IFAD’s strategy in The Gambia is to contribute to the reduction of poverty, food insecurity, vulnerability and youth unemployment in rural communities. Particular attention is paid to gender, nutrition and climate change.

IFAD-supported projects work with traditional kafos (collectively run village groups) to reach the most vulnerable households.

The ROOTS project in particular supports women’s vegetable kafos in securing land access rights for vegetable gardens and rice production under the traditional land governance system. Key activities include:

• Supporting rice and vegetable value chain development, including strengthening the capacity of farmers, community organizations and their members;
• Strengthening access to markets for agricultural products; and
• Adding value to rice and vegetable production by strengthening value chains, business development, and through a Capital Investment Stimulation Fund.

The goal of the programme is to increase agricultural productivity and access to markets for enhanced food security nutrition and resilience of family farms and farming organizations. The programme will be implemented in 39 districts across five regions.

Direct programme beneficiaries will include approximately 40,000 households (over 10% of the population), targetting women (80% of participants) and youth and people with disabilities (25% of participants). The project will also target microentrepreneurs, government staff in the relevant ministries, agencies and commissions, and the private sector.