By Makutu Manneh
President Adama Barrow on Saturday launched a nationwide initiative to construct feeder roads, describing the project as a “critical economic corridor” aimed at connecting farmlands to markets and essential services.
Speaking during a tour to lay foundation stones for the roads, President Barrow emphasized the project’s strategic importance for rural connectivity. “These roads address one of the most persistent constraints to agricultural growth and rural development: limited access to good roads and services,” he said.
Agriculture remains the backbone of The Gambia’s economy and the primary livelihood for most of its population, the president noted. Yet farmers have long struggled to transport their produce efficiently and competitively. The new feeder roads, he said, are designed to change that reality by enabling timely, cost-effective movement of crops such as rice, cashew, and horticultural produce.
“These roads will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, improve supply chain efficiency, and enhance market access,” President Barrow said. “They will not only increase farmers’ incomes but also strengthen the competitiveness of our agricultural value chains at both national and regional levels.”
Beyond agriculture, the president underscored the broader social benefits. Poor road networks, he said, often limit access to healthcare, education, and other essential services. “With the construction of these feeder roads, we are bringing services closer to the people, improving health outcomes, enhancing educational access, and strengthening human capital development,” he said.
The initiative encompasses the construction of 204.7 kilometers of roads across The Gambia, as part of a nationwide campaign to lay foundation stones for the feeder roads network.
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