Press Release: MOA To Facilitate Supply Of 13,000 Tons Of Fertilizer To Support SmallHolder Farmers

Press Release – Ministry of Agriculture

The Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) on Wednesday, 20th July, 2022 approved OCP Africa’s commitment to supply 13,000 tons of fertilizers at a special prize to the Ministry of Agriculture for 130,000 smallholder farmers.
This offer was made to the Ministry through a special envoy, the Managing Director of OCP Africa, Mr. Omar BENJELLOUN, when he paid a visit to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Demba Sabally on Wednesday, 20 July 2022.

The programme is a special initiative of the King of Morocco, His Majesty Mohammed VI. The Kingdom of Morocco has committed to implementing a comprehensive, coherent policy toward African sister nations based on greater economic cooperation.
The smallholder farmers are essential to the agricultural sector in The Gambia. However, they are mainly affected by the ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine war; especially in terms of fertilizer prices, and the situation is disastrous for food security.

OCP Africa is a Pan-African company committed to food system transformation in the continent. Relating to their activities and experience in other African countries, they wish to establish a strategic partnership with the Republic of The Gambia to deploy their farmer-centric programmes, allowing smallholder farmers better access to inputs, markets, financing, and training in good agricultural practices.
A team would be constituted by the Ministry of Agriculture to collaborate with OCP Africa to ensure the successful implementation of this operation.
Agriculture being one of the most important sectors of the Gambian economy, the ministry renews commitment to relentlessly consolidate the gains that have been registered in the sector. The Ministry is still committed to developing and modernising the sector sustainably.
The farmers are the most important players in the agricultural chain hence their well-being remains the core mission at the Ministry of Agriculture.
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