The joint programme titled “Empowering Communities for Resilient Food Systems in Foni” was officially launched on 29 July 2025. This one-year initiative focuses on transforming food systems in The Gambia by tackling key challenges related to governance, market access, and sustainability. It aims to build local resilience and promote sustainable development through a coordinated, inclusive approach.
Funded by the Joint SDG Fund, the project is led by the World Food Programme (WFP) and co-implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator and in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE). It uses home-grown school feeding as a central strategy to strengthen governance, integrate smallholder farmers into local markets, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and raise awareness about nutrition and sustainability. Local governance structures such as area councils and village development committees are empowered through participatory planning and multi-level governance mechanisms. Oversight is provided by a Steering Committee that includes local, national, and international stakeholders.
The programme expects to achieve several outcomes, including improved local governance capacity, the use of digital tools for food stock monitoring in schools, stronger farmer cooperatives, and durable partnerships between producers and market actors. It directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13), while also promoting gender equality (SDG 5) and partnerships (SDG 17). The approach is aligned with SDG transitions in food systems, job creation, and social protection, and emphasizes shifts in policy frameworks and capacity development.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Muhamadou Ceesay, President of the Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA), stressed the urgency of addressing poverty, malnutrition, and climate challenges through integrated food systems. He pointed out that over half of Gambian households live below the poverty line, with dependence on rain-fed agriculture increasing vulnerability to shocks. UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Karl-Frédérick Paul added that the project offers a scalable model for building resilience and reducing inequality in The Gambia.
Mr. Malick Ndiaye, WFP Deputy Country Director, highlighted the role of local partnerships and school feeding in driving systemic change and creating economic opportunities in the Foni region. Mr. Omar Bah of MoBSE noted that school feeding programs improve student enrolment and retention and that this project will benefit 50 schools in the region by supporting health and learning outcomes.
Mr. Yusupha Keita, ITC’s acting representative, emphasized the need for resilient food systems in the face of climate and food security challenges. He underscored the importance of sustainable farming, market access, value addition, and integrating human security principles into governance.
The launch event was attended by representatives from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the EU Delegation, government agencies, and local partners, including the Brikama Area Council, Buzz Women Gambia, and GALGA, marking a strong collective commitment to transforming food systems in The Gambia.
