EU launches €19M SPRING programme to transform Gambia’s agri-food sector
The European Union has launched a €19 million flagship initiative to transform The Gambia’s agri-food sector, in a major push to improve food security, boost rural livelihoods, and strengthen economic resilience.
The programme, Sustainable Production for Resilient and Inclusive New Generations (SPRING), was unveiled yesterday at the SDKJ Conference Centre. It aims to support key value chains and create opportunities for future generations.
SPRING will be implemented by COLEAD, an international non-profit with extensive experience in agricultural value chain development and market access. COLEAD will lead technical support, strengthen food safety and quality standards, and help farmers and agribusinesses access regional and European markets.
The launch brought together government officials, development partners, private sector actors, and farmer organisations to outline the programme’s vision and expected impact.
Reducing import dependence, unlocking potential
EU Ambassador to The Gambia, Immaculada Roca i Cortés, described agriculture as the backbone of the country’s economy, employing about 70% of the population and contributing roughly one-third of GDP. Yet, she noted, The Gambia remains heavily dependent on food imports, leaving it exposed to external shocks and food insecurity.
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“The SPRING Programme is designed to address structural challenges while unlocking the vast potential of the agri-food sector,” she said. “Our goal is to reduce food import dependency, increase competitiveness, and create sustainable economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas.”
The €19 million investment will run for five years and focus on strengthening eight agricultural value chains: mango, capsicum, groundnuts, tomatoes, onions, cassava, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, and iron-rich beans. The crops were selected for their potential to boost exports, improve nutrition, and support import substitution.
Building resilience for farmers
Fatou Jammeh Touray, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, welcomed the initiative as timely given challenges including climate shocks, soil degradation, and post-harvest losses.
She said SPRING is expected to benefit more than 25,000 smallholder farmers, with a strong focus on women and youth. “SPRING will help build resilience, improve productivity, and promote climate-smart agricultural practices,” she said. “It will also enhance market access, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs across the value chain.”
Leena Malde, Vice President of COLEAD, said the programme will strengthen the horticulture sector by improving innovation, skills, market access, and access to finance. She stressed that SPRING builds on existing efforts rather than starting from scratch and is designed to connect farmers, businesses, and institutions across the value chain.
“Success will depend on partnership and collective ownership,” she added. “The programme must remain demand-driven and responsive to stakeholders’ needs.”
Climate and economic priorities aligned
Ndey Fatou Jobe, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, underscored the need to integrate environmental and climate considerations into agricultural development. She highlighted the importance of strengthening resilience to climate change in line with broader efforts to ensure sustainable natural resource management under SPRING.
Mod K. Secka, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, said SPRING supports The Gambia’s broader vision of a resilient, inclusive, and market-driven agricultural sector.
He noted that agriculture contributes 25–30% of GDP, generates about 40% of export earnings, and employs roughly 70% of the labour force. The sector is also critical for poverty reduction, as most of the country’s poor depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Secka said government aims to transition from subsistence farming to a modern, commercial system capable of supplying domestic and international markets. Priorities include improving food and nutrition security, raising productivity through irrigation and improved techniques, and strengthening the capacity of farmers — particularly women and youth.
“The SPRING Programme aligns closely with our national agenda by promoting climate-resilient, market-oriented agricultural value chains and enhancing access to safe and nutritious food,” he said.
He thanked the European Union for the €19 million investment and reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring successful implementation.
Source: The Point
