On Friday, 14th March 2025, the ROOTS Project, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Security, held an award ceremony for the distribution of D99.6 million in matching grants to 39 farmer organizations across The Gambia.
The event was attended by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Security, Dr. Demba Sabally, alongside key stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Baboucarr Joof, representatives from the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and members of the ROOTS Project National Review Committee.
During his address, Hon. Sabally emphasized the transformational impact of the ROOTS matching grant, highlighting the success of past beneficiaries. He noted that previous grants have empowered youth and farmer organizations by expanding agribusinesses, creating employment, and strengthening rural economies.
The matching grants, designed to support Public-Private-Producer Partnerships (4P), will be invested in post-harvest management, value addition, and improved market access. Beneficiary organizations will receive essential equipment and infrastructure, including trucks, grain stores, cold storage facilities, drying floors, and rice and vegetable processing units, all aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
He emphasized that ROOTS is committed to sustainability in its implementation. He also expressed gratitude to the ROOTS Project for not only enhancing agricultural productivity but also making a significant contribution to the President’s agenda for food security and the goal of achieving rice self-sufficiency by 2030.
The Honourable Minister of Trade, Baboucarr Joof, reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and supporting the agricultural sector, particularly in exports through GIEPA. He emphasized the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA for the country, especially for agricultural entrepreneurs, and encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of these opportunities to expand their market reach beyond national borders.
The selection process for the grants was highly competitive, with 298 applications received from across the country. Following a thorough review process coordinated by GCCI, 39 farmer organizations were selected, ensuring transparency and efficiency in fund allocation.
Hon. Sabally commended the National Review Committee and the ROOTS Project team for their commitment to fair and effective grant distribution. He further encouraged beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, ensuring their projects contribute to food security, economic growth, and rural development.
With this latest initiative, the ROOTS Project continues to drive agricultural transformation in The Gambia, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering farmers, reducing post-harvest losses, and boosting income generation.