Commentary: FAO Gambia’s new CPF
The recent launch of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Country Programming Framework (CPF, 2024-2028) in The Gambia represents a welcome development for the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Sectors as well as the transformation of the food systems.
Attended by a diverse array of stakeholders including senior government officials, UN Heads of Agencies, and partners, the event served as a platform for reflection, discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the agrifood and natural resources sectors.
The Gambia faces economic challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in reduced economic activities and an adverse impact on the Gross Domestic Product. Significant statistics highlight the contribution of agrifood systems to GDP (22.4%), the employment rate in agriculture (over 70% of the active workforce). Food insecurity has escalated, affecting urban and rural households. Despite the potential for economic development in the natural resources sector, concerns persist regarding unreported and illegal fishing as well as over-exploitation and depletion of terrestrial and marine resources. Better production and optimization of available resources requires support and investment including targeted support for women and youth.
Meanwhile, the strategic roadmap is designed to enhance food security measures, invest in better nutrition drivers, promote a better environment and fortify livelihoods across The Gambia. Through its alignment with both national priorities and global sustainability agendas, the CPF (2024-2028) prioritizes institutional and producer capacity building, disaster risk reduction, economic empowerment of agriculture value chain actors, and resilience to climate-related shocks.
Government priorities inform CPF objectives, emphasizing sustainable agrifood systems, human capital development, and climate change resilience. The development of the CPF involved extensive consultations with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including government institutions, the United Nations Country Team, civil society organizations, development partners, and other non-state actors. This inclusive approach ensures that the CPF is firmly rooted in the realities of The Gambia's agricultural landscape and is intricately intertwined with key national policy frameworks such as the Green Recovery Focused National Development Plan.
FAO’s CPF envisions a future characterized by resilient and inclusive livelihoods, social and economic inclusion addressing inequality and poverty reduction. To this end, the framework proposes measures aimed at supporting smallholder farmers and fisherfolk in adopting climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring equitable access to adequate nutrition, and facilitating access to nature-based solutions to foster inclusive economic growth.
The budget requirements for the CPF is estimated at USD44 million, with a current deficit of USD23.9 million. Funding streams include internal and external sources emphasizing collaboration with the Government and other partners for effective implementation. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will ensure accountability and adaptive programming, with annual reporting and periodic reviews to address evolving circumstances.
Following the signing and launch of the CPF on 27 March 2024; a technical session convened where stakeholders conducted a thorough review on the document, critically analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement. This reflective exercise underscored a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in the implementation of the CPF, further solidifying stakeholders' resolve to realize its ambitious objectives and catalyze sustainable agricultural development in The Gambia.
The launch of the FAO CPF underscores a collective commitment to ‘Deliver as one” in enhancing food and nutrition security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering resilience in The Gambia, setting the stage for concerted action and collaboration towards achieving shared development goals for a better life.