Hon. Jammeh made the remarks during the Youth Parliament Retreat organised by the African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPAN) in collaboration with Soil Solutions. The event brought together youth groups, young entrepreneurs and key stakeholders to discuss the role of young people in transforming the country's agricultural sector.
Addressing participants, Hon. Jammeh describes Gambian youth, particularly those engaged in agriculture, as an extraordinary opportunity and a shared national responsibility. He stresses that young people should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of development programmes but as innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and leaders capable of driving transformation across the agrifood sector.
He notes that the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda requires bold political leadership, evidence-based policymaking and sustained investment in agriculture.
"As Members of Parliament, we have a critical role to play in creating an enabling policy and legislative environment, ensuring adequate budget allocations, strengthening accountability and championing policies that empower young women and men to participate meaningfully across agricultural value chains," he said.
Hon. Jammeh further urged young people to embrace innovation, climate-smart agriculture, digital technologies and improved access to finance as essential drivers of agricultural transformation.
He added that the retreat provided an important platform for participants to exchange experiences, learn from one another and identify practical actions to strengthen parliamentary engagement in advancing youth-led agrifood systems in The Gambia.
He concluded by calling for collective action to build resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems that create opportunities for young people while contributing to the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the National Youth Council, Alagie Jarjue, acknowledged that limited access to finance and market linkages remains a major challenge for young farmers and entrepreneurs. He said the Government of The Gambia is supporting more than 200 young farmers through matching grants aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture.
Mr Jarjue also cautioned young entrepreneurs against relying on commercial bank loans with interest rates of up to 25 percent, warning that such high borrowing costs can undermine the growth and sustainability of youth-owned businesses.
Hon. Bameju Agho of the African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPAN) also delivered remarks on the Kampala Declaration, highlighting its commitment to strengthening youth participation in Africa's agrifood systems through increased investment, innovation and supportive policy frameworks.
The retreat reaffirmed the importance of youth leadership, parliamentary support and strategic partnerships in building a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector capable of driving inclusive economic development in The Gambia.
