gambia - assessment of agricultural information needs

ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS IN ACP AFRICAN STATES -WEST AFRICA

Country Study: The Gambia

Final Report

Prepared by:

Mamadi Baba Ceesay

on behalf of the

Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)

Project: 4-7-41-254-7/e

30 July, 2008

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Disclaimer This report has been commissioned by the CTA to enhance its monitoring of information needs in ACP countries. CTA does not guarantee the accuracy of data included in this report, nor does it accept responsibility for any use made thereof. The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of CTA. CTA reserves the right to select projects and recommendations that fall within its mandate. (ACP-EU) Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) Agro Business Park 2 6708 PW Wageningen The Netherlands Website: www.cta.int E-mail: [email protected]

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A vast number of people and institutions provided valuable support during the study and their efforts are gratefully acknowledged. I wish to however single out just a few. Alpha Sey and Seedy Demba provided Research Assistance, Dr. Omar Touray provided valuable insight on sources of information and Ellen Sambou Sarr provided secretarial support. I wish to express warmest gratitude to the Regional Study Coordinator Yawo Assigbley for the very useful editorial support. I wish to thank CTA for funding the study and for the insight provided by Christine Webster and Ibrahim Khadar on CTA during the briefing meeting for the study. Finally, but not the least, I want to thank the many interviewees for the valuable time in filling the questionnaires.

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LIST OF ACRONYMS ACD Agricultural Communication Division ACP African Caribbean and Pacific AGOA Africa Growth and Opportunities Act AASAT Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology CGIAR Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research CILSS Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in The Sahel CPAG Consumer protection Association of The Gambia CTA Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation CSD Central Statistics Department DCD Department of Community Development DOP Department of Planning DOSA Department of State for Agriculture DOSCIT Department of State for Communication, Information Technologies ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States EPA Economic Partnership Agreements FAO Food and Agriculture Organization GAMLISA Gambia Library Staff Association GAMTEL Gambia Telecommunication Company Limited GDP Gross Domestic Product GHE Gambia Horticultural Enterprises GIS Geographic Information System GRTS Gambia Radio and Television Services GTTI Gambia Technical Training Institute HND Higher National Diploma ICM Information and Communication Management ICT Information and Communication Technologies ICRISAT International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics IITA International Institute for Tropical Agriculture ILO International Labour Organization ILRI International Livestock Research Institute IT Information Technology ITAG Information Technology Association of The Gambia ITC International Trypanotolerant Centre ITOCA International Training and Outreach Centre for Africa IRRI International Rice Research Institute ISP Internet Service Provider MISTOWA Market Information System for Traders’ Association in West Africa MRC Medical Research Council NADA National Agricultural Development Agency NAOSU National Authority Office Support Unit NARI National Agricultural Research Institutes NASS National Africultural Sample Survey NAWEC National Water and Electricity Corporation NAWFA National Women Farmer’s Association NGO Non Governmental Organization NFPG National Farmer’s Platform, The Gambia NICI National Information and Communication Infrastructure

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PER Public Expenditure Review PURA Pubic Utilities Regulatory Agency QAS Question and Answer Service TANGO The Organization of Non Governmental Organization UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNECA United Nations Economic Commission for Africa UTG University of The Gambia VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal WARDA West Africa Rice Development Agency WB Women’s Bureau WTG World View, The Gambia WTO World Trade Organization

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS OF DALASI TO EURO AS AT 18/04/08 Currency Buying Selling Euro € 30.50. 31.50

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................................................. ii LIST OF ACRONYMS ..................................................................................................................... iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................................................ vii 1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1 2. COUNTRY PROFILE .................................................................................................................. 2

2.1 Brief Description of Agriculture and Recent Developments in the Sector.......................... 2 2.1.1 Agriculture...................................................................................................................... 2 2.1.2 Fisheries ........................................................................................................................ 3 2.1.3 Forestry .......................................................................................................................... 3 2.1.4 Pastoralism .................................................................................................................... 4

2.2 Brief Description of the Status of the ICT Infrastructure and recent Development in the Sector ................................................................................................................................. 4

3. STATUS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Institutional and Regulatory Policy Framework .................................................................. 6 3.2 Operational Aspects ........................................................................................................... 6

3.2.1 Description of Agricultural information and Services ..................................................... 7 3.2.2 Information Sources....................................................................................................... 9 3.2.3 Information Products and Services Provided .............................................................. 10 3.2.4 Information and Communication Management Capacity............................................. 10

3.3 Interventions Supporting Information and Communication for Agriculture and Rural Development..................................................................................................................... 11

4. INSTITUTIONAL NEEDS ANALYSIS (STRENGTHS, MAIN BOTTLENECKS AND SHORTCOMINGS) .................................................................................................................... 12 4.1 Information Needs ............................................................................................................ 14 4.2 Capacity-building Needs (IC Policies & Strategies, Sensitization, Networking, Skills,

Training, Media, ICT, Equipment) .................................................................................... 16 4.3 Feedback on CTA Products and Services .......................................................................... 17

5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................... 19 5.1 Conclusions......................................................................................................................... 19

5.1.1 Information Needs........................................................................................................ 19 5.1.2 Capacity Building Needs.............................................................................................. 20 5.1.3 Overview of CTA Products and Services..................................................................... 20 5.1.4 Potential Strategic Partners ......................................................................................... 21

5.2 Recommendations .............................................................................................................. 21 5.2.1 Information Needs........................................................................................................ 21 5.2.2 Capacity Building Needs.............................................................................................. 21 5.2.3. CTA Products and Services........................................................................................ 22 5.2.4. Potential Strategic Partner Institutions........................................................................ 22

6. PROPOSED CTA INTERVENTION STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN................................... 24 6.1 Proposed Intervention Strategy........................................................................................ 24 6.2 Action Plan for CTA Intervention Strategy........................................................................ 25

ANNEXES...................................................................................................................................... 27 ANNEX 1. TERMS OF REFERENCE ........................................................................................... 28 ANNEX 2. COUNTRY PROFILE - (THE GAMBIA) ...................................................................... 35

2.1 General Agriculture Profile ............................................................................................... 35 2.1.1 Size of the Agricultural Population ...................................................................... 36 2.1.2 Farmed Land, Forest and Fishing ....................................................................... 36 2.1.3 Agricultural Systems .................................................................................................... 38 2.1.4 Agriculture in the Economy .......................................................................................... 38 2.1.5 Main Agricultural Produce and Secondary Products ................................................... 39 2.1.6 Main Export markets .................................................................................................... 41 2.1.7 Trade Agreements that Include Agriculture ................................................................. 43

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2.1.8 Sector Policy related to Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry........................................ 43 2.1.9 Institutional, regulatory and policy framework for information and communication ..... 46

2.2 Socioeconomic Profile ...................................................................................................... 47 2.2.1 Demographics.............................................................................................................. 47 2.2.2 Literacy Levels and Languages ................................................................................... 49 2.2.3 Access to Services....................................................................................................... 49 2.2.4 Rural to Urban Drift ...................................................................................................... 51

2.3 Media and Telecommunication......................................................................................... 52 2.3.1 Newspapers, periodicals and broadcast media ........................................................... 52 2.3.2 Telecommunication Services ....................................................................................... 54 2.2.3 Computers and Internet ............................................................................................... 55

ANNEX 3. PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONS...................................................................................... 57 3.1 List of Institutions in the Agricultural and Rural Development Sector ................................. 57 3.2. List of Selected Institutions............................................................................................... 69

ANNEX 4. LIST OF PERSONS MET ............................................................................................ 83 ANNEX 5. BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................... 84

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction The Technical Centre for agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) established in 1983 under the Lomé Convention between ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) and European Union Member States, aims to develop and provide services that improve access to information for agricultural and rural development, and to strengthen the capacity of ACP countries to produce, acquire, exchange and utilise information in this area. CTA’s programmes are organised around three principal activities: providing an increasing range and quantity of information products and services and enhancing awareness of relevant information sources; supporting the integrated use of appropriate communication channels and intensifying contacts and information exchange (particularly intra-ACP); and developing ACP capacity to generate and manage agricultural information and to formulate information and communication management (ICM) strategies, including those relevant to science and technology. This work is effected through intermediary organizations and partners (public sector, NGOs, farmer’s organizations and private sector). The study provides an updated country profile on the status of ICT/ICM and agricultural information services which will allow CTA to make informed decisions on the type and mode of intervention as well as select partners. Objectives of the Study The main objective of the study is to identify potential strategic partners for CTA to work with to improve the availability and effectiveness of their information and services to beneficiaries in the country. Specifically, the study is aimed at:

providing an overview of main agricultural services and actors existing in the country (information supply side) in terms of their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for collaboration with CTA;

identifying agricultural information and ICM capacity building needs of key actors / key strategic partners for CTA products and services;

identifying potential strategic partners for CTA activities and services (paying special attention to e.g. print media, editors, radio, TV and journalist networks);

developing some baseline data on the status of ICM and ICTs in the country to facilitate subsequent monitoring and updating activities.

Methodology The study commenced following a briefing meeting held in Abidjan to harmonize the study methodology. Subsequently, a desk study was conducted as a first step to collect available data on agriculture and rural development in The Gambia together with information on media and telecommunication. A compilation of institutions involved in agriculture and rural development was prepared. This constituted Annex 2: the country profile and Annex 3. Of the institutions identified, 17 were selected to represent the diversity of interventions present in the agriculture and rural development sector in the Gmabia, namely: policy, farmer organizations, research institutions, institutes of higher education and the media and civil society. As a second step, interview using a questionnaire designed by the CTA

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was conducted with the 17 institutions selected. The results of the interviews were analysed and constitute the findings of the report. Expected Results The expected results of the study are as follow:

status of infrastructure, information services and ICM capacity of institutions involved in agriculture and rural development described and analyzed;

information and capacity building needs in the area of ICM identified for key institutions and potential CTA partners involved in agriculture and rural development;

baseline data on the status of ICM and ICT in agriculture and rural development compiled for monitoring purposes and improved outreach.

Conclusions

Information Needs Information gaps exist for all the institutions surveyed due to a lack of adequate awareness of sources, budgetary inadequacies and inaccessible formats. Inadequate staffing and lack of motivation were also mentioned as factors inhibiting optimal utilization of information for efficiency and proficiency on the job. The gaps varied between the institutions with the situation most acute for the governmental agencies (policy, research, academia and the media) than those of the NGOs, private sector and farmer organizations requiring relatively narrower range of information needs for their operations. It was also revealed that libraries and documentation centres do not generally have sufficient or updated reference materials including Internet-linked libraries for personnel. A number of useful lessons have been learnt including that stakeholders particularly farmers are able to utilize ICT to acquire information and enhance skill levels for improved livelihood. This however requires sensitization/awareness creation, training and initial maintenance support. The broadcast media (radio and TV) can be employed as effective channels to provide market, production and technical information in a timely manner. However the cost of sustaining the system can be high and revenue generating mechanisms have to be introduced for sustainability. Reliability and access to accompanying social and amenities such as electricity and telecommunication are also essential for effective utilization of ICT. It is clear from the current survey and numerous other studies that face-to-face contact and verbal communication with farmers and rural communities is the preferred and most effective means of information exchange in rural areas, with print, electronic and other media of lesser but not negligible importance. Effective extension delivery is critical for accelerated agricultural and rural development. In the Gambia extension information dissemination is inhibited by lack of mobility, few messages and inadequate staff numbers. In the extension delivery system there has been a gradual shift to participatory extension approaches with closer interaction among researchers, extensionists, farmers, input suppliers and other stakeholders to develop locally applicable and innovative solutions to farmers’ problems. Consequently, the Farmer Field School concept is now being introduced by NADA.

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Information formats and communication channels are generally not tailored to the requirements of the clientele. Given the high level of illiteracy and the wide use of radio, the use of radio and TV as sources of information for a large proportion of the population particularly farmers is critical. However, experience in the sub-region indicate that other ICTs such as the mobile phone and the Internet can play a pivotal role particularly in the rapid dissemination of market information. The category of information needs by the institutions surveyed cover broadly: rural development focusing on social development issues, farm problems (land tenure), gender and available agricultural information networks. Library services are being provided by institutions in both the public and private sector generally with limited materials. However, efforts are ongoing through Gambia Library and Information Services Assocations(GAMLISA) aimed at better coordination,enhanced capacity in library management to users through exchange and sharing of materials. Technical Information Technical information needs to centre on post-harvest loss reduction technologies, transportation, integrated pest management, waste management and specific areas including (varieties, input management, soil fertility and water control, animal heath and nutrition, and appropriate mechanization). Economic information Specific economic information needs to centre on market related data (prices, commodity profiles for exporters, volumes and requirements), crop insurance systems, etc. Availability of this information will enhance productivity and facilitate marketing of farmers produce. These information needs can be addressed through enhanced access to the mass media and in formats as well as channels such as the radio, TV, bulletins, flyers but also through Internet, libraries, documentation centres and Internet-linked libraries.

Capacity Building Needs The staffing and skill levels were reported to be generally low in ICM for the institutions surveyed. Thus upgrading skill levels will increase efficiency, effectiveness and culminate in the realization of the goals of the organizations. Most of the institutions have libraries/documentation centres although most are inadequately manned and are not stocked with updated reference materials, while formats of materials are not adapted to local requirements. The survey revealed that only few have ICM units and even fewer have ICM strategies which could contribute to better articulation of needs and facilitate funding from potential donors for equipment, training and material support. In essence the capacity of most of the institutions is inhibited by inadequate equipment and few staff with limited skills in ICM. In view of the above, increasing ICM skills of personnel, providing equipment support, developing strategies and partnerships with CTA and other collaborators will enhance output and efficiency. Equipment There is a lack of adequate updated equipment and software due to low budgetary allocations especially to the governmental institutions. This has hampered the feability to acquire and maintain computers and peripherals, other equipment and continued access to websites used for obtaining relevant information.

