Equally commendable is the creative financing model facilitated by Yonna Islamic Finance, which will cover 50 percent of the acquisition cost over a period of four years. This financing arrangement represents an innovative approach to development financing, demonstrating that non-traditional financial institutions can play an instrumental role in supporting the agricultural transformation agenda.
A Step in the Right Direction
Agriculture remains the backbone of The Gambia’s economy, employing more than 70 percent of the rural population and contributing substantially to food supply and livelihoods. Yet, despite its importance, the sector has suffered from low productivity, over-reliance on rain-fed products, and inadequate mechanisation. The introduction of tractors into the hands of farmers is therefore not just a gift of machinery - it is a symbol of empowerment and an opportunity to break away from subsistence farming and rain-fed agriculture towards commercial and sustainable production.
The tractors, if used efficiently, will reduce drudgery, increase yields, shorten production cycles, and help farmers adapt to the increasing challenges of climate variability. They can enable Gambian farmers to produce more food locally, reduce dependence on expensive imports, and place the nation firmly on the path of self-reliance. For instance, The Gambia imports 335,000 tons of rice every year, business sources told this medium.
Mr President, it is gratifying to note that the Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the Government of South Korea, has launched the K-Rice in the Gambia worth USD5.6 million in grants. The funded initiative was unveiled on 26 August 2025. The Gambia spends huge amounts of money on foreign exchange for the importation of food commodities, especially rice. Were this amount of rice import produced locally, it will greatly boost our economy.
Anchoring the Intervention on Sustainability
However, Mr President, as history has shown, acquiring tractors is one thing; making them work for generations is another. Too often in the past, valuable resources have been wasted as machines were abandoned due to lack of planning, maintenance, or accountability. To ensure this intervention achieves its noble goal, sustainability must be the guiding principle.
First, fair and transparent allocation is vital. The tractors should be distributed equitably, with priority given to farmers’ cooperatives, clusters, and genuine producers rather than political patronage. This will ensure inclusivity and nationwide impact.
Second, capacity building must accompany the tractors. Farmers and operators require proper training not only in their use but also in routine maintenance. Without this, the machines risk becoming idle relics rather than active tools of productivity.
Third, maintenance and spare parts systems must be established across the country. Local workshops, mechanics, and suppliers should be supported so that when tractors break down, they can be repaired promptly and cost-effectively.
Fourth, financial discipline is non-negotiable. With Yonna Islamic Finance covering half the cost, repayment must be strictly adhered to. This will create a revolving fund to finance more tractors and expand access to new beneficiaries over time.
Finally, tractors must be linked to the wider agricultural value chain. Mechanisation should not end at the farm gate. It must connect to storage, processing, and marketing systems that ensure farmers get fair prices and reduce post-harvest losses.
A Strategic Inflection Point
Mr President, this initiative is more than a delivery of machinery - it is a strategic inflection point. If properly managed, it can mark the beginning of a green revolution in The Gambia, one that places farmers at the centre of economic sovereignty. But if mismanaged, it risks becoming a white elephant - another wasted opportunity.
Good day!