AG SERVICES

closed

The project aims to generate increased agricultural productivity and sustained growth of the incomes of small farming families, through the strengthening of support services in agricultural extension and research, training and the promotion of self-reliance and empowerment. The main components of the project are: (i) strengthening sector analysis and planning capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment; (ii) consolidating, improving and strengthening agricultural extension services covering crop and livestock production and natural resource management, and expansion of functional literacy programs; (iii) improving and strengthening the agricultural research system and modest support to the Agricultural School of the Gambia College; and (iv) promoting farmer self-reliance and empowerment through pilot activities in one administrative division (McCarthy Island Division - MID) that would test new approaches involving farmer participation and self-management in the areas of: irrigation water management, rural savings and loans, training of rural entrepreneurs, and rural social infrastructure.