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Overview of CTA Products and Services Awareness and benefit of CTA products and services has been limited to only a few institutions in The Gambia and confined to the Spore magazine and publications. Given the usefulness and relevance of CTA products and services notably the Rural Radio Resource Packs (RRRP), training, co-publishing, equipment support, Spore and ICT Update, greater awareness needs to be created and access enhanced.

Potential Strategic Partners In view of the information and capacity building needs of the institutions studied and given the pivotal role of information for agricultural production and productivity, linkage with internal and external agencies is both relevant and critical. In this regard partnership with CTA is essential for most of the institutions surveyed. Key amongst these are ( National Agricultural Research Institute(NARI), Department of Planning (DOP), The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations(TANGO), Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology in The Gambia(AASAT), The University of The Gambia(UTG) and National Farmers Platform, The Gambia(NFPG).

Recommendations Given the foregoing conclusions and their resolution for effective information access essential to ensure accelerated agriculture and rural development, the following recommendations are proposed:

Information Needs Undertake concerted efforts at national and regional levels (West Africa) to develop a network of users and producers of agriculture and rural development information through exchange visits, study tours and joint training courses. This will engender greater awareness, sharing and access to each others information but also coordination amongst the stakeholders. Given the limited awareness of CTA products and services in The Gambia and their consequent low utilization, organize an awareness forum at national level to exhibit and popularize them. This will provide an opportunity for most of the institutions in agriculture and rural development to meet their information requirements. Avail institutions involved in the dissemination of information to farmers and rural dwellers the opportunity to improve on appropriate techniques of information formatting and utilization to make them respond to the requirements of stakeholders. In this regard support for availability of timely and appropriate market information to producers and traders, policy makers and researchers on horticulture, cereals, fish and livestock will be essential. Provide support to Gambia Library Services Association (GAMLISA) and libraries/documentation centres to increase their stock of reference materials, websites and linkage to Internet-linked libraries and information sources.

Capacity Building Needs Make concerted efforts through CTA support to strengthen the capacity of researchers, extension agents and development workers in government, NGO and private sector services to ensure their orientation towards meeting the information needs of their clientele.

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Undertake capacity building in strategy development to enable institutions develop partnerships and access resources to meet their organizational goals. Enhanced capacity in strategy development will contribute towards resolving constraints linked to inadequate budgetary availability. Support to the provision of equipment (computers, Geographic Information System (GIS)) and updated software to ensure sustainable access to modern ICTs by institutions involved in ICM for agriculture and rural development.

CTA Products and Services Engender greater awareness of CTA products and services in The Gambia through workshops, seminars; provide capacity building through training; enhance access to library materials, Question and Answer Service (QAS), Spore and ICT Update and equipment support.

Potential Strategic Partner Institutions Develop strategic partnership with organizations particularly NARI, DOP, TANGO, AASAT, UTG, NFPG. Specific areas requiring CTA partnerships are training, support for publications (library materials), access to websites, QAS and for equipment support. Proposed areas of partnership by institution are presented below:

Enhance radio and TV outreach through Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) and local FM radios by the provision of RRRP, training in ICM including developing materials of appropriate format and provision of ICT equipment.

Enhance outreach of agricultural and rural development messages through

partnership with Agricultural Communication Division(ACD) by training in ICM including the development of appropriate extension messages/materials and equipment support

Enhance capacity of DOP through provision of GIS equipment and training

support, Website establishment and maintenance, training in Information management (library/documentation management and database establishment and management).

Collaboration with NARI in QAS, website establishment and maintenance,

training in information management (library/documentation management, database establishment and management) and publications from CTA.

Enhanced capacity of Department of Community Development (DCD) through

ICM training, literature materials on rural development and ICT equipment support

Enhanced capacity of the Women’s Bureau in ICM training, publications from

CTA(literature materials on agricultural and rural development) and ICT equipment support.

Support to the Gambia College through enhanced access to publications from

CTA (literature materials on agriculture and rural development), training on information management and ICT equipment support

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Assistance to the University of the Gambia through training in information management (library/documentation management), publications from CTA (literature on agricultural and rural development) and ICT equipment support.

Enhance capacity of TANGO through provision of publications from CTA

(literature materials on agricultural and rural development), ICT equipment support and Website development and maintenance.

Further enhance capacity of WTG through training on information management

(ICM management) Spore and ICT Update.

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1. INTRODUCTION 1. The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) aims to develop and provide services that improve access to information for agricultural and rural development, and to strengthen the capacity of African, Caribbean & Pacific (ACP) countries to produce, acquire, exchange and utilise information in this area. CTA’s programmes are organised around three principal activities: providing an increasing range and quantity of information products and services and enhancing awareness of relevant information sources; supporting the integrated use of appropriate communication channels and intensifying contacts and information exchange (particularly intra-ACP); and developing ACP capacity to generate and manage agricultural information and to formulate information and communication management (ICM) strategies, including those relevant to science and technology. 2. Since 2003, CTA has been systematically conducting needs assessment studies across the Pacific, Caribbean and Africa regions. These studies should assist CTA improve and better target interventions and activities aimed at potential partners and beneficiaries (including women, youth, private sector and civil society organisations) and provide a more informed picture of their needs and aid in the elaboration of a strategy and framework of action. 3. The main objective of the study is to identify potential strategic partners for CTA to work with to improve the availability and effectiveness of their information and services to beneficiaries in the country. 4. The country study covered seventeen institutions (17), ranging from Government, NGOs, a farmer’s associations and the private sector. Each of the institutions was visited to conduct interviews, using a standardised semi-structured questionnaire, with key personnel involved in ICM in each organisation. The list of personnel interviewed is annexed to the report.

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2. COUNTRY PROFILE 5. The Gambia situated on the West Coast of Africa lies between latitudes 13 and 14 degrees north and is surrounded except on the Atlantic Coast line by Senegal. It has a population of 1.4 million and covers an area of 11,000 km2. The topography is flat resulting in the tidal effects of the river being felt as far as 300 km upstream. In the lower reaches of the river large areas are under tidal swamps. Beyond these however, the river banks are steep and require pump uplift for irrigation. 6. The climate is typically “sahelian” characterized by a distinct prolonged dry season and a relatively shorter wet season. Average annual rainfall is about 1,000mm but ranges from 850 mm - 1,597 mm depending on the agro-ecological zone. Rainfall is the most important determining factor in Gambian agriculture with an observed declining trend over the last 3 decades. 7. The agricultural sector is characterized by subsistence rainfed crop production, traditional livestock rearing, semi-commercial groundnut and horticultural production and a large artisanal fisheries subsector. The major agriculural enterprises are field crops comprising groundnuts, cotton, coarse grains (maize, millet and sorghum), rice and sesame; horticultural crops; livestock mainly poultry, cattle and small ruminants and, fisheries both artisanal and industrial. Strongly interlinked with these are the water resources, wildlife and forest resource sub-sectors. 8. English is the official language and is the medium of instruction in conventional schools from nursery to tertiary levels. The Gambia is a multi-ethnic with a number of vernacular spoken comprising mandinka (40%), fulla (19%), wollof (15%), jola (11%), serrere (3%), aku (2%) and bambara(1%). The Gambia’s adult literacy rate stands at 48% (58% men and 37% women). Figures on urbanization from the 2003 Housing and Population Census indicate that 51% of the population live in the urban area.

2.1 Brief Description of Agriculture and Recent Developments in the Sector

2.1.1 Agriculture 9. The Gambia is predominantly an agrarian economy with agriculture and natural resources sector, the engine of economic development. It provides livelihoods for about 70% of the population employs 52% of the labour force, contributes 22-29% of GDP and 80% of foreign exchange earnings(Gambia Bureau Statistics,2007). The main cash products are groundnuts, cotton, horticulture, livestock and fisheries, while subsistence crops are composed of cereals such as millet, sorghum, maize and rice. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. There are generally more female than male farmers (cf. Annex 2, Table 1). 10. Crop production is a major agricultural activity with some 250,000 ha annualy cultivated out of a total cultivable land of 558,000 ha. The largest area to a single crop is allocated to groundnuts, which occupies almost 45% of the cultivated area mainly in

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upland fields under rainfed conditions. An average of 120,000 ha. of upland are also annualy allocated to coarse grains comprisig early millet, late millet, maize and sorhum.. The main staple crop, rice occupies an average of about 15,000 ha. of lowland farms under rainfed and improved technologies ( Table 2 Annex 2).

11. Agricultural output is generated by about 74, 000 farm households cultivating 287,000 ha or 51% of total arable land. Only about two-third of households actually sell their farm produce, which is indicative of the subsitence nature of Gambian agriculture. Almost half of the households derive their income from sale crops, mainly groundnuts and 38% from the sale of other crops( PER ).

12. Production systems are characterized by rainfall dependent, low investment small-scale, family-oriented production units. Around 85% of the households cultivate less than 1.5 hectare. Average crop yield are rather low with 1 000 kg/ha for groundnuts and early millet, about 1 3000 kg/ha for maize and 1 100 kg/ha and 1 600 kg/ha for upland and swamp rice respectively. Only a limited area is put mainly under irrigated rice (tidal and pump confined to the Central River Region and horticultural production using underground water resources).

2.1.2 Fisheries 13. The sector contributes 3-4% of GDP, employs 30,000 in the artisanal fishery subsector (fishermen,processors,traders, boat builders) with 200,000 deriving their livelihood from fisheries activities. With a continental shelf of 3,855 square kilometres, and a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone, The Gambia is endowed with rich marine and riverine zone. Fisheries constitute an important natural resource and provider of cheap protein for a significant proportion of the population. It is estimated that the Maximum Sustainable Yield from the Gambia’s continental shelf and estuarine area is 80,000 MT per year, whilst current catches are put at 30,000-40,000 Mt. The fisheries sub-sector is dominated by artisanal fishing practices. The data on fish catches from 1992 to 2004 by artisanal and industrial fisheries subsectors indicate dwindling catches from the industrial sector whilst those of the artisanal sector show an increasing trend (Annex 2, Table 8). High post-harvest losses, lack of credit, low skill levels and lack of infrastructure for landing constitute key constraints encountered in the sector.

2.1.3 Forestry 14. The sector contributes 1% of GDP and is main source of domestic household energy and 17% of timber needs. The Gambia’s forest is predominantly of savannah woodland with the density of the cover varying according to location. The moist western part of the country is covered with Guinea savannah vegetation whilst the drier eastern part is dominated by sudano vegetation. The forest area can be classified into high mangrove, gallery forest, closed and open woodland, shrubs and gmelina plantation. Annex 2, Table 3 presents data on the area allocated to the various typologies of vegetation and changes in forest cover respectively. Because of concerted efforts the rapid decline in forest cover has now stabilized, though the current trend in forest cover is one of changing density and composition of the species.

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2.1.4 Pastoralism 15. The sector contributes 5-7% of GDP with most rural households keeping one or more livestock. Livestock comprises cattle, small ruminants, and various species of poultry, pigs and equines. They constitute important sources of food, income, manure and farm power. The livestock population comprises 300,000 cattle; 140,000 - 150,000 sheep and 200,000-230,000 goats; 13,000 pigs; and, 700,000 chickens (NASS, 2006). Despite the large number of cattle off-take remains low due to holding of stocks as reserves of wealth by owners. Per capita meat consumption is estimated at 8 kg per annum. Large volumes of meat, eggs and milk are annually imported to meet consumption requirements. Livestock production practices are largely traditional with low input and extensive management systems. This is particularly the case for large ruminants comprising cattle and for small ruminants and village poultry. However a few livestock enterprises managed under semi intensive and intensive livestock production systems are emerging in the urban and peri-urban areas to satisfy the relatively high consumer demand.

2.2 Brief Description of the Status of the ICT Infrastructure and recent Development in the Sector

16. The Gambia has a fairly developed ICT infrastructure with an emerging vibrant telecommunication market comprising fixed telephony, mobile telephony and Internet services. There are some 80,000 fixed lines, over 350,000 mobile subscribers and about 16-18 personal computers per 1000 persons. The fixed line telephony is dominated by GAMTEL with several equipped branches strategically located throughout the country. A number of telecentres operated by private enterprises exists complimenting service provision. The pending Telecommunication Bill is expected to open competition for fixed lines. 17. The mobile telephony is operated by GAMCELL, AFRICELL and COMIUM. Although mobile connection costs are relatively high, increased competition among operators has brought down process particularly for connection and recharging services

18. There are five commercial ISP providers and some non-commercial ISP providers (UNDP, MRC, FAO etc). The ISPs generally possess wireless infrastructure configured for high speed Internet service but have been constrained to consistently offer such service due to limited bandwidth controlled by GAMTEL. The use of ICT equipment is hindered by the lack of reliable support/complimentary services particularly electricity with the situation more acute in the rural areas where equipment can lie idle for long without use. With only few trained ICT personnel retention, has become difficult and most ICT firms have inadequate manpower to cater for existing equipment. The Regulatory framework for ICT is provided by the Public Utilities and Regulatory Authority (PURA). 19. With the assistance of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the government with the goal of transforming the country into a technologically advanced and information rich society, formulated a National Information and Communication Infrastructure (NICI) Policy and Plan for The

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Gambia(December,2004). The NICI aims at providing a catalytic atmosphere for harnessing ICT in all sectors. The specific objectives of the NICI include:

Liberalizing the ICT sector, increase cooperation and provide more choice for consumers;

Promoting the establishment of appropriate ICT information services by investors; and,

Encouraging public-private partnership to provide the ICT infrastructure as well as attract both foreign and domestic investment in the sector.

