters (aspirations): better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life. FAO’s country programmes draw upon the Programme Priority Areas under the four betters, to leverage needed technical expertise in the context of Regional Priorities defined by the Regional Conferences. It is a convergence of FAO’s Strategic Framework, the UNSDCF and the Government of The Gambia’s National Development Plan. Guided by the priorities set by the UNSDCF, the CPF will promote the principles of green economic recovery, human capital development, gender equality, women and youth empowerment, resilience building and accountability, and leaving no one behind.
The Country Programming Framework (CPF) for The Gambia is guided by FAO’s Strategic Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to address key challenges such as poverty, hunger, and inequality. Through initiatives like the UNSDCF Outcome 1.1, efforts are made to enhance access to essential services and promote resilience among marginalized communities, aligning with climate-responsive strategies and fostering partnerships for sustainable development. CPF Priority 1 focuses on strengthening institutional and producer capacities, including policy development and enhancing service delivery to modernize agrifood systems.
CPF Priority 1: emphasizes resilience and disaster risk reduction, with Output 3 aiming to enhance climate-smart productive capacities among farmers and fisher folks. This includes initiatives to promote best practices, technology adoption, and investment in key value chains, while also addressing gender dimensions in disaster risk reduction.
CPF Priority 2: highlights economic empowerment, particularly for women and youths in agrifood value chains, with Output 5 aiming to strengthen these chains for increased income generation and job creation.
To ensure effective implementation, monitoring, and reporting, governance structures like the Programme Coordination Committee will oversee progress and ensure alignment with UN and government priorities. Partnerships will be crucial for the CPF's success, with collaboration sought from various stakeholders to maximize impact. However, funding remains a challenge, with a significant deficit projected, requiring mobilization from both internal and external sources to achieve the CPF's goals.
Priority Area 3: Economic Empowerment of ANR Value Chains Actors Particularly for Women and Youths. Agriculture significantly drives The Gambia's economy, employing over 70% of the workforce. The government aims to modernize agrifood systems, enhancing production, value chains, and access to credit. FAO focuses on strengthening these systems, particularly for women and youth, through initiatives like the Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HiHI) and promoting investment opportunities.
Priority Area 4: Implementation, Monitoring, and Reporting Arrangements the CPF's implementation will support UNSDCF and FAO Strategic Framework goals through governance support, policy advice, and infrastructure investment. A Programme Coordination Committee will monitor progress, and annual sessions will review achievements. FAO will collaborate closely with government institutions, development partners, and the UN Country Team.
Partnership and Financing Outlook
Partnerships are crucial for CPF success, aligning with the joint efforts of the Gambian government and development partners. Funding needs amount to USD 44,690,000, with USD 20,790,000 currently available. FAO plans to mobilize additional funds from its internal resources and external sources like South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC).
Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation
FAO will actively participate in Results Groups and Monitoring and Evaluation Groups, using platforms like UN INFO for reporting. Monitoring and evaluation will follow a results matrix and plan agreed upon by FAO and the government, with annual CPF reporting to track progress and achievements.