WORLD BANK APPROVED US$68M FOR GIRAV PROJECT IN THE GAMBIA

The approval of US$68million financing by the World Bank’s board of executive directors for The Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development (GIRAV Project) signifies a crucial step towards addressing food insecurity and fostering climate-resilient agriculture in The Gambia. Notably, US$10million equivalent is allocated from the International Development Association Crisis Response Window, underscoring the project’s importance in responding to urgent needs exacerbated by crises.

The GIRAV Project will scale up impactful activities aimed at improving water availability, enhancing land tenure systems to promote climate-resilient agriculture, and supporting improved water and sanitation infrastructure in targeted areas. Aifa Fatimata Ndoye Niane, Senior Agriculture Economist and Project Task Team Leader, highlighted the critical nature of the funding boost, emphasizing its role in replenishing diverted resources, addressing food crises with climate-smart solutions, and advancing rural infrastructure resilience and land administration, especially for female farmers.

Feyi Boroffice, World Bank Resident Representative, emphasized the alignment of GIRAV with the Gambian Government’s vision for the agricultural sector, emphasizing inclusivity as a core principle. The project aims to ensure that all stakeholders, including women, youth, and vulnerable communities, have equal opportunities to participate and benefit from agricultural value chains. Through capacity building, training programs, and access to financial resources, GIRAV seeks to empower marginalized groups and promote gender equality within the agricultural sector.

With the additional financing, the number of beneficiaries under GIRAV will double from 100,000 to 200,000 farmers, facilitating access to water, innovative technologies, and registered land rights for new beneficiaries. The project prioritizes resilience, recognizing the imperative to mitigate the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on agricultural productivity. By increasing access to improved technologies, innovations, and clean water, the additional funding will support the transition from subsistence to commercial-oriented agriculture and foster inclusive and resilient private sector-driven job creation.

SOURCE: Standard