20. A 2005 survey on ICT use and infrastructure indicated that 45.1 % of the government offices had sufficient number of work stations and servers. However, an in depth review of the physical cluster of the equipment revealed that the spread of the ICT equipment is not balanced with some offices having the majority of the equipment in large numbers whilst others are relatively poor. The situation for the rural locations is particularly poor. In general budgetary allocations to ICT by the public sector have been inadequate. The survey revealed that a number of public and private institutions are connected to high speed Internet. A number of key challenges remain including:

a lack of reliable support services; availability of a handful of ICT personnel; limited number of internal information exchange through LANs; frequent disconnections while on line and limited band width; and, unreliability and frequent power outages.

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3. STATUS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

3.1 Institutional and Regulatory Policy Framework 21. The regulation of information in The Gambia is undertaken by the Department of State for Information Communication and Technologies (DOSCIT) which covers the broadcast media (television and radio) and telecommunication. There is however currently very little restriction of communication and exchange of information for agricultural and rural development by the various media (print & electronic). The main media limitation relate to the newspapers which are regulated by the Media Bill. 22. As previously mentioned, the Government has recently formulated a National Information and Communication Policy (NICI) which incorporates all sectors including agriculture. The specific agricultural objectives include:

• the delivery of strategic information to farmers, government authorities and other players; development of a national strategy that incorporates the use of ICT as a link between agriculture and trade;

• the use of ICT to expose local products to larger international markets leading to improvements in the quality of traditional and non-traditional products for exports;

• access to the global electronic markets as an agent of economic development in the agricultural sector providing farmers an opportunity to market their products globally, and get online access to market-oriented information;

• the use of ICT for research and effective management of natural resources; and • the use of ICT to facilitate collaboration, networking and information

dissemination/sharing on strategies and good practices in the agriculture at regional and international level between government industry and academia and use ICT to support agricultural research, training and production as well as improving indigenous technology.

23. Current efforts towards widespread communication of agricultural and rural development information include the promotion of private and community radio stations and the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector. The latter has allowed increased competition and is expected to bring down the price of particularly mobile telephone and Internet services. 24. The Government has also introduced a zero tax on ICT equipment to promote their availability and use. Despite this, the cost of computers and peripheral remains high. Amongst those institutions selected for the current study, only DOSCIT mentioned the zero-rated tax as promoting ICT use in the country.

3.2 Operational Aspects 25. Apart from DOSCIT, none of the selected institutions had formulated a comprehensive policy on or strategic plans for ICM. However, none of these institutions

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indicated that the lack of an institutional ICM strategy on ICM negatively affected their day-to-day activities or their organisation’s ability to achieve its stated goals. 26. A number of libraries and documentation centres exist in the various agricultural and rural development institutions where cataloguing, indexing and security of materials is ensured for usage. The amount of materials and capacity in library management vary according to the institution. Generally, materials are in print format with few electronic materials (including offline libraries) mostly in CD-ROM format from organizations such as the FAO (AGORA offering possibility to access 1136 publications and journals), International Training and Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA) and Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS). Due to the limited budgetary allocations, materials are donated and updated journals and books are not available. None of the libraries/documentation centres have linkages with external virtual libraries. There is also limited coordination of information or materials among the libraries/documentation centres to engender exchange. 27. Other constraints inhibiting optimal utilization of library/documentation centres include:

• a shortage of skilled staff and absence of training institutions offering courses on library management or record keeping;

• limited access to materials due to inadequate budget and unwillingness of individuals to surrender documents to libraries;

• a lack of ICT equipment and software to retrieve, store and manage materials; and

• a lack of adequate security for materials with borrowed materials not returned.

3.2.1 Description of Agricultural information and Services

28. Agricultural information and related services in The Gambia are provided by the Agricultural Communication Division (ACD), Department of Planning (DOP), National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), private and community radio stations, CTA and various regional and international institutions. 29. NARI and ITC are the primary bodies responsible for agricultural research in The Gambia, the latter being a regional livestock research organization. In addition, a number of other organisations including specialized departments, NGOs and the University of the Gambia undertake limited research, while NARI collaborates with regional and international research organizations such as West African Rice Development Association (WARDA), International Institute of Tropical agriculture (IITA), International Crop Research institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics(ICRISAT), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) the International Trypanotolerant Centre (ITC) collaborates with Universities (mostly in Europe) and International Livestock Research Institute(ILRI). Most research organizations in The Gambia collaborate more with regional and international research organisations and universities because of their limited (and declining) human and financial resources.

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30. Research is presented at the Annual Research Review (ARREV) and published internally but increasingly in international journals and available at libraries/documentation centres of government departments, NGOs and international funding organizations such as FAO and UNDP. A number of institutions have plans to develop databases e.g. the Department of Planning that is also working to establish and operate a web site. 31. Research information is sometimes repackaged in various formats for publication or with the extension services. The main agricultural magazine is the “SENELAA” (the farmer) by the Agricultural Communication Division (ACD) initially published quarterly but whose frequency of publication has become low due to limited budgetary resources . A number of agricultural development projects have funded the preparation of manuals, leaflets/flyers sometimes in pictorial formats and with illustrations aimed principally at the farming community. Such materials have generally been prepared by the ACD and cover commodities (maize, beans, poultry etc). 32. Regular radio programmes (Radio Gambia, Basse and Community Radios) and the Television (GRTS) disseminate news, technical and market information (no longer available as the project implementing the project has been completed) to a large audience. Agricultural radio programmes have the largest audience estimated at 200,000 with regular listenership. 33. The CTA-supported services available are the Spore magazine and publications. There is no agricultural QAS (QAS) in The Gambia nor are there any answer telephonic or email queries. 34. The primary link between research organisations and farmers in the dissemination of improved packages and messages are the extension agencies. On the ground, the task is undertaken by the front extension agents operating at village level (Village Extension Workers-VEWs) or through District Extension Centres (DECs). Similarly, many commodity organisations, farmers’ associations (e.g. National Women Farmers Association (NAWFA), NFPG) and NGOs have field staff who advise farmers and communities. 35. Education and training courses are the most widespread and effective means employed to transfer information, knowledge and skills to target audience. Such training support is absolutely critical to ensure the success of agriculture and rural development programmes. Courses range from General Certificate, Higher National Diploma(HND and Undergraduate degrees in agriculture, rural development and related disciplines offered by The Gambia College and the University of The Gambia. The National Agricultural Development Agency (NADA), DCD and many NGOs provide field courses, demonstrations, as well as organize and facilitate horizontal learning exchanges through agricultural shows and visits/tours. 36. The Internet, particularly the Web, is beginning to be used for agricultural information dissemination and exchange. Recently, Market information system for Traders of West Africa/Gambia Horticultural Enterprises (MISTOWA/GHE) has been collecting market information and posting in the web. Farmers groups are being sensitized and trained to use the web to access information which available for other countries in West Africa.

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3.2.2 Information Sources

37. The selected institutions utilize various information sources ranging from personal collections, documentation centres/libraries, Internet, national, regional and international research institutions as well as through radio and television. Table 1 provides detailed information source by institution. Table 1 reveals that regional and international organizations, personal collections and Internet constitute the most important sources of information. In this regard CTA emerged as the single most important source notably through the Spore magazine (the only CTA product of which aware). 38. Staff interviewed, reported making use of various information resources available at their institute (in a library, resource centre, database, personal collection, etc). Many indicated that the personal collections, knowledge and experience of their colleagues within the organisation is a highly valued internal source of information, as are colleagues and personal contacts in other organisations, locally and abroad, with whom they interact through email and at meetings, conferences, workshops, training courses, and various other fora. Table 1: Information Source by Institution Institution Information Source DOSCIT ITU, WATRA, ICANN, CILSS, NARI, NADA, Internet GRTS Radio programmes (Radio Netherlands, Radio Deutchewelle, UN

Radio, RFI), ACD, TV programmes, Department of State for Agriculture

NARI ICRISAT, WARDA, IITA, ISRA, regional research institutions, newspapers, radio programmes, TV programmes, Internet, agricultural research electronic network, agribusiness consultant

DOP CILSS, Internet, producers, market vendors, government information, CTA

ACD CTA, DOSA, ICRISAT, farmers, FAO, radio programs, Internet, TV, video presentations, colleagues, booklets

Gambia College CTA, NARI/DOSA, beneficiaries, Internet, textbooks DCD Field extension report, monitoring and evaluation , reports TANGO CTA, NARI, radio, personal collection, TV programs, Internet,

newspapers WTG ECOWAS, national and regional research institutes, newspapers,

personal collection, electronic media/website, beneficiaries, Internet NFPG Radio, Newspapers, NARI, Internet GHE CTA, DOSA, beneficiaries, fairs/trade fairs, colleagues, NARI,

Internet Women’s Bureau

International research institutes e.g. ICRISAT, Gender Development of ECOWAS, International Labour Organization (ILO), AATG

Source: Survey Data, January, 2008 39. Although some organizations were aware of the existence and use CTA’s print information resources such as Spore and reference materials, none of the organizations interviewed was aware of CTA’s online information.

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3.2.3 Information Products and Services Provided

40. A number of information services and products are provided to stakeholders. These comprise verbal/oral communication by extension staff (NADA), DCD, NGOs to targeted audiences; broadcast media (radio and TV) through ACD production, documentaries from national and international institutions, publications from such as newsletters (SENELAA from ACD), annual reports e.g. the National Agricultural Sample Survey (NASS) and other institutions. 41. Broadcast media (TV & radio) are employed to reach the widest audience. With low Internet literacy and very few organizations having websites, only MISTOWA/GHE relies exclusively on email to disseminate market information. The use of mobile phones to send SMS is limited to personal communications. 42. Publications are also effected through 3 publishers (Educational and Social Enterprises, Fulladu and Macmillan) and some 16 printing presses including the Government Printer (Gambia Printing and Publishing Corporation), Papermate and various other houses including those owned by the printing presses.

3.2.4 Information and Communication Management Capacity 43. Very few of the institutions surveyed have separate sections or divisions exclusively for ICM. In view of this situation, the few staff have to perform a multiplicity of skills including research, management and ICM. In the case of IT a small section usually manned by one or two staff who manage the computers and Internet facilities but most have contracts with the ISP service providers to maintain computers (or LAN) and websites. Not all organisations have a specific budget for ICM and/or IT. Most of the organizations do not have a separate budget allocated for ICM or IT; where it exist, it is minimal and utilized for computer/Internet purchase and maintenance. Consequently, most of the institutions surveyed did not have adequate budgetary allocation for additional staff, updated equipment or software and training. Scrutiny of their budgets indicated that DOSCIT had the highest annual allocation of about Euro (€) 12,500 for office equipment, computer stationery and software (2007 budget allocation). The Women’s Bureau had Euro (€) 2,400 whilst DOP, NARI, The University and Gambia College relied principally on donations from collaborators.

44. In contrast, most of the institutions surveyed have documentation centres/libraries with varying numbers of publications. Whilst the ACD’s collection comprises video cassettes, manuals and flyers on crop production and dissertations by staff for diploma and MSc courses the DOP, NARI, Gambia College, The University of the Gambia and TANGO have printed materials with personnel designated for their management. Budgetary allocations for libraries documentations were reported to be minimal and largely inadequate. Apart from salaries for personnel and maintenance of shelves none of the institutions surveyed reported receiving any annual subscription specific to the libraries/documentation centres. This was the case for DOP, NARI, the University and the Gambia College.

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3.3 Interventions Supporting Information and Communication for Agriculture and Rural Development

45. The government as part of the NICI policy aims to bridge the digital divide between the urban and rural areas. There is currently a wide gap in ICT services for users in rural areas as they have less access to fixed telephone lines, computers or Internet. Many interviewees in this survey also noted the limitations of using ICTs to communicate with farmers and communities in rural areas. 46. It could be noted that there have been a number of Government and private sector initiatives to extend ICTs and telecommunication to those “beyond the digital divide” in rural and urban areas through the establishment of cybercafés and telecentres. These public access points have increased ICT and telecommunication penetration in The Gambia. 47. A number of interventions are being planned for ICT enhancement in The Gambia at both national and sectoral levels. These comprise at the national level, the “Silicon Valley dream” to make the Gambia an ICT hub through encouraging the establishment of computer assembly plants in support of the NICI policy. The Government also aspires to implement an e-government strategy in which most administrative processes will be through electronic applications. It is also envisaged that once the Telecommunication Bill is passed greater private sector engagement in TV Broadcasting and widening of applications by mobile and other operators in areas such as GPS and market information will be enhanced. 48. In the agriculture and rural sector planned public ICM/ICT interventions include the establishment and management of websites providing information to the public. One such website: agrigambia.gm is being developed by DOSA. The use of GIS to collect agricultural data is also being developed by the Department of Planning of NADA as part of its annual National Agricultural Sample Survey (NASS). Access to virtual libraries (Internet-linked libraries) is being actively pursued by NARI. A related intervention in this regard, is the African Union E-Network funded by the Indian government. The Gambia has been selected as a pilot country in this project in which Internet links will be established between Indian institutes of higher learning and Gambian institutions such as the UTG. This is expected to facilitate access to educational resources online. 49. At the national level, efforts are being made to better coordinate library/documentation management and improve access to reference materials. These efforts are being spearheaded by GAMLISA, whose aim is to foster interchange of materials among libraries/documentation centres. It is also pursuing efforts towards the establishment of training centres providing courses on library management and records keeping. Recently, the private sector including NGOs have also been active in the provision of library/documentation centres at community level in a bid to improve access to updated information.

