The Gambia Government with support from the World Bank through the GIRAV project under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security is intensifying efforts aimed at addressing this problem using multiple approached. One of these approaches is the introduction of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) tool to drive digitalization and modernization of Agricultural Extension Service delivery for improved production and productivity, food and nutrition security as well as stimulate economic growth and development.
As part of the initiative, The Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV) hired a Gambian firm (The Webway) to develop an E-Extension ICT Platform dubbed “Senenyaa Bantabaa” for the Department of Agriculture (DoA). The platform allows farmers to communicate directly with Agriculture extension Workers in English, Mandinka, Wolof and Pularr. The platform will be used to raise awareness, increase the flow of information and agricultural knowledge and give different agricultural stakeholders better access to data, information and knowledge on vegetables and field crops.
In a bid to ensure the effective operationalisation and maintenance of the platform, the DoA in close partnership with the GIRAV project has successfully trained 129 Agricultural extension workers in how to operationalise and maintain the innovative tool. The 6-day capacity building activity was held at the Jenoi Rural Farmer Agriculture Training Center from Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 4th May 2025.
Ms. Suun Faye, Digital Technology Specialist, GIRAV Project, speaking on behalf of the Project Coordinator during the opening ceremony explained that the training aims to equip extension agents with the essential skills needed to effectively support farmers through the platform to address real-time advisory services needs of farmers. She reminded participants that expectations are very high and challenged them to make good use of the training and to measure up to expectations.
In his opening statement, Mr. Musa Humma, Director General, DoA expressed their profound gratitude to the World Bank for funding the initiative through the GIRAV project. He said: "The current extension-to-farmer ratio in The Gambia is 1:3000. We have adopted various approaches to bridge the gap. These include the introduction and promotion of Farmer Field School approach and the SENENYAA BANTABA.
“You are very important change agents for us as a government extension system in our drive to transform our Agri-Food System. Please make good use of this training and use this E-Extension platform to effectively compliment the normal extension service thereby close that gap by giving farmers direct access to expert advice, timely solutions, and valuable information on best practices for growing crops and vegetables”.
Mr. Lamin Sanyang, Agriculture Director for Lower River Region welcomed the initiative. He commended the World Bank and the Government for the timely intervention.
