News in Brief:
– World Bank has approved an additional $68 million for The Gambia’s climate-smart project to enhance food security.
– The project will reach more farmers, improve water access, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved an additional $68 million in financing for The Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV).
The additional funding will allow for the expansion of impactful initiatives within the project. These initiatives focus on improving water availability, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices through land tenure reform, and enhancing access to clean water and sanitation facilities in targeted areas.
Elaborating on the development, the Senior Agriculture Economist and Project Task Team Leader for the World Bank, Aifa Fatimata Ndoye Niane, said that the significant investment in the initiative will address critical needs in the nation.
She, “[they] will be able to replenish diverted resources, tackle food insecurity with climate-smart solutions, strengthen rural infrastructure for improved resilience, and make progress on land administration, particularly for female farmers.”
Enhancing inclusivity and gender equality
Also, Feyi Boroffice, World Bank resident representative, emphasised the project’s commitment to inclusivity. He stated that the initiative aligns fully with the government’s vision for the agricultural sector.
“It prioritises inclusivity, ensuring that all stakeholders, including women, youth, and vulnerable communities, have equal opportunities to participate and benefit from agricultural value chains,” he added.
Furthermore, he elaborated on how the initiative will achieve this through capacity building, training programs, and providing access to financial resources, with the aim of empowering marginalised groups and promoting gender equality within the agricultural sector.
The additional funding will enable GIRAV to reach a wider range of beneficiaries. The project now aims to support 200,000 farmers, an increase from the initial target of 100,000.
This expansion includes providing 50,000 individuals with improved water access, introducing innovative technologies to 30,000 farmers, and securing land rights for 20,000 beneficiaries.