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4. INSTITUTIONAL NEEDS ANALYSIS (STRENGTHS, MAIN BOTTLENECKS AND SHORTCOMINGS)

50. An analysis of the strengths presented in Table 2 indicate a variety exists among the institutions surveyed ranging from availability of the NICI Policy, availability of library/ documentation centre stocked with some essential agricultural and rural development reference materials, expertise in ICT and availability of basic equipment. Accordingly, DOSCIT has a NICI policy; GRTS has materials produced in video and radio tapes; NARI has reference materials and expertise in library management whilst DOP has materials for an agricultural database. Table 2: Strengths by Institution in ICM

Institutions Strengths Weaknesses

DOSCIT • Availability of NICI Policy and Plan for implementation;

• ICT Department with some expertise in ICM; • Availability of basic ICT materials

• Inadequacy and low capacity of equipment to meet needs of staff

• Inadequate number of staff in ICT department

• Inadequate financial resources for equipment and updated software purchase and maintenance

GRTS • Availability of materials on rural development; • Expertise in rural radio and television

broadcasting; • Partnerships with international radio

broadcasters such as Deutchewell Radio, UN Radio, RFI

• Limited expertise in ICM • Limited availability of computers

with high capacity • Limited number of radio/TV

packages on agriculture and rural development

NARI • Availability of documentation centre with materials with 1,500 publications;

• Established partnership with relevant institutions such as FAO, CTA;

• Availability of resource person in Library management

• Inadequate numbers of computers, accessories and updated software

• Limited reference materials • Few staff adequately trained in

ICT DOP • Availability of documentation centre with

materials on agriculture and rural development; • Availability of materials for agriculture/rural

development, information for establishing database

• Inadequate number and low capacity in ICT

• Inadequate capacity and skills in library management

• Inadequate budgetary provisions for ICT and GIS

ACD • Available expertise in video, TV and manual production; availability of video tapes and resource materials,

• Experience in agricultural Newsletter production

• Inadequate numbers of staff skilled in ICT

• Lack adequate capacity in publication

Gambia College

• Availability of library with relevant reference materials on agriculture and rural development

• Lack adequate numbers of high capacity computers and updated software

• Inadequate skills in ICT • Low level of expertise in library

management • Inadequate access to reference

materials

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Institutions Strengths Weaknesses

UTG • Availability of some reference materials in library

• Availability of some ICT skills • Availability of some computers

• Low level of expertise in library management

• Low level of skills in ICT including in website establishment and management

• Inadequacy of ICT equipment • Low budgetary provision for

equipment purchase and maintenance

DCD • Expertise and human resource for promoting rural development

• Lack of library/documentation centre

• Limited know-how and skills in ICT

WB • Expertise in ICT and gender; availability of partnerships for rural development

• Inadequacy of ICM facilities • Limited expertise in ICM

TANGO • Availability of resource centre with materials on Rural development, ICT equipment available of web browsing

• Inadequate financial provisions for ICT Update and maintenance

• Limited human resources for meeting ICT/ICM needs of NGOs

WTG • Availability of library/documentation centre, existence of partnerships with relevant organizations such as FAO

• Inadequate financial resources to purchase equipment and updated software

• Inadequate human resources( few staff

NFPG • Organization with broad membership and support in rural areas; expertise in lobbying and organizing farmers

• Few staff to cater for need of large number of illiterate farmers

• Inadequate availability of equipment and information formats not suited for farmer’s requirements

• Inadequate number of staff skilled in ICM

GHE • Expertise in collection and posting of market information(price data) through the Internet; availability of essential equipment for ICT

• Limited number of staff to serve needs of large clientele

• Information format and channel (Internet) not accessible to large number of farmers and traders

CPAC • Available expertise in ICM and a committed membership to consumer protection

• Few staff to cater for need of large number of illiterate farmers

• Inadequate availability of equipment and information formats not suited for farmer’s requirements

• Inadequate number of staff skilled in ICM

ASSAT • Available expertise in diverse areas of science and technology, some expertise in ICM and a committed membership

• Absence of permanent structure and ICT equipment and software

• Lack of permanent staff to man ICT

ITAG • Available expertise in ICT, availability of high capacity computers amongst membership

• Absence of permanent structure and ICT equipment and software

• Lack of permanent staff to man ICT

Source: Survey Data, January, 2008

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51. An analysis of the responses by institutions presented in Table 2 reveals a number of weaknesses revolving around inadequacy and low capacity of equipment to meet needs of staff, inadequate number of staff in ICT, inadequate financial resources for equipment and software purchase and maintenance, inadequate skills in IT land limited availability of reference materials. As highlighted in the Table 2 all the institutions interviewed experience two or more of the weaknesses. 52. A number of constraints were encountered inhibiting the ability of institutions to effectively manage and communicate their information to beneficiaries. These constraints centre on limited personnel, low skill level of staff and lack of (up-to-date) equipment. As indicated earlier, in many organisations, few staff have to undertake multiple tasks and this overburdens them inhibiting optimal information searching or packaging. The outdated nature and Internet connections (few LAN) culminate in slow connectivity and loss of valuable time. 53. The constraints are very similar with government institutions and farmers’ association most acutely experiencing skills, equipment and personnel limitations. Thus DOSCIT, GRTS, DOP, Gambia College, WB all mention low skills levels and inadequate equipment and financing. The NGO and private sector although better endowed also encounter constraints linked to low level of skills in ICM.

4.1 Information Needs 54. Institutions visited presented a broad range of information needs in the fields of rural development, technical, economic, rural development and training information to enhance effectiveness of interventions and achieve goals and objectives. Table 3 provides details on information needs by the institutions. Table 3: Information Needs of Institutions Interviewed Institution Information Need Preferred Format DOSCIT Social development issues, Gender, Development funding

programs/sources, Public/private partnership, Integration and utilization of ICT in agriculture

Newsletters, fact sheets, full documents, CDs, DVDs

GRTS Social development issues, Agricultural development networks

TV and radio programmes, Newsletters, page summaries, video tapes, CDs, DVDs

NARI Farm problems, gender issues, government and international organizations, conferencing and meetings, development and funding programmes, available agricultural/development networks Technical Information –post-harvest technology, crop varieties, packaging, patents, integrated pest management, credit and micro-credit, market data, crop insurance, management of Information within the organization, editing reports, participative methodologies

Newsletters, fact sheets, full documents, page summaries, CDs, DVDs

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Institution Information Need Preferred Format DOP Rural development, technical information, Economic

Information, management of information within the organization (information/advice on data collection, storage, analysis and dissemination)


ACD Farm problems, gender issues, government/international regulations, development funds, agricultural development networks, post harvest technology, crop varieties

Newsletters, page summaries, video and audio tapes, CDs, DVDs

Gambia College

Rural development, technical information, economic information and training needs


UTG Rural development, technical and economic information Newsletters, fact sheets, full documents, page summaries, CDs, DVDs

DCD Social development, gender issues and development, development and funding programs, participatory methodology, post harvest technologies, packaging, micro finance


TANGO Social development issues, gender issues, government regulations, development and funding programs, management of information with the organization


WTG Technical advice, rural development information, training needs

Newsletters, page summaries, video and audio tapes, CDs, DVDs

NFPG Commodity/producer price, micro finance for the poor Newsletters, fact sheets, full documents, page summaries, CDs, DVDs

GHE Farm problems, government and international regulations, conferences and meetings, trade fair development and funding programs


WB Gender issues, development and funding programs, social development issues, participative methodology, management of information within the organization


Source: Survey Data, January, 2008 55. Scrutiny of the survey results presented in Table 3 reveal varying information needs among the institutions. Thus while the need is specific and limited to a few areas for some, for others, broader needs have been expressed. Accordingly GRTS, DOSCIT, GHE, NFPG, WTG information needs cover some specific subjects areas in rural

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development and few in technical or economic categories. NARI, DOP, ACD, Gambia College and UTG have broader information needs covering more subject areas such as rural development, technical and economic information. 56. In terms of the format of required presented in Table 3 a large similarity exists amongst the institutions. However for institutions specializing in dissemination such as GRTS, ACD and WTG additional formats such as audio and video are required. In the case of research (NARI and DOP) and for higher education (UTG and Gambia College) access to full documents is essential. It should be noted that updating of equipment and their maintenance are key factors for access to the various information formats. In this regard budgetary support and equipment grants are pivotal for sustained access and utilization for the information formats.

4.2 Capacity-building Needs (IC Policies & Strategies, Sensitization, Networking, Skills, Training, Media, ICT, Equipment)

57. While the limitations of ICTs highlighted above inhibit optimal outreach by the institutions, all of them have continued efforts to reach their audiences and beneficiaries. Nonetheless, a number of improvements are necessary. The improvements needed are presented in Table 4 and centre on ICM training, equipment support and financing. Details of specific training and equipment focused on the following areas: desk top publishing for developing and publishing information packages; design and maintenance of websites and web based information; database establishment and management; participatory extension techniques; library/documentation management; training in developing appropriate messages in local languages and developing of TV programmes and radio packs for illiterate local audiences, training on literacy and numeracy skills enhancement. Table 4: Improvements Needed by Institutions Institutions Improvements Needed DOSCIT ICM training, support for technical and improved salaries and budgeting

allowances GRTS Provision of equipment, training, access to information on agriculture and rural

development NARI Provision of equipment and training in website development, Information

management and access to reference materials DOP Training of staff in ICM, provision of equipment, increased access to reference

materials ACD Training in ICM, provision of equipment and financial support Gambia College

Capacity building/ training in ICM and provision of equipment

UTG Training in ICM, Provision of equipment and financing DCD Training in ICM, provision of capital resources, equipment WB Provision of training in ICM, provision of equipment, provision of facilities for

television TANGO Training on ICM, financial support, upgrading resource centre- with literature

materials, equipment and trained manpower WTG Updating of equipment NFPG Training in ICM, provision of ICM equipment

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Institutions Improvements Needed GHE Capacity building in ICM, provision of more equipment


4.3 Feedback on CTA Products and Services 58. There is very limited awareness of of CTA products and services, with the notable exception of Spore and provision of reference materials to the NARI and DOP libraries. Table 5 provides details of CTA products and services availability and needs by institutions interviewed. Some of the key products and services needed include RRRP,, training, co-publishing, equipment support, Spore and ICT Update.

Table 5: CTA Product and Service Availability and Required by Institution

CTA PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Institution Current/Past service

Requested Product /Service

DOSCIT None • Spore and ICT Update GRTS None • Spore and ICT Update

• RRRP, training courses on information management

NARI Library materials; CTA Partner

• Library materials, • Training in scientific writing, QAS • Agricultural research • Spore and ICT Update • Co-publishing with CTA

DOP CTA Trainings Library materials

• Library Materials, Training Courses on Information Management,

• Co-publishing with CTA, • Spore and ICT Update • Equipment support(GIS)

ACD Spore • Training courses on information management, • Co-publishing with CTA • RRRP • Spore and ICT Update

Gambia College None • Literature materials • Training • Equipment support • Spore and ICT Update

UTG None • Library services • Training in information management (library

services) • Spore and ICT Update • Co-publishing with CTA • QAS

DCD None • Training in Information Management • Spore and ICT Update

WB None • Library materials

• Spore and ICT Update

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CTA PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Institution Current/Past service

Requested Product /Service

TANGO None • CTA partner • Training • Literature materials • Websites/virtual libraries • Spore and ICT Update

WTG None • Training in information management


NFPG None • Equipment support • Library materials • CTA partner • Training in information management

GHE None • Training in information management • Equipment support

CPAG None • Training in Information Management AASAT None • CTA partner


ITAG None • Virtual library • Spore and ICT Update


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5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions

5.1.1 Information Needs 59. Information gaps exist for all the institutions surveyed due to a lack of adequate awareness of sources, budgetary inadequacies and inaccessible formats. Inadequate staffing and lack of motivation were also mentioned as factors inhibiting optimal utilization of information for efficiency and proficiency on the job. The gaps varied between the institutions with the situation most acute for the governmental agencies (policy, research, academia and the media) than for NGOs, the private sector and farmers’ organizations requiring relatively narrower range of information needs for their operations. It was also revealed that libraries and documentation centres do not generally have sufficient or updated reference materials including Internet-linked libraries for personnel. 60. A number of useful lessons have been learnt including that stakeholders particularly farmers are able to utilize ICT to acquire information and enhance skill levels for improved livelihood. This however requires sensitization/awareness creation, training and initial maintenance support. The broadcast media (radio and TV) can be employed as effective channels to provide market, production and technical information in a timely manner. However the cost of sustaining the system can be high and revenue generating mechanisms have to be introduced for sustainability. Reliability and access to accompanying social and amenities such as electricity and telecommunication are also essential for effective utilization of ICT. 61. It is clear from the current survey and numerous other studies that face-to-face contact and verbal communication with farmers and rural communities is the preferred and most effective means of information exchange in rural areas, with print, electronic and other media of lesser but not negligible importance. Effective extension delivery is critical for accelerated agricultural and rural development. In the Gambia extension information dissemination is inhibited by lack of mobility, few messages and inadequate staff numbers. 62. In the extension delivery system there has been a gradual shift to participatory extension approaches with closer interaction among researchers, extensionists, farmers, input suppliers and other stakeholders to develop locally applicable and innovative solutions to farmers’ problems. Consequently, the Farmer Field School concept is now being introduced by NADA. 63. Information formats and communication channels are generally not tailored to the requirements of the clientele. Given the high level of illiteracy and the wide use of radio, the use of radio and TV as sources of information for a large proportion of the population particularly farmers is critical. However, experience in the sub-region indicate that other ICTs such as the mobile phone and the Internet can play a pivotal role particularly in the rapid dissemination of market information. The category of information needs by the institutions surveyed cover broadly: rural development focusing on social development

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issues, farm problems (land tenure), gender and available agricultural information networks. Library services are being provided by institutions in both the public and private sector generally with limited materials. However, efforts are ongoing through GAMLISA aimed at better coordination, enhanced capacity in library management to users through exchange and sharing of materials. Technical Information 64. Technical Information needs centre on post-harvest loss reduction technologies, transportation, integrated pest management, waste management and specific areas including (varieties, input management, soil fertility and water control, animal heath and nutrition, and appropriate mechanization). Economic information 65. Specific economic information needs centre on market-related data (prices, commodity profiles for exporters, volumes and requirements), crop insurance systems etc. availability of this information will enhance productivity and facilitate marketing of farmers produce. 66. These information needs can be addressed through enhanced access to the mass media and in formats as well as channels such as the radio, TV, bulletins, flyers but also through the Internet, libraries, documentation centres and Internet-linked libraries.

