2026 National Agroecology Forum Calls for Sustainable Agriculture
2026 National Egroecology Forum © Askanwi Media
By Michaella Faith Wright
Stakeholders at the 2026 National Agroecology Forum have called for increased investment in sustainable agriculture and organic fertiliser production to improve food security, strengthen farmers’ livelihoods, and protect the environment in The Gambia.
The forum, organised by ActionAid and SOS Children’s Villages, brought together government representatives, civil society organisations, farmers, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss agroecology and sustainable food systems.
Speaking on behalf of the CSO Platform and partners, Fafa Cham said agriculture remains vital to the Gambian economy but warned that reliance on chemical inputs has contributed to challenges including soil degradation, biodiversity loss and increased production costs.
“Agroecology provides a different pathway. It is not a silver bullet for every agricultural challenge, but it is an approach that places ecology, equity and local knowledge at the centre.”
Cham said traditional practices such as compost-making, seed saving and integrating livestock with crop production already reflect agroecological principles and should be strengthened through policy, research and investment.
Representing SOS Children’s Villages, Country Director Alieu S. Bojang said the organisation’s involvement in agroecology is linked to its family-strengthening programmes, particularly support for vulnerable women farmers.
“If we support women farmers with the resources and knowledge they need to improve their agricultural production and income generation, they will be better able to provide care and support for their children.”
Bojang said SOS is implementing the “Monetising Waste for the Promotion of Organic Fertilisers in The Gambia” project in Fatako, Tabajara, Sukuta and Brufut.
Representing the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Seiko Sanyang said agroecology can help address climate change, declining soil fertility, biodiversity loss and food insecurity.
“Our farmers can use ecological methods to produce their own fertilisers and improve soil fertility.”
He also highlighted government support for organic fertiliser, seeds and agricultural equipment, including a commitment to purchase 10,000 tonnes of organic fertiliser.
The Ministry urged stronger collaboration among government, farmers, researchers, civil society and development partners to scale up agroecological practices nationwide.
Fafa Cham (left) ActionAid © Askanwi
