Another major milestone has been reached in The Gambia’s journey towards rice self-sufficiency as the Resilience of Organizations for Transformative Smallholder Agriculture Project (ROOTS) officially handed over the Pacharr Tidal Irrigation Scheme Rehabilitation Site (Sub Lot 1 of Lot 3) to Long Jian Road and Bridge Company Limited for the commencement of rehabilitation works.
Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the US$4.44 million investment will rehabilitate 510.1 hectares across Units 4, 5, 6, 7 and Pacharr 105. The rehabilitation works, expected to commence in November 2026 after the rainy season, will include the rehabilitation of irrigation canals, construction of hydraulic structures, strengthening of dikes, installation of water control systems, land levelling, improved drainage networks, and upgrading of farm access roads to enhance irrigation efficiency and climate resilience.
The ceremony was graced by Honourable Ousman Bah, Governor of the Central River Region (CRR), alongside Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Dr. Demba Sabally, the Permanent Secretary, the Regional Agricultural Director, the Seyfo of the District, National Assembly Member Hon. Gibbi Mballow, development partners, community leaders, farmers, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Regional Agricultural Director for CRR, Mr. John Mendy, described the intervention as a significant step towards addressing the recurring flooding and water management challenges affecting the Jahally-Pacharr perimeter, expressing confidence that the rehabilitation will make a meaningful contribution to achieving The Gambia’s Rice Self-Sufficiency Agenda by 2030.
The ROOTS Project Director thanked farmers and stakeholders for their patience since consultations began in 2021, emphasizing that improved land development, efficient water management, and land levelling are essential to increasing rice productivity to an average of 3.6 tonnes per hectare.
Representatives of Long Jian Road and Bridge Company Limited pledged to deliver quality work, while the supervising consultant, PACE, assured stakeholders that the project would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with the required standards.
On behalf of the farming community, Haruna Gassama, President of the Jahally-Pacharr Rice Farmers Association, expressed gratitude to the Government and the ROOTS Project for the continued investments in agricultural machinery, transplanters, combine harvesters, and other interventions that have transformed rice production in the area. He also assured the contractor of the farmers’ full cooperation throughout the implementation period.
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Minister Dr. Demba Sabally reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring the successful and timely delivery of the project. He noted that while physical construction will begin after the rainy season, preliminary activities, including surveys and other technical preparations, will continue in the interim. He also urged beneficiaries to protect the infrastructure and equipment provided, emphasizing that the Pacharr perimeter remains a strategic investment in strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.
The rehabilitation of the Pacharr Tidal Irrigation Scheme represents another significant investment under the ROOTS Project to strengthen climate resilient agriculture, increase rice productivity, improve rural livelihoods, and accelerate The Gambia’s journey towards national rice self sufficiency. The project is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of The Gambia, reaffirming their shared commitment to transforming the country’s agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.