As FAO and partners gather in Farafenni, North Bank Region, to celebrate World Food Day this year, the chosen theme resounds with profound significance: "Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind." This theme encapsulates the essential connection between water and food security, a nexus that lies at the heart of The Gambia's agricultural landscape.

In a world where agriculture accounts for a staggering 72% of global freshwater withdrawals, and with a looming 35% increase in global water demand for agriculture projected by 2050, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Gambia like other nations is faced with with water stress, with approximately 2.4 billion people living in water-stressed countries. Remarkably, this burden disproportionately falls upon women and girls, underscoring the equity challenges we face.

The global statistics on water-related disasters are stark reminders of the urgency of this issue. From 2001 to 2018, around 74% of all disasters were water-related, exacting an economic toll of nearly USD 700 billion. Floods have surged by 134% since 2000, while droughts have increased by 29%. Our wetlands, vital biologically diverse ecosystems, are vanishing at an alarming rate, three times faster than forests, with 85% lost over the past three centuries.

However, there is hope in collective action. Limiting global warming to 1.5°C, compared to 2°C, holds the potential to alleviate water stress induced by climate change. Moreover, freshwater ecosystems, though covering only 1% of the Earth's surface, harbour 40% of the world's fish species. Inland fisheries represent over 12% of total global fish catch, providing crucial sustenance. In the Gambia, we are not only participants but also torchbearers in the journey towards water and food security. At least 600 million people worldwide partially depend on aquatic food systems for their livelihoods.

FAO is a valuable partner supporting The Gambia's food security through interventions that encompass agricultural productivity, crop diversification, livestock and fisheries development, natural resource management, policy support, emergency response, nutrition, data systems, climate change adaptation, and partnerships. These efforts have contributed to improving food availability, access, and utilization. However, the harsh reality is that almost 1 billion tonnes of food, equivalent to 17% of all globally available food is wasted annually. This is indirect wastage of precious production resources such as  water.

Between 1990 and 2023, The Gambia has made significant strides in rural villages by implementing nearly 350 solar-powered piped water supply systems, thanks to collaborative efforts between the government and development partners. These systems have won favor with local communities for their simplicity, durability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The result is a projected 85% of the population gaining access to safe water supply by the end of 2024. However challenges persists some areas still depend on unreliable and   unprotected well water sources.

Despite the appearance of having achieved Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for water supply, the persistent demand for new systems highlights the ongoing need for access to clean water. With the United Nations designating water as a human right, The Gambia is now working toward the ambitious goal of 100% coverage for all citizens by 2025, recognizing the moral imperative of providing safe water to every Gambian. In conclusion, The Gambia must continue investing in innovative and sustainable water supply solutions to ensure clean water access for all citizens as well as food and nutrition security.

As we commemorate World Food Day, we also celebrate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which shares its anniversary with this day. FAO's journey began in 1945, born from the belief that freedom from want of food could be achieved for all of humanity. Today, we continue that mission, united in our commitment to water and food security, striving to ensure that no one is left behind.

In this pursuit, we find hope and inspiration, knowing that with each drop of water conserved, each meal shared, and each individual empowered, we move closer to a world where water is accessible.  Availability, and affordability of nutritious  food must remain a human right.