5.1.2 Capacity Building Needs 67. The staffing and skill levels were reported to be generally low for the institutions surveyed. Thus upgrading skill levels will increase efficiency, effectiveness and culminate in the realization of the goals of the organizations. Most of the institutions have libraries/documentation centres although most are inadequately manned and not stocked with updated reference materials and formats of materials adapted to local requirements. The survey revealed that only few have ICM units and even fewer have ICM strategies which could contribute to better articulation of needs and facilitate funding from potential donors for equipment, training and material support. In essence the capacity of most of the institutions is inhibited by inadequate equipment and few staff with limited skills in ICM. 68. In view of the above, Increasing ICM skills of personnel, providing equipment support, developing strategies and partnerships with CTA and other collaborators will enhance output and efficiently. Key areas include: Equipment 69. There is a lack of adequate updated equipment and software due to low budgetary allocations especially to the governmental institutions has hampered ability to acquire and maintain computers and peripherals, other equipment and continued access to websites used for obtaining relevant information.

5.1.3 Overview of CTA Products and Services

70. Awareness and benefit of CTA products and services has been limited to only a few institutions in The Gambia and confined to the Spore Magazine and the receipt of publications. Given the usefulness and relevance of CTA products and services notably

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RRRP, training, co-publishing, equipment support and Spore and ICT Update, greater awareness needs to be created and access enhanced.

5.1.4 Potential Strategic Partners 71. In view of the information and capacity building needs of the institutions studied and given the pivotal role of information for agricultural production and productivity, linkage with internal and external agencies is both relevant and critical. In this regard, partnership with CTA is essential for most of the institutions surveyed. Key amongst these are NARI, DOP, TANGO, AASAT, UTG and NFPG.

5.2 Recommendations

5.2.1 Information Needs

72. Undertake concerted efforts at national and regional levels (West Africa) to develop a network of users and producers of agriculture and rural development information through exchange visits, study tours and joint training courses. This will engender greater awareness, sharing and access to each others information but also coordination amongst the stakeholders. 73. Given the limited awareness of CTA products and services in The Gambia and their consequent low utilization, organize an awareness forum at national level to exhibit and popularize them. This will provide an opportunity for most of the institutions in agriculture and rural development to meet their information requirements. 74. Avail institutions involved in the dissemination of information to farmers and rural dwellers the opportunity to improve on appropriate techniques of information formatting and utilization to make them respond to the requirements of stakeholders. In this regard support for availability of timely and appropriate market information to producers and traders, policy makers and researchers on horticulture, cereals, fish and livestock will be essential. 75. Provide support to GAMLISA and libraries/documentation centres to increase their stock of reference materials, websites and linkage to Internet-linked libraries and information sources.

5.2.2 Capacity Building Needs 76. Make concerted efforts through CTA support to strengthen the capacity of researchers, extension agents and development workers in government, NGO and private sector services to ensure their orientation towards meeting the information needs of their clientele. 77. Undertake capacity building on strategy development to enable institutions to develop partnerships and access resources to meet their organizational goals. Enhanced capacity in strategy development will contribute towards resolving constraints linked to inadequate budgetary availability.

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78. Support to the provision of equipment (computers, GIS) and updated soft ware to ensure sustainable access to modern ICTs by institutions involved in ICM for agriculture and rural development. 79. CTA support for participation by relevant institutions to training courses particularly scientific writing, information management (library management, data management, development of market information systems, radio and video production, website development and maintenance amongst others. 80. In addition to external support from CTA and other relevant organizations, the local institutions are urged to provide basic IT training to their staff and meet basic computer stationery requirements.

5.2.3. CTA Products and Services 81. Engender greater awareness of CTA Products and Services in The Gambia through workshops, seminars; provide capacity building through training; enhance access to library materials, QAS, Spore, ICT Update and equipment support.

5.2.4. Potential Strategic Partner Institutions 82. Develop strategic partnership with organizations particularly NARI, DOP, TANGO, AASAT, UTG, NFPG. Specific areas requiring CTA partnerships are training, support for Publications (library materials), access to websites, QAS and for equipment support. Proposed areas of partnership by institution are presented below:

Enhance radio and TV outreach through GRTS and local FM radios by the Provision of RRRP, Training in ICM including developing materials of appropriate format and provision of ICT equipment.

Enhance outreach of agricultural and rural development messages through

partnership with ACD by Training in ICM including the development of appropriate extension messages/materials and equipment support

Enhance capacity of DOP through provision of GIS equipment and training

support, Website establishment and maintenance, training in Information management (library/Documentation management and database establishment and management).

Collaboration with NARI in Q and Answer Sessions, Website establishment and

maintenance, training in information management (library/documentation management, database establishment and management) and publications from CTA.

Enhanced capacity of DCD through ICM Training, Literature materials on rural

development and ICT equipment support

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Enhanced capacity of the Women’s Bureau in ICM Training, publications from CTA (literature materials on agricultural and rural development) and ICT equipment support.

Support to the Gambia College through enhanced access to publications from

CTA (literature materials on agriculture and rural development), training on information management and ICT equipment support

Assistance to the University of the Gambia through training in information

management ( library/documentation management), publications from CTA (literature materials on agricultural and rural development) and ICT equipment support.

Enhance capacity of TANGO through provision of publications from CTA

(literature materials on agricultural and rural development), ICT equipment support and Website development and maintenance.

Further enhance capacity of WTG through training on information management (

ICM management) and CTA Magazine- Spore and ICT Update

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6. PROPOSED CTA INTERVENTION STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN

6.1 Proposed Intervention Strategy 83. From the foregoing conclusions and recommendations and in order to improve access, availability and delivery of information and services including CTA products and services to beneficiaries in The Gambia, the following CTA Intervention strategy is being proposed comprising 7 activities detailed below: 1. Increase awareness of CTA operations, products and services within agricultural

and rural development sector in The Gambia (all sub-sectors and organizations). This should be organized by the CTA.

2. Establishment of information users/producers network to increase information

exchange and knowledge sharing between agricultural and rural development organizations in-country and in the West Africa sub-region. CTA could coordinate this with ACD and DOP.

3. Enhance capacity of through the provision of training Courses in ICM For

agriculture and rural development institutions to meet their needs. Institutions could be invited to CTA and other training courses on ICM.

4. Provision of ICT (equipment and software) support to selected institutions. This

could be coordinated with other donors with TANGO coordinating this intervention for NGOs and farmer organizations while DOSCIT coordinates for governmental institutions.

5. Provide basic IT training for staff in agriculture and rural sector institutions. This

could be sourced and funded by the local institutions themselves. 6. Establishment of partnership between CTA and selected Gambian institutions.

This will enhance information and capacity building for farmers and other rural dwellers and the participating local institutions.

7. Increase Access to updated Information for producers, researchers, development

workers and for decision-makers in agriculture and rural development. This can be effected through QAS, publications and links to other CTA information sources.

84. The action plan presents for each activity: the objective, the expected results, the responsible party and the duration. The durations proposed for the activities range from one to five years. Details of the plan are presented in the action plan below.

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6.2 Action Plan for CTA Intervention Strategy Activity Objective Expected

Results Responsibility Duration

Increase awareness of CTA Products and Services in The Gambia

Enhance access to CTA Information sources by institutions involved in agriculture and rural development

Greater access and utilization of CTA products and services Greater exposure and awareness of CTA operations, products and services

CTA 1 year

Establishment of information users/producers network

Create a forum for interaction amongst agricultural information producers and users

Network established amongst users and producers of agricultural information in West Africa

CTA, National Information user/producer nets

2 years

Provision of Training Courses in ICM For Agriculture and rural development institutions

Upgrade the skill level of staff in agriculture and rural development institutions in ICM

Capacity of Staff in ICM enhanced Improved information and services available to stakeholders in the agriculture an rural development sector

CTA, agriculture and rural development institutions

5 years

Provision of ICT(equipment and software) support to selected Institutions

Provide equipment (computers and accessories, GIS) to enable them carry out information processing and management tasks

Greater access by staff to equipment for information management Improved efficiency in information management

CTA, selected Institutions and other donors

5 years

Basic IT Training for Staff in Agriculture and Rural Sector Institutions

Enhance the IT capacity of staff

Staff capacity in basic IT sustained

Local institutions 5 years

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Activity Objective Expected Results

Responsibility Duration

Establishment of Partnership between CTA and Selected Gambian institutions

Forge partnership to ensure accelerated and effective agriculture and rural development in rural and peri-urban Gambia

Greater interaction between CTA and selected institutions for enhanced rural welfare

CTA, selected Institutions

5 years

Increase Access to updated Information for producers, researchers, development workers and for decision-makers in agriculture and rural development

Increase access to updated materials in appropriate formats for stakeholders in agriculture and rural development

Greater access to reference materials in agriculture and rural development in appropriate formats through libraries, the web, radio and TV

CTA, Selected Institutions

5years

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ANNEXES

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ANNEX 1. TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. Introduction The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) was established in 1983 under the Lomé Convention between the ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) Group of States and the European Union Member States. Since 2000, it has operated within the framework of the ACP-EC Cotonou Agreement. CTA’s tasks are to develop and provide services that improve access to information for agricultural and rural development, and to strengthen the capacity of ACP countries to produce, acquire, exchange and utilise information in this area. CTA’s programmes are organised around three principal activities: providing an increasing range and quantity of information products and services and enhancing awareness of relevant information sources; supporting the integrated use of appropriate communication channels and intensifying contacts and information exchange (particularly intra-ACP); and developing ACP capacity to generate and manage agricultural information and to formulate information and communication management (ICM) strategies, including those relevant to science and technology. These activities take account of methodological developments in cross-cutting issues (gender, youth, information & communication technologies – ICTs, and social capital), findings from impact assessments and evaluations of ongoing programmes as well as priority information themes for ACP agriculture . CTA’s activities are currently distributed among three operational programme areas / departments:

Information Products and Services; Communication Channels and Services; Information and Communication Management Skills and Systems.

These operational departments are supported by Planning Corporate Services (P&CS) which is charged with the methodological underpinning of their work and monitoring the ACP environment in order to identify emerging issues and trends and make proposals for their translation into programmes and activities. This current exercise, therefore, falls within the mandate of P&CS.

2. Background Since 2003, CTA has been systematically conducting needs assessment studies across the Pacific, Caribbean and Africa regions – the regions it has been mandated to serve. These studies have been in direct response to calls for CTA, in various evaluations of its products, services and programmes, to be more strategic in its choice regarding the setting of its own agenda and reacting to demand. In putting together its Strategic Plan and Framework for Action 2001 – 2005, CTA took a pragmatic view and opted to develop a strategy combining the benefits of both approaches, whereby the need to address the expressed demands of its stakeholders and the potential long-term advantages of developing programmes that address future needs were combined. The Centre’s new strategic plan covering the 2007 – 2010 period places emphasis on: improving CTA’s efficiency and increasing the Centre’s outreach by addressing the

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major bottleneck of difficult or insufficient access to information in ACP countries; (ii) honing CTA’s profile and further defining the niche where the Centre has a comparative advantage. Consequently, reaching more beneficiaries and further strengthening CTA’s partnership networks is key as well as the thrust to make ICTs and ICM strategies more widely available.

3. Main issues CTA works primarily through intermediary public and private partners (research centres, extension services, libraries, NGOs, farmers’ organisations, regional organisations and networks, …) to promote agriculture and rural development. Under the new strategic plan, the organisations targeted will be extended to include print media, editors, radio, TV and journalist networks in order to further maximise outreach. Through these partnerships, CTA hopes to increase the number of ACP organisations capable of accessing and combining modern and conventional ICTs, generating and managing information and developing their own ICM strategies. The identification of appropriate partners is therefore of primordial importance, whilst bearing in mind issues such as geographical coverage, decentralisation, regionalisation, thematic orientation and transparent and objective criteria and procedures for partner selection.

4. Overall Objective Collaboration strategies with ACP agricultural organisations and relevance of CTA’s support to African ACP countries improved.

