Africa-Press – Gambia. Preparations are at advanced stage for government to establish an Integrated Service Centre for agribusiness training and enterprise support in the Lower River Region (LRR).
In a national push to tackle youth unemployment and rural migration, the Gambia government, through the National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI) and the P2-P2RS project, is proposing the establishment of the centre.
The proposal, still in draft form, was the focus of a high-level stakeholder consultation workshop held Thursday at the CPU Office Complex in Banjul. The event brought together government officials, development partners, local authorities, and youth representatives to review and improve the concept document before finalization.
Project Director of P2-P2RS, Ansumana Njie, underscored the need to equip young people with the tools and training to transform agriculture into a viable livelihood. “Agriculture is the way forward to improve employability and reduce youth migration,” Njie said. He called for stronger collaboration among partners to ensure the service centre becomes a national model for youth-focused agribusiness.
NEDI General Manager Mam Lisa Camara described the centre as a catalyst for rural entrepreneurship. “This workshop reflects our shared commitment to inclusive development. With your feedback, we can build a centre that truly meets the needs of our communities,” she told participants.
The proposed centre, to be located in LRR, will provide agribusiness training, agro-processing services, business development support, and market access for young entrepreneurs and women. The initiative is part of the P2-P2RS regional program aimed at strengthening food and nutrition security in the Sahel.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Alhagie Nyangado, urged stakeholders to prioritize sustainability. “One of our biggest national challenges is maintenance. If not properly budgeted, these projects collapse after donor funding ends,” he warned.
Governor of LRR, Seedy Lamin Bah, welcomed the initiative, citing that over 70% of the region’s population is engaged in agriculture. “This is the right project in the right region. Our youth are ready, and so are we,” he said, pledging local support for the centre’s success.
Stakeholders used the session to provide input across key areas including capacity building, funding strategies, value addition, and long-term sustainability. The finalized proposal is expected to serve as a blueprint for future centres across the country, as part of a broader strategy to create jobs, boost food security, and drive rural development.
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