Analysis Agricultural Input Systems in The Gambia

Context

Access to high-quality agricultural inputs, such as seeds, fertilisers and plant protection products, is essential for building a productive, competitive and sustainable horticultural sector. In The Gambia, however, the sector’s development is constrained by limited availability of certified inputs, complex regulatory frameworks, limited domestic production capacity, and challenges related to distribution and quality assurance.

To gain a better understanding of how The Gambia’s agricultural input system functions, Q-Point is conducting a comprehensive study. The assessment goes beyond the availability of agricultural inputs and examines the wider system in which policies, regulations, research institutions, market actors, distribution networks and end users are interconnected. Based on these insights, practical recommendations will be developed to sustainably improve the availability, accessibility and quality of agricultural inputs, thereby supporting the development of competitive and climate-resilient horticultural value chains.

Project goal and outputs

The project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how The Gambia’s agricultural input system functions and to identify the key bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. The study focuses on seeds, fertilisers and plant protection products for the selected value chains of mango, sweet pepper, groundnuts, tomato, onion, orange-fleshed sweet potato, beans and cassava.

Q-Point combines desk research, trade and market data analysis, and interviews with government authorities, research institutions, private sector companies, producer organisations, financial institutions and other key stakeholders. The findings are validated through a multi-stakeholder workshop.

The main outputs of the project include:

A comprehensive analysis of The Gambia’s agricultural input system and its key stakeholders;
Value chain-specific analyses for the selected horticultural crops;
An assessment of the policy and regulatory framework;
An evaluation of import flows, market structures and domestic production systems;
An analysis of distribution networks and farmers’ access to agricultural inputs;
An assessment of demand patterns, quality assurance systems and SPS compliance;
An analysis of the private sector landscape and the investment climate;
Practical, prioritised recommendations and an action plan for the SPRING programme.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: A more sustainable and productive agricultural sector can be achieved by improving the availability and quality of essential agricultural inputs.

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: A stronger agricultural input system enhances the competitiveness of the horticultural sector while stimulating economic growth and employment.

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: By strengthening quality assurance, promoting the use of sustainable agricultural inputs, and improving regulatory frameworks, the project contributes to more sustainable agricultural production.

Involved organisations

The project is implemented by Q-Point, supported by local experts with extensive knowledge of The Gambia’s agricultural sector:

Dr. Lamin Sonko – National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI)
Tom Senghore – Central Projects Coordination Unit (CPCU)

Commissioner

This project is carried out on behalf of COLEAD as part of the EU-funded SPRING programme.

COLEAD is an international non-profit organisation and network of businesses, professional organisations and experts committed to inclusive and sustainable agriculture. The organisation designs and implements development programmes that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides technical assistance, vocational training and a range of support services, including research and innovation, market intelligence, monitoring of regulations and standards, strengthening networks and partnerships, and improving access to finance.