5. Scope of the study The study will focus on:

providing an overview of main agricultural services and actors existing in the country (information supply side) in terms of their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for collaboration with CTA;

identifying agricultural information and ICM capacity building needs of key actors / key strategic partners for CTA products and services;

identifying potential strategic partners for CTA activities and services (paying special attention to e.g. print media, editors, radio, TV and journalist networks);

developing some baseline data on the status of ICM and ICTs in the country to facilitate subsequent monitoring and updating activities.

The study should assist CTA to improve and better target interventions and activities aimed at potential partners and beneficiaries (including women, youth, private sector and civil society organisations) to have a more informed picture of their needs and aid in the elaboration of a strategy and framework of action. The study should also highlight where there are specific needs for CTA’s products and services thereby enabling improvement in the delivery of the same.

6. Expected Results The expected results of the study are as follow:

status of infrastructure, information services and ICM capacity of institutions involved in agriculture and rural development described and analysed;

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information and capacity building needs in the area of ICM identified for key institutions and potential CTA partners involved in agriculture and rural development;

baseline data on the status of ICM and ICT in agriculture and rural development compiled for monitoring purposes and improved outreach.

The study should therefore also provide updated country profiles on the status agricultural information services, the status of ICM/T in the country, which will allow CTA to make informed decisions re type and mode of intervention as well as partner selection. This will be summarised in one (1) main report per country not exceeding 30 pages excluding annexes (cf. section 8 below).

7. Methodology The consultant will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative rapid appraisal methods including:

the desk review of available literature and information sources including the findings of programme evaluations;

the conduct of face-to-face interviews with relevant stakeholders / concerned parties;

the limited use of questionnaires. The rapid appraisal approach will allow a general overview of the key issues and company / organisational profiles on a per country basis and may give rise to more in-depth studies as and when needed in the future.

8. Reporting The country reports will not exceed 30 pages (excluding annexes) and is broken down as follows: Main report Acknowledgements List of Acronyms Executive summary 1. Introduction 2. Country profile

2.1 Brief description of agriculture and recent developments in the sector: 2.1.1 Agriculture 2.1.2 Fisheries 2.1.3 Forestry 2.1.4 Pastorialism / Livestock (where applicable)

2.2 Brief description of the status of ICT infrastructure and recent developments in the sector 3. Status of information and communication for agriculture and rural development

3.1 Institutional, regulatory and policy framework

Status of national and/or other sectoral policies on information and communication for agriculture and rural development; definition of main strategic

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focus and principal characteristics; opportunities and threats posed by the political, institutional and regulatory environment

3.2 Operational aspects 3.2.1 Description of agricultural information and services (main actors in the

area of information and communication for agriculture and rural development)

3.2.2 Information products and services provided 3.2.3 Information and communication management capacity

3.3 Interventions supporting information and communication for agriculture and rural development

Examine the main interventions undertaken, planned or foreseen by the State, donor agencies, private sector (e.g. telecommunications sector) to respond to identified needs paying particular attention to the priorities and means mobilised. Lessons learnt should also be addressed in this section

3.4. Needs analysis (Main bottlenecks and shortcomings) 3.4.1 Information needs 3.4.2 Capacity building needs (IC policies & strategies, sensitisation, networking, skills,

training, media, ICT, equipment) 4. Conclusions and recommendations 4.1 Conclusions

4.1.1 Information Needs 4.1.2 Capacity Building Needs 4.1.3 Potential Strategic Partners

4.2 Recommendations 4.2.1 Capacity Building Needs 4.2.2 Information Needs 4.2.3. Potential Strategic Partner Institutions

5. Proposed CTA Intervention Strategy and Action Plan From the above analysis, establish a link between the needs which are not currently met or for which complementary actions are needed and CTA’s supply (products and services). This should lead to an overall and coherent strategy for CTA and an action plan in priorities are identified and an implementation schedule defined. Annexes 1. Terms of reference 2. Country profile

2.1 General agricultural profile (from available documentation) 2.1.1 Size of agricultural population (male / female / youth)

2.1.2 Farmed land, forests, fishing areas 2.1.3 Agricultural systems

2.1.4 Agriculture in the economy (percentage GDP) 2.1.5 Main agricultural produce and secondary products

2.1.6 Main export markets 2.1.7 Trade agreements that include agriculture 2.1.8 Sectoral policy related to agriculture, fisheries and forests 2.2 Socio-economic profile (from available documentation)

2.2.1 Total active population, demographic breakdown 2.2.2 Literacy level and languages 2.2.3 Access to services (health, schools, electricity) 2.2.4 Rural urban drift

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2.3 Media and telecommunications (update / check) 2.3.1 Newspapers, periodicals, magazines, radio stations, television channels, 2.3.2 Telecommunication services (fixed, mobile, etc.)

2.3.3 Computers and Internet access 3. Profile of institutions

3.1 List of all main institutions involved in agriculture and rural development activities, including private sector and civil society organisations, with name, contact details, type and role of institution

3.2 Select list of key institutions involved in agriculture and rural development, with extensive data and information on the institution, the problems faced and why it is considered a key actor

4. List of institutions / persons interviewed (to include full contact details)

5. Bibliography

9. Timing The draft final report is to be submitted within three months after contract signature by CTA; the final report is due two weeks after receipt of comments from CTA.

10. Expertise needed The national consultant should have a university degree or equivalent by experience. In addition, he/she should have at least 10 years experience in field of agriculture, rural development or social / economic sciences. He/she must have in-depth knowledge of the agricultural sector in his/her country and be able to identify key players and institutions / organisations active in this area. Some knowledge of information sciences would be an added advantage. The ability to communicate and write clearly in English is essential, while knowledge of at least one of the local languages for communication / interview purposes is an added advantage. In addition to the skills above, the regional coordinator is expected to be fluent in English, have some knowledge of the 9 countries forming the object of this study, have demonstrated experience in coordinating studies with several consultants and in producing synthesis reports. The overall coordination of the exercise will be carried out by Ms Christine Webster, Deputy Head, Planning and Corporate Services CTA.

11. Implementation schedule (CTA) Preparation/Finalisation of ToR; Identification/ short-listing of (potential)

consultants; Call for offers: January – April 2007; Selection of consultants & contractual arrangements: May/June 2007 Briefing: July 2007 Start date of contract: June/July 2007 Contract implementation period: June 2007 – March 2008 End date of contract: March 2008.

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12. Key documents to be made available to consultants Documents include:

Cotonou Framework Agreement Executive Summaries of previous evaluation reports including ITAD, OPM, etc. CTA’s Strategic Plan (2007-2010) Annual Reports Examples of reports of previous needs assessment studies Documents on products & services provided by CTA

13. Definition of roles and responsibilities Regional Coordinator

Respect the timeframe regarding submission of reports and deadlines Help identify/vet country consultants Attend pre-briefing and briefing meetings Review the terms of reference Finalise questionnaires1 and methodological approach after due consultation with

CTA Team Finalise the briefing notes and guidelines2 for local consultants to ensure

accurate and consistent application of the agreed methodology in data collection Answer queries (technical & otherwise) of local consultants During the studies, monitor and provide technical assistance/information to the

local consultants Review preliminary country reports and findings and send comments back to

local consultants Send edited draft final country reports to CTA for feedback Coordinate and ensure consistency of country reports Prepare the overall report taking into account the findings and recommendations

of all the country reports (table of contents to be agreed). Local Consultants

Respect the timeframe regarding submission of reports and deadlines Attend briefing meeting Familiarise themselves with background documents received from CTA;

including the Terms of Reference Undertake desk study and prepare country profile, list of institutions involved in

agriculture as well as preliminary list of select institutions. Undertake field visits in the country specified in the contract Conduct interviews and gather information in the country specified in the contract Draft preliminary country reports and send to Regional Coordinator for initial

comments Based on comments received from Regional Coordinator, revise country reports

and send draft final report to CTA within the specified timeframe Finalise country reports based on comments and observations received from

CTA and send final report back to CTA Role of CTA 1 The documents used in previous needs assessment studies are available and will need some slight modifications. 2 See footnote above.

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Draw up initial Terms of Reference and prepare relevant background documents Appoint the Regional Coordinator and the ACP Local Consultants Prepare and attend briefing meeting of consultants Invite the Regional Coordinator and Local Consultants for Briefing Meeting Provide input to the Regional Coordinator with regard to fine-tuning terms of

reference, questionnaires, interview guide and reporting guidelines for the consultants

Provide relevant background documents to the Local Consultants & Regional Coordinator

Elaborate budget and discuss contractual obligations with the Team of consultants & Regional Coordinator

Liaise with Regional Coordinator throughout the study Pay invoices for services rendered in a timely manner on condition that all

payment conditions are fulfilled Overall responsibility for the supervision and implementation of the studies Bear the agreed costs of expenditure in respect of the study (economy class

return tickets, hotel accommodation and subsistence allowances during briefing meeting, or during agreed and specified field visits)

Provide feedback and comments on draft country reports to the Local Consultants

Give feedback to the Regional Coordinator on the Overview Report.

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ANNEX 2. COUNTRY PROFILE - (THE GAMBIA)

2.1 General Agriculture Profile The Gambia is situated on the West Coast of Africa lying between latitudes 13 and 14 degrees North, consisting of a narrow strip of land within the valleys of the Gambia River stretching some 400 kilometres East to West and varies in width of about 50 km near the mouth of the river to about 24 km further inland. It forms an enclave in the Republic of Senegal except for a short seaboard on the Atlantic Coastline. The Gambia is divided administratively into 6 agricultural regions. It has a total land surface area of 11,000 km2. The topography is flat particularly near the sea and nowhere does it rise more than 90 m above sea level. This flat topography results in the tidal effects of the river being felt as far as 300 km upstream. In the lower reaches of the river large areas are under tidal swamps. Beyond these however, the river banks are steep and require pump uplift for irrigation. Climate is a major factor in agricultural production and is characterized by a distinct dry and wet season. The wet season is of shorter duration (4-5 months) from June to October with a much longer dry season (7-8 months) from November to May. Rainfall is the most important determining factor in Gambian agriculture and is mono-modal averaging 850 to 1,100 mm annually with an observed declining trend over the last 3 decades. The Gambia can be divided into 3 agro-ecological zones according to rainfall data:

1. the Sudano-Sahelian or Riverine covering a greater part of the country and comprising 75% of the farming population and therefore constituting the zone where most of the agricultural activities take place;

2. the Sahel Savana or semi arid zone covering part of Central River Region (North)

and comprising some 147,684 ha of which only 44 percent is cultivated and principally cultivated to early maturing cereals (early millet, maize, findo etc); and

3. Guinea Savannah zone or humid zone is located around the coast line and

covers part of the Western and North Bank Divisions. This covers 179,790 ha about 66 percent of which is cultivable and rainfall is moderate to high with late cereals (late millet, sorghum and upland rice) predominating.

Soils in The Gambia can be broadly categorized into upland and lowland. Upland soils are generally alluvial, fine textured, free draining loamy sand or sandy loam with low organic matter, low cation exchange capacity and low fertility. Lowland soils on the other hand are colluvial, heavily textured silty-clay or clay sub-soils, poorly drained, high in organic matter, high base saturation and generally fertile. However, reduced fallow period have resulted in decrease in soil fertility. The sector is characterized by subsistence rainfed crop production, traditional livestock rearing, semi-commercial groundnut and horticultural production and a large artisanal fisheries subsector. The major agriculural enterprises are field crops comprising groundnuts, cotton, coarse grains (maize, millet and sorghum), rice and sesame; horticultural crops; livestock mainly poultry, cattle and small ruminants and, fisheries

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both artisanal and industrial. Strongly interlinked with these are the water resources, wildlife and forest resource sub-sectors.

2.1.1 Size of the Agricultural Population Table 1 indicates data on the farming population, for the period 1992 to 2004. It indicates an increase in the numbers of farmers, both male and female over the period. The farming population in 2004 is 903,508 with 448,592 male and 454,916 females. Generally there are more female than females in the farming population. Given the female dominance in numerical terms, and given the differential access to productive resources (inputs, credit, information and farm implements), a review of both the policy and the institutional mechanisms need to be undertaken if agricultural production and productivity is to be optimized. Table 1: Evolution of the Farming Population by Gender from 1992 to 2004 Year Male Female Total 1992 238,533 279,297 517,8301993 283,528 278,503 562,0311994 250,031 272,960 522,9911995 295,317 279,432 574,7491996 312,605 313,930 626,5351997 355,178 322,269 687,4471998 324,470 338,130 667,6101999 327,387 333,733 661,1202000 322,347 326,517 648,5642001 368,582 365,839 734,7212002 373,861 385,155 759,0162003 441,479 439,668 881,1462004 448,592 454,916 903,508Source: NASS, Department of Planning, DOSA,2005

2.1.2 Farmed Land, Forest and Fishing Out of a total cultivable land of 558,000 ha., some 250,000 ha. are cultivated annually as presented in the table below. The largest area to a single crop is allocated to groundnuts, which occupies almost 45% of the cultivated area mainly in upland fields under rainfed conditions. An average of 120,000 ha. of upland are also annualy allocated to coarse grains comprisig early millet, late millet, maize and sorhum.. The main staple crop, rice occupies an average of about 15,000 ha. of lowland farms under rainfed and improved technologies. Table 2 provides details of cultivated area of major crops from 1991/92 to 2005/06.

