The Gambia Moves to Boost Rice Self-Sufficiency as Agriculture Minister Visits AfricaRice

Picture 1: From left to right, Hon. Dr. Sabally (Minister of Agriculture of the Gambia), Dr. Baboucarr Manneh (DG of AfricaRice) and Ms. Fatoumata Traoré Diop (Deputy Mayor of the city of Bouaké). (Credit: A. Diomande/AfricaRice)

26–28 January 2026, Abidjan & Mbé, Côte d’Ivoire — The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) recently welcomed the Honourable Dr. Demba Sabally, Minister of Agriculture of The Gambia, and his high-level delegation for an official visit aimed at deepening strategic collaboration on rice self-sufficiency and food security in The Gambia and across West Africa. 

Held at AfricaRice headquarters in Abidjan and the Mbé Research Station near Bouaké, the visit—organized at the invitation of the AfricaRice Director General—offered an in-depth look at the Center’s cutting-edge research and innovation in rice science. Discussions and field demonstrations highlighted advances in hybrid rice breeding, climate-resilient technologies, mechanization, biotechnology, seed systems, and post-harvest solutions, all designed to address the realities faced by African rice farmers. 

A central focus of the visit was the consolidation of ongoing donor-funded rice research and development initiatives jointly implemented by AfricaRice and the Gambian Ministry of Agriculture. Among these is the Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains Development (REWARD) Program, a flagship initiative funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Implemented across 13–14 ECOWAS countries, including The Gambia, REWARD takes an integrated approach to strengthening rice value chains, linking climate adaptation at farm level with regional productivity, trade, and market outcomes. By doing so, it tackles long-standing structural challenges in West Africa’s rice sector while building resilience to increasing climate risks.

Picture 2: Hon. Dr. Sabally and his delegation visiting AfricaRice Genebank. (Credit: A. Diomande/AfricaRice) 

The program of activities featured high-level meetings with AfricaRice leadership and partners, including AfDB representatives, alongside in-depth scientific briefings, laboratory tours, and field visits. The delegation also engaged with researchers and extension specialists to review successful collaborations with Gambian national research and extension systems, and to explore pathways for scaling proven innovations within national policies and investment frameworks. 

“AfricaRice understands what our farmers face—from climate challenges to market access. This partnership isn’t just about research; it’s about putting practical solutions in the hands of Gambian farmers so they can increase yields, improve incomes, and secure their families’ futures.” said during the visit, Hon. Dr Demba Sabally emphasizing the practical value of the partnership with AfricaRice. 

The visit marks an important milestone in strengthening AfricaRice and The Gambia cooperation, reinforcing a shared commitment to delivering scalable, farmer-centered innovations that align with national priorities and regional goals for inclusive growth, food security, and resilience. 

Picture 3: From left to right, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh (DG of AfricaRice), Dr. Martin Fregene (Director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry at the African Development Bank) and Hon. Dr. Sabally (Minister of Agriculture of the Gambia). (Credit: AfricaRice)