Africa-Press – Gambia. ANM Ousainu Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has called for a fundamental overhaul of The Gambia’s agricultural sector and urged young people to take the lead in modernizing one of the country’s most critical industries.
Speaking at the Gambia College School of Agriculture, Darboe outlined a series of structural weaknesses he said continue to undermine the sector’s potential. Among them, he cited the country’s heavy reliance on rain-fed farming, the prevalence of outdated tools, low levels of mechanization, post-harvest losses estimated at 30 to 40 percent, soil degradation, unpredictable climate patterns, and limited access to financing—particularly for young farmers.
“Our agricultural sector today faces serious structural problems,” Darboe said. “A nation that cannot feed itself will always remain vulnerable. It is incumbent on all of us to transform agriculture into a modern, profitable, youth-driven sector informed by strategic national priorities centered on five major pillars of reform.”
Darboe emphasized that students enrolled in agricultural studies will play a decisive role in shaping that transformation.
“You, the students—The Gambia’s future lies with you,” he told them. “With your energy and expertise, I know we can achieve it. The future of food security rests on your shoulders, and this country will need your leadership, your expertise, and your courage.”
He also praised community-led initiatives, including those spearheaded by Mr. Mendy, aimed at supporting youth participation in agriculture. Darboe warned, however, that failing to engage young Gambians risks wasting valuable talent.
“When young people are not given opportunities, when they grow frustrated, that is when they gather in the hoods, drink attaya, and drift into activities not expected of them,” he said.
The UDP leader’s remarks come as The Gambia seeks to revitalize agriculture to strengthen food security and reduce dependence on imports. With a rapidly growing youth population, policymakers and development partners have increasingly underscored the need to integrate young people into agricultural value chains.
Darboe’s proposed five pillars of reform are expected to focus on modernizing farming practices, improving access to financing, expanding market linkages, elevating youth participation, and strengthening agricultural institutions.
As The Gambia charts a path toward a more resilient and productive agricultural sector, the role of the country’s youth—Darboe stressed—will be central to delivering lasting change.
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