Gambia Partners with Kebbi State on Food production

The Government of The Gambia has announced plans to collaborate with the Kebbi State Government in Nigeria to adopt its successful agricultural practices, particularly in rice production, as part of efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency.

A high-level delegation of agricultural experts from The Gambia visited Birnin Kebbi for a study tour. The team was led by Alhagie Nyangado, Permanent Secretary in the Gambian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security.

During a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, Nyangado commended Nigeria for setting an example for other African nations in the pursuit of food security.

“We are proud of Nigeria for taking the lead in achieving food sufficiency across the continent. In Kebbi, I have witnessed irrigation systems and rice production techniques unlike anything I’ve seen before,” he said.

He noted that The Gambia currently imports 90 percent of its rice needs, despite rice being a staple food in nearly every household. “Our visit is based on expert advice. We are here to learn from Kebbi’s agricultural success so we can replicate it at home. If we adopt what Nigeria is doing, we can overcome our rice importation challenges,” he added.

Governor Idris welcomed the delegation warmly, describing Nigeria and The Gambia as brother nations with shared interests in agriculture.

“Kebbi State is Nigeria’s leading rice producer. Other Nigerian states and even neighboring countries come here to study our methods. From planting to harvesting and processing, everything is done locally,” the governor stated.

He recalled that the last three administrations in the state heavily invested in agriculture, and his government has continued to build on that foundation. “Since taking office, we’ve provided free agricultural inputs, fertilizers, water pumps, power tillers, and improved seeds, to support farmers. This has led to increased participation in farming and resulted in bumper harvests,” he said.

Governor Idris affirmed Kebbi’s commitment to working with The Gambia, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation to reduce reliance on food imports. “Kebbi is ready to support The Gambia in its quest for food self-sufficiency, in the true spirit of African brotherhood,” he declared.