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Table 2: Area of Major Crops (in 000 ha ) 1991/92-2005/06 Year Groundnuts Early

Millet Late Millet

Maize Sorghum Paddy Total crop

1991/92 81.85 48.94 11.44 19.84 13.14 17.32 178.221992/93 66.98 36.66 12.55 15.55 14.29 12.66 158.681993/94 65.00 41.80 13.80 16.13 9.63 10.38 157.101994/95 79.68 47.27 11.50 12.703 9.35 14.35 175.201995/96 78.823 43.464 13.612 12.93 14.885 16.37 179.861996/97 68.08 45.31 14.33 10.41 13.59 19.08 170.761997/98 73.332 64.52 15.30 9.85 14.65 15.574 170.801998/99 75.26 57.88 15.42 11.71 14.24 19.61 193.101999/00 112.2 65.81 10.42 14.78 18.50 15.70 238.272000/01 124.85 74.10 16.27 14.84 24.35 16.70 271.892001/02 138.88 81.27 16.09 17.20 28.17 18.20 297.902002/03 105.61 86.52 10.46 18.35 18.34 12.05 251.332003/04 107.90 95.5 14.4 24.7 21.00 17.7 263.52004/05 116.60 108.2 15.0 26.1 24.2 16.6 311.02005/06 137.28 109.88 17.45 22.95 27.58 17.81 336.61Source: National Agricultural Sample Survey/Department of Planning,2006

Fisheries The Gambia is endowed with abundant marine and riverine fish and consists of a continental shelf of 3,855 square kilometres, and a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. The continental shelf in the east Central Atlantic Ocean is a rich fishing zone with a range of pelagic and demersal fish as well as Crustacean. Estimates from Surveys highlight that demersal stocks are heavily fished with sustainable limits being approached; the pelagic resources are however under- exploited. Fisheries constitute an important natural resource and provider of cheap protein for a significant proportion of the population. It is estimated that the Maximum Sustainable Yield from the Gambia’s continental shelf and estuarine area is 80,000 MT per year, whilst current catches are put at 30,000-40,000 Mt. The observation also indicates that high valued demersal species are under threat from exploitation.

Forestry

The Gambia’s forest is predominantly of savannah woodland with the density of the cover varying according to location. The moist western part of the country is covered with Guinea savannah vegetation whilst the drier eastern part is dominated by sudan vegetation. The forest area can be classified into high mangrove, gallery forest, closed and open woodland, shrubs and gmelina plantation. Table 3 presents data on the area allocated to the various typologies of vegetation and changes in forest cover respectively. Because of concerted efforts the rapid decline in forest cover has now stabilized, though the current trend in forest cover is one of changing density and composition of the species. Table 4 provides details on changes in forest area in The Gambia from 1972-1999.

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Table 3: Major Vegetation types of TheGambia Typology Area (ha) Percentage Tree and Shrub Savannah 348,028 33.4Upland agricultural crops 275,088 26.4Uncultivated swamps 81,276 7.8Cultivated Swamps 33, 344 3.2Fallow or bush 102,116 9.6Closed Cannopy Woodland 83,360 8.0Mangrove 66,688 6.4Source: National Action Program on Desertification Convention – Gambia, 2003 Table 4: Change in forest area in The Gambia (ha.)

Year 1972 1980 1988 1993 1999Abs. change (ha) 333,200 108,700 6,850 3,425 1,027Percentage change

33% 6.3% 5% 3%

Change (ha) -224,500 -4,020 -3,325 -2,398 Sources: Ridder (1991), Danso (1998) and Sillah’s (1999)

2.1.3 Agricultural Systems Agricultural activities in the Gambia are dominated by small-scale, rain-fed food crop production mainly for subsistence (sorghum, millet, maize and rice), semi commercial groundnut and horticultural production, traditional livestock rearing and artisanal fisheries production practices. Agricultural output is generated by about 74, 000 farm households. Overall, crop production and systems are characterized by rainfall dependent, low investment small-scale, family oriented production units. Around 85 percent of the households cultivate less than 1.5 hectare. Average crop yield are rather low, with e.g. 1, 000 kg/ha for groundnuts and early millet, about 1 3000 kg/ha for maize and 1,100 kg/ha and 1 600 kg/ha for upland and swamp rice respectively. Only a limited area is put mainly under irrigated rice (tidal and pump confined to the Central River Region and horticultural production using underground water resources. Mechanized farming is relatively negligible and far between, and mostly public sector owned or promoted. Since 1999, the Government has intervened by providing tractors for cultivation nationwide. The horticultural sub-sector also has the involvement of commercial farms which are market oriented, and directed at exports. Livestock production practices are largely traditional with low input and extensive management systems. This is particularly the case for large ruminants comprising cattle and for small ruminants and village poultry. However a few livestock enterprises managed under semi intensive and intensive livestock production systems are emerging in the urban and peri-urban areas to satisfy the relatively high consumer demand.

2.1.4 Agriculture in the Economy The Gambia is predominantly an agrarian economy with agriculture and natural resources sector, the engine of economic development and playing a pivotal role in the economy. It provides livelihoods for about 70% of the population, employs about 52

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percent of the workforce and contributes between 22% and 29% annually to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as indicated from 2001 to 2005 in Table 5 below. Table 5: Contribution of Sectors to GDP Sector 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005Agriculture 28 29 22 26 27 28Industry 39 39 32 36 37 41Services 53 53 61 57 56 59GDP at factor cost D Million

638 687 712 748 786 820

Real GDP Growth Rate 8.02 7.65 2.18 4.48 5.17 5.00Source: National Accounts, Central Statistics Department, 2004

2.1.5 Main Agricultural Produce and Secondary Products The main agricultural produce comprise crops, livestok and fish. The principal crops cultivated in The Gambia comprise grouundnuts and cereals (early millet, late millet, maize, sorghum and rice). Table 6 presents the production of the crops and shows fluctuating amongst the years, with the level of production varying amongst crops. The most significant and consistent increase has been registered for the coarse grains (maize, millets, sorghum), with early millet constituting the largest increase for a single crop. In contrast, swamp rice production has declined during the period. Other secondary crops include sesame and the root and tubers. Table 6: Production of Major Crops (‘000s MT) 1992/93-2005/06 Year Groundnuts Early

Millet Late Millet

Maize Sorghum Paddy Total crop

1992/93 54.87 36.02 10.24 18.27 12.26 19.41 173.71993/94 76.72 43.66 8.51 23.78 8.97 12.05 173.691994/95 80.80 44.09 8.75 13.31 8.90 20.27 173.71995/96 75.18 43.44 10.58 13.63 11.87 18.95 175.241996/97 45.82 49.50 11.99 10.02 13.72 18.19 149.201997/98 78.10 54.37 11.72 8.47 12.93 13.05 178.601998/99 73.46 55.60 8.07 13.01 9.87 26.64 179.901999/00 122.86 72.62 8.34 20.42 17.97 31.65 274.012000/01 138.03 78.47 16.11 21.99 24.88 34.08 313.702001/02 151.07 89.02 15.95 28.99 33.42 19.20 351.002002/03 71.53 77.34 7.28 18.58 15.21 20.33 212.902003/04 92.94 107.14 13.20 30.13 33.35 31.22 277.902004/05 135.68 115.98 16.52 29.21 29.00 34.30 349.02005/06 140.66 109.12 17.08 27.70 28.46 18.14 356.21Source: National Agricultural Sample Survey/Department of Planning, 2007

Livestock Production

Livestock comprises cattle, small ruminants, various species of poultry, pigs and equines. They constitute important sources of food, income, manure and farm power. Table 7 presents data on the trends in the livestock population from 1975 to 2006 and shows a generally increasing population for cattle and for small ruminants whilst that of

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pigs and chicken fluctuate. According to the data, the cattle population averages around 300,000; 140-150,000 sheep and 200,000-230,000 goats; 13,000 pigs; and, 700,000 chicken. Despite the large number of cattle off-take remains low due to holding of stocks as reserves of wealth by owners. Per capita meat consumption is estimated at 8 kg per annum. Large volumes of meat, eggs and milk are annually imported to meet consumption requirements. Due to the low input management systems and poor husbandry practices, productivity and output have been generally low in the traditional free-range extensive systems. In the emerging modern sector semi-intensive management systems are predominant with increasing utilization of composite animal feed and concentrates.

Table 7: Livestock Population from 1975-2006 (‘000’ heads). Year Cattle Sheep Goats Pigs Chicken 1992 343 159 185 14 673 1993 346 151 180 14 740 1994 348 144 174 16 Na 1995 350 136 169 16 Na 1996 353 130 164 16 521 1997 356 123 159 16 539 1998 359 117 154 16 513 1999 361 111 150 14 582 2000 364 106 145 14 630 2001 323 129 228 14 586 2002 327 146 262 16 591 2003 396 203 297 16 599 2004 408 209 287 16 682 2005 420 215 296 16 652 2006 433 221 305 16 417

Source: National Agricultural Sample Survey (DOP/DOSA),2007

Fisheries Fish constitutes a cheap source of animal protein for a significant proportion of the population, according to a recent survey, 40% of the protein in domestic diet is derived from fish (UNDP 1999). The Data on fish catches from 1992 to 2004 by artisanal and industrial fisheries subsectors are presented in Table 8 and indicate dwindling catches from the industrial sector whilst those of the artisanal sector show an increasing trend. High post-harvest losses, lack of credit, low skill levels and lack of infrastructure for landing constitute key constraints encountered in the sector. Table 8: Marine Fish Production in Metric Tonnes (1992-2004)

Year Industrial Artisanal 1992 6,059.50 14,034.52 1993 7,736.30 17,559.75 1994 7, 751.60 19,916.73 1995 6,937.10 20,799.19 1996 8,371.69 30,509.81 1997 7,987.95 30,242.94 1998 7,011.67 26,533.48 1999 10,249.30 29,743.20 2000 9,236.60 26,867.00

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Year Industrial Artisanal 2001 11,198.00 32,016.00 2002 12,160.00 32,336.00 2003 11,005.00 34,365.00 2004 8,375.00 29,316.98 2005 4625.25 30,169.00 2006 2829.52 32,976.00

Source: Fisheries Department,2007

2.1.6 Main Export markets Given the export orientation of the National Vision, the main objective of the trade policy is increase in the flow of exports and imports. The main export items from The Gambia are groundnut and groundnut products (decorticated, oil, cake), cotton, shrimp and lobsters, fish and fish products, hide and skin and horticulture. Table 9 presents export values indicating that groundnut and groundnut derivatives dominate exports with fluctuations. Table 9 shows 1998 as recoding the highest export values of exports, with the lowest recorded for 2001.

Table 9 Exports of Agricultural Commodities from 1992 to 2006 CIF Value (D 000)

Year Decorticated Groundnuts

GroundnutOil

G/nut Cake

Cotton Seed/lint

Shrimp& Lobsters

Fish& Fish

Products

Hide &

Skin

Horticulture

1992 12,935 - - 228 23146 3423 30,000 25451993 103,306 - - 228 23,146 3,428 765 2,7441994 - - - - - - - -1995 95,339 - 3,390 - 24,026 856 -1996 89,000 - - 11,200 - 27,200 800 15,5001998 139,900 - - 6,700 - 33,500 1,400 25,9001999 49,000 - - 2,100 - 36,600 900 19,2002000 94,498 2,228 - 1,047 16,894 42,665 1,365 13,8032001 7,160 33,418 8,370 1,383 10,905 20,963 1,581 15,2712002 43,242 181,568 47,383 2,898 4,454 21,180 1,502 17,8072003 9,174 23,568 365 6,686 3,135 11,952 1,571 19,0482004 31,131 167,135 39,522 3,198 2,113 9,164 1,145 39,0932005 59,000 - 131 1,179 12,496 29,488 1,041 20,7622006 154,371 2,652 203 4,945 414 9,443 395 91,260

Source: Central Statistics Department, 2007

Tables 10 and 11 present the direction of import and export by country and region from 1995 to 2002. Table 10 indicates (for the years where sufficient data was available e.g. 1999-2002) that most of the imports originate from Europe, followed by Asia and then Africa. Within Africa, most of the import comes from the ECOWAS block. Table 11 shows a different trend with most domestic exports bound for Asia. It also indicates a significant decline in domestic exports for 1999 and after compared with before 1999.

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Table 10: Direction of Imports by Country and Region (1995 – 2002 in (000 of Dalasi)

TRADE 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Europe N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,127,039 1,306,462 1,306,333 2,113,236America N/A N/A N/A N/A 245,866 219,513 170,707 237,140Asia N/A N/A N/A N/A 428,530 378,708 286,237 361,668AFRICA 255,971 298,616 188,951 215,091 192,064 392,425 238,70 288,123Other Africa 27,478 27,157 20,462 28,299 ECOWAS 228,493 271,459 168,489 187,792 158,467 350,659 218,373 268,511Cape Verde - 1,782 523 24 8 277 355 -Cote D’Ivore 181,707 178,514 104,314 136,882 89,820 267,544 167,457 114,189Ghana 464 1,442 1,518 3,624 8,167 2,530 3,326 4,422Guinea 153 1,740 1,319 708 301 934 786 913Guinea Bissau

119 337 501 579 915 196 599 1,250

Liberia 754 601 222 688 1,660 29 302 233Mali 1 19 38 75 47 238 13 166Mauritania* 919 1,212 207 805 1,410 4,964 425 155Nigeria 3,609 3,788 14,412 7,494 3,518 6,065 4,536 6,237Senegal 38,680 73,204 42,782 35,464 49,937 67,190 39,172 138,836Sierra Leone 2,029 8,386 2,293 1,444 2,679 692 1,279 1,892

Source: Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment(DOSTIE,2006) Note* Mauritania is no longer a member ECOWAS

Table 11: Domestic Export by Country and Region (1995 – 2002) (Values in D’000)

TRADE 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 EUROPE N/A N/A N/A N/A 22,298 21,485 - -AMERICA 90,686 316,162 210,638 235,352 ASIA 302,689 505,734 396,326 730,528 2,853 2,483 678 908AFRICA 204,000 196,000 139,000 229,000 107,646 130,372 7,156 12,275OTHER AFRICA ECOWAS 66,899 13,609 10,216 18,685 Cape Verde - 474 39 - 509 - - -Cote D’Ivoire 32 716 29 6 1,380 212 22 -Ghana 3,204 4,149 2,147 2,772 12,272 2,004 372 1,056Guinea - 1,618 1,398 6,479 9,495 3,960 5,600 1,411Guinea Bissau 163 1,403 779 1,321 3,666 19,312 - -Liberia - - 99 285 384 - - -Mali 1,212 - 734 88 2,034 24 6 -Mauritania* 32 82 471 528 1,113 3 60 5,051Nigeria 260 499 248 373 1,380 13 45 243Senegal 60,807 3,878 4,080 5,179 73,944 77,705 1,022 4,217Sierra Leone 171 84 5 1,209 1,469 646 - -

Source: Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment (DOSTIE, 2006) Due to The Gambia’s geo-political location, a significant transit and re-export trade had been established over years, which contribute measurably to national revenue. Since the introduction of Economic Reforms in 1986, The Gambia has adapted policies culminating in trade liberalization. Consequently, it has dismantled all quantitative restrictions to trade with import prohibitions maintained only on security, environmental, health, and morality grounds, as well as under international conventions to which it is a party.

