The Gambia: Unlocking global markets for Gambian farmers

Their report was effectively the outcome of a national conversation about where to act first.

What did they look at?

They looked at costs, export potential, public health, poverty reduction, environmental impact, and opportunities for women and young people.

What was the result?

The analysis showed that a total investment of US$ 3.5 million in improving SPS capacity could help unlock US$ 52.4 million in annual export benefits. This was proof that evidence-based investments can deliver real returns for farmers and exporters.

Where was the biggest opportunity?

The biggest opportunity was in the cashew nuts sector. The analysis showed that an investment of just US$ 453,000 in improving the capacity of cashew nut producers to comply with export requirements could unlock up to US$ 45 million in annual export potential, supporting a sector that employs 12,000 smallholders. This is all the more important given the priority that cashew nut production has been given in The Gambia’s export strategy.

With the declining exports of groundnuts, cashew nuts are viewed as the most viable export crop for the country. For example, The Gambia recently signed an export agreement with China for the export of cashew nuts. This is particularly important as it creates alternatives to the EU market.

What other sectors stood out?

Groundnuts needed stronger aflatoxin control to increase exports. Chili peppers needed better SPS compliance, with the potential to benefit up to 89,000 producers.

Mangoes, smoked fish, and hides and skins were also viewed as future investment opportunities.

Did these findings lead to action?

The findings helped shape a new STDF project worth nearly US$ 800,000 to improve safe trade in cashew nuts.

They also helped align support with a EUR 18.9 million EU-funded programme implemented by COLEAD (Committee Linking Entrepreneurship Agriculture Development), a leading provider of technical assistance for sustainable agriculture, covering chili peppers, mangoes and groundnuts. P-IMA mapping also helped shape discussions with development partners. It is much easier to have discussions about investment and interventions when they can be based on an evidence-based report.

What are some of the lessons learned?

The right plan can lead to a greater scale of ambition. The Gambia’s experience shows that when priorities are clear, evidence-based and nationally owned, donors can invest with confidence.

With partnerships and smart sequencing, even limited resources can open markets, protect livelihoods and deliver important returns.

Contributed by the Food Safety and Quality Authority of The Gambia and the STDF.