Unlocking Agropreneurship in The Gambia: A Strategic Guide for Investors
AGRICULTUREGUIDE
While the sector has the potential to drive significant growth, it continues to face structural challenges that limit productivity and market expansion.
Agriculture remains the backbone of The Gambia’s economy, with most farmers engaged in subsistence farming that relies heavily on rainfed systems for crops and livestock. Groundnuts are the country’s most important cash crop, grown by nearly 80% of farm households. This crop alone occupies about 45% of agricultural land annually and provides up to 80% of household income.
Key Challenges Facing Agriculture
Agripreneurs entering the sector must understand the persistent gaps that hinder growth:
Limited access to land – Particularly for women and marginalized groups.
Underutilized irrigation potential – Only 6% of available irrigation is currently in use.
Low farming efficiency – Poor seed rotation, limited fertilizer use, and post-harvest losses as high as 40% due to inadequate storage.
Weak value chains – Limited processing capacity, restricted market access, and poor access to financial capital.
Emerging Opportunities for Agripreneurs
Despite these hurdles, the sector holds enormous potential. The Gambian government has introduced new policies and programs aimed at boosting productivity, improving food security, and promoting self-sufficiency by 2026.
Policy Support: Initiatives such as the Gambia National Agricultural Investment Plan (2019–2026) and the Gambia Agriculture Transformation Program (2020–2030) aim to modernize farming, attract private investment, and introduce innovative technologies.
Market Gaps: The demand for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like millet and maize far outweighs local supply, presenting opportunities for entrepreneurs to bridge the gap and promote healthier diets.
Climate Smart Agriculture: Millet and maize offer more climate-friendly alternatives to rice production, aligning with the need for sustainable practices amid global climate challenges.
A Strong Agricultural Ecosystem
The Gambia’s agricultural landscape is supported by a wide ecosystem of stakeholders: subsistence farmers, processors, traders, NGOs, government agencies, and financial partners. Together, they provide training, funding, and technical assistance, creating a foundation for agribusiness to thrive.
With favorable weather conditions, available land, traditional farming knowledge, and proximity to Western European markets, the country is well-positioned to scale its agricultural exports.
The Role of Agripreneurs
Agripreneurs are essential in turning challenges into opportunities. By diversifying crops, investing in processing, and introducing higher-value products, they can:
Expand into new and profitable markets.
Create jobs for both rural and urban communities.
Support healthier diets by increasing access to nutritious food.
Strengthen connections between farmers, markets, and consumers.
The shift in consumer demand toward protein-rich and nutrient-dense foods presents new business avenues for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. Moreover, advances in technology and improved infrastructure can further support efficient supply chains and entrepreneurship.
Looking Ahead
Agriculture in The Gambia is at a turning point. With strong government backing, rising regional food demand, and untapped local potential, agripreneurs have the chance to build successful and sustainable businesses. Africa’s food market is projected to triple in size by 2030, and The Gambia stands to benefit if its farmers and entrepreneurs seize the opportunity to diversify, innovate, and connect to both local and international markets.