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This policy regime and its sequencing engendered favourable trading terms with countries of the sub-region resulting in robust re-export to these countries. However, the inter-regional trade was more buoyant in the 1980s and early 1990s when some 33-40% of imports was re-exported to neighbouring countries and comprised a significant proportion of domestic revenue. However towards 1998/99 when the trade policies of some of the neighbouring states changed including the devaluation of the FCFA and restricted borders particularly with Senegal, re-exports trade witnessed a decline except for 1998 during the period 1995 to 2002 as presented in Table 11. It shows a peak of 61 Million Dalasi for re-exports in 1995 to a low of 5 Million in 2002. Imports on the other hand increased significantly resulting in a negative trade balance situation

2.1.7 Trade Agreements that Include Agriculture The trade policy of the Government of The Gambia continues to be guided by the principles of trade liberalization, deregulation and investment promotion. To this end has entered into a number of agreements, amongst those related to agriculture include the ECOWAS, WTO, Cotonou and AGOA. These are detailed below in Table 12. Table 12: Trade Agreements in Agriculture No. Agreement Parties Year 1 GATT United nation

member states February, 1965

2 Abuja Treaty under Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

West African member states

May, 1975

3 World Trade Organization (WTO) United nation members states

October 1996 2001

4 Everything But Arms(EBA) European Union

March, 2001

5 Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)

African Union members

May,2002

6 Cotonou Agreement African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP)countries

April, 2003

7 African Growth Opportunities Act(AGOA)

United States April, 2004

8 Bilateral Agreements Cuba, Senegal, Nigeria,Tunesia and Iran

Various

Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment (DOSTIE, 2006)

2.1.8 Sector Policy related to Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry The medium-term specific policy goals of the agriculture and natural resources sector are to: i) achieve national food self-sufficiency and security through the promotion of

sustainably diversified food production programmes with emphasis on cereal production to contain the growth of imported rice;

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ii) increase overall sector's output especially of domestic food and export products

in order to ensure food security and enhance foreign exchange earning capacity to finance other aspects of the development process;

iii) create employment and generate income for the majority of the rural population

who are dependant on primary production particularly women, youth and producer associations;

iv) diversify the production base to facilitate the production of a wide range of food

and export crops in order to reduce the fluctuations and uncertainties in household incomes and export earnings;

v) reduce disparities between rural-urban incomes as well as between men and

women, curb rural-urban drift and accelerate the pace of development of the rural sector;

vi) provide effective linkages between the agriculture and natural resources sector

and other sectors of the economy particularly the tourism sector so as to enhance their mutual complementarily and supplementary on a sustainable basis; and,

vii) ensure the judicious and sustainable exploitation of the country's natural

resource base so as to conserve and improve biodiversity and enhance its productivity consistent with consideration of the needs and rights of future generations.

Food and Cash Crops Sub-sector Strategies: i) to develop and/or screen and introduce crop cultivars and varieties of a duration

appropriate to the climatic circumstances of the major agricultural zones; ii) to address the institutional, socio-economic and physical constraints to the

widespread adoption of known labour saving-devices to alleviate labour bottlenecks and improve labour productivity in crop production;

iii) to promote and facilitate the use of appropriate integrated pest control measures

and, biological and chemical technologies such as herbicides in crop production to improve land productivity and alleviate labour bottlenecks especially at weeding;

iv) to promote introduction of mechanical threshing of groundnuts and efficient

methods of field drying to reduce crop losses and aflatoxin contamination; v) to maintain the vigour and the purity of the seeds of improved crop varieties in

circulation through developing an efficient production, storage and distribution system of seed;

vi) to encourage the adoption of simple soil and water management practices and

structures such as construction of contour bunds and ploughing and, judicious application of conservation tillage; and,

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vii) to improve the efficiency of crop marketing and processing by facilitating and

encouraging increased private sector participation through provision of appropriate incentive regime, social and economic infrastructure and a legal framework that affords sufficient protection to private ownership and reduces production cost.

Livestock Sub-sector Policies: i) to contribute to the diversification of agriculture and rural income through

improvement of the livestock sector and to better meet dietary requirements and maximize foreign exchange earnings;

ii) to keep livestock production in balance and at levels consistent with the

limitations of rural resources and to meet the requirements for draught animals; and,

iii) to integrate crop and livestock production systems so as to reduce environmental

degradation and improve soil fertility while enhancing availability of supplementary feed from crop residues.

Fisheries Sub-sector policies:

i) make optimal use of both the marine, riverine and potential aquaculture fishery

resources of the country, ii) promote value-added processing of fishery resources to increase the returns to

the participants in the sub-sector iii) encourage the exploitation of the nation's pelagic fishery resources as against

the demersal resources which have reached (or are approaching) their optimal yield level;

iv) ensure that fish and fish products are readily and widely available in all parts of

the country; and, v) provide a conducive investment environment to attract more private sector

operators into the sub-sector. Forestry Sub-sector Policies: i) to provide an adequate supply of wood and forest products for domestic and

industrial uses; ii) to minimize soil desiccation and soil movement caused by water and wind

erosion thus reducing soil degradation and thereby enhancing land productivity and sustenance of adequate level of agricultural production;

iii) establish, maintain and develop 30% of the land area in forest and ensure that

75% of this is managed and protected according to accepted forest management principles.

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iv) development of cost-effective management plans and strategies for protected

areas. v) assess the country’s sites of high ecological values (fauna, flora), geological,

cultural and aesthetic values, based on existing knowledge, aerial photographs and site visits.

vi) to protect the natural fauna and flora of the forest environment.

2.1.9 Institutional, regulatory and policy framework for information and communication

The Department of State for Communication, Information and Technology (DOSCIT) has the mandate for the coordination, promotion and regulation of the ICT sector. At the sectoral level a number of structures exist for information dissemination, recording and storage. In the agricultural sector two institutions: the Agricultural Communication Division and the Department of Planning carry out message and agricultural information development and farm and price data collection, analysis, dissemination and storage. The Gambia as part of the Vision 2020 has as its ICT objectives “to transform the Gambia into a technologically advanced and information rich society by the year 2020”. The country has already taken some initiatives in this direction and formulated a National Communication and Information (NICI). This policy is expected to create a very catalytic atmosphere for harnessing ICT in the country in all sectors. The policy framework hinge on the following objectives:

Liberalizing the ICT sector to increase competition and more choice for consumers;

Encouraging collaboration and coordination in ICT infrastructure development at

local, regional and international level;

Promoting and enabling the building and establishment of appropriate ICT infrastructure and broadband access that supports ICT development countrywide;

Encouraging public-private partnership in providing the ICT infrastructure as well

as attract both foreign and domestic investment in this sector;

Establishing Universal Service Fund to provide reliable basic ICT services for the citizenry country-wide so as to meet Universal Service obligations; and,

Increasing and improving the bandwidth to ensure reliable and uninterrupted

services for ICT application. For the agricultural sector, the policy seeks to ensure the establishment and functioning of appropriate systems of generating, processing, management, dissemination and use of reliable agricultural statistics and information on the ANR sector, for use by

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stakeholders for planning, advice, policy analysis, programme formulation and delivery, monitoring and investment, and management of natural resources in the ANR sector. The overall regulation of the ICT sector is provided by the DOSCIT although no comprehensive framework exists. An initiative, the Internet Regulatory Authority is being formulated.

2.2 Socioeconomic Profile

2.2.1 Demographics The Gambia has from the 4 ten-year censuses as presented in Table 13 registered a high but mixed population growth rate increasing from 3.4% to 4.2% from the 1973-83 censuses and declining from 4.2% to 2.77 from 1993 to 2003 censuses. Among the regions Kanifing and Brikama experienced annual increases of above 3.5% whilst that for Banjul declined. Similarly, the population density increased from 47 persons per kilometer to 128 persons per kilometer. Table 13: Key Demographic Indicators for The Gambia: 1973-2003 Local Government Area

Population Census Annual Growth Rate

1973 1983 1993 2003 1973-83

1983-93

93-03

Banjul 39,476 44,188 42,326 35,061 1.2 -0.4 -1.93Kanifing 39,404 101,504 228,214 322,735 9.9 8.4 3.52Brikama 91,013 137,245 234,917 389,594 4.2 5.5 5.28Mansa Konko 42,447 55,263 65,146 72,167 2.7 1.7 1.08Kerewan 93,388 112,225 156,462 172,835 1.8 3.4 1.00Kuntaur 47,669 57,594 67,774 78,491 1.9 1.6 1.56Janjanburey 54,232 68,410 88,247 107,212 2.3 2.6 1.93Basse 86,167 111,388 155,059 182,586 2.6 3.4 1.67The Gambia 493,499 687,817 1,025,867 1,360,681 3.4 4.2 2.77Density 47 64 97 128

Source: CSD, 2003 The age structure according to the 2003 Population Census, indicates that 42% are below 15 years of age; this is indicative of a young population. The data indicate that only 9% are above 60 years of age and above.

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Source: Central Statistics Department, 2003

2003 POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS OF THE GAMBIATHE AGE GROUP DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION BY SEXES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

POPULATION BY BOTH SEXES LOCAL GOVERNMENT

AREAS TOTAL < 1 1 – 2 3 – 4 5 – 6 7 - 14 15 - 49 50 - 59 60 + NS

BANJUL 35,061 725 1,409 1,551 1,433 5,346 20,772 1,635 1,831 359KANIFING 322,735 7,071 15,564 17,530 15,887 58,437 180,684 12,036 11,315 4,211BRIKAMA 389,594 9,745 20,983 24,946 23,450 84,143 188,876 14,924 19,071 3,456MANSAKONKO 72,167 1,476 4,196 5,164 4,907 17,344 30,169 3,440 5,108 363KEREWAN 172,835 4,029 10,155 12,617 12,045 40,797 74,460 7,244 10,338 1,150KUNTAUR 78,491 1,560 4,794 6,217 5,802 18,343 33,523 3,245 4,579 428JANJANBUREH 107,212 2,062 6,347 7,965 7,752 25,254 46,424 4,280 6,338 790BASSE 182,586 3,592 10,821 13,402 13,214 43,166 79,953 6,756 10,139 1,543THE GAMBIA 1,360,681 30,260 74,269 89,392 84,490 292,830 654,861 53,560 68,719 12,300

FEMALE POPULATION BANJUL 16,265 365 684 767 710 2,767 9,136 726 978 132KANIFING 158,756 3,455 7,634 8,824 7,912 30,564 87,571 5,146 5,759 1,891BRIKAMA 194,585 4,831 10,269 12,482 11,534 41,854 96,096 6,594 9,351 1,574MANSAKONKO 37,964 735 2,079 2,595 2,348 8,454 17,158 1,739 2,659 197KEREWAN 90,001 1,952 5,043 6,221 5,897 19,796 41,998 3,607 4,985 502KUNTAUR 40,911 757 2,365 3,166 2,843 9,095 18,852 1,490 2,141 202JANJANBUREH 55,505 1,014 3,166 4,004 3,855 12,594 25,511 1,959 3,072 330BASSE 95,853 1,715 5,393 6,825 6,566 21,168 44,928 3,455 5,152 651

THE GAMBIA 689,840 14,824 36,633 44,884 41,665 146,292 341,250 24,716 34,097 5,479

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2.2.2 Literacy Levels and Languages Table 14 presents data on adult literacy and show that rates are very low in the Gambia. Overall (composite combining men and women) increased from 25 % adult literacy in 1983 to 37% in 1993 and then to 48% in 2003. Men are considered more literate than women with consistently higher literacy rates. During the last Population Census in 2003 some 58% of men compared to 37% for women were literate. Increasing literacy and improving the education system particularly for women has been reported to be critical in improving heath and nutrition and access to information.

English is the official language and is the medium of instruction in conventional schools from nursery to tertiary levels. The Gambia is a multi-ethnic society with a number of vernacular spoken comprising the mandinka (40%), the fulla (19%), the wollof (15%), the jola (11%), the serrere (3%), The aku (2%) and the bambara (1%). Table 14: Selected Indicators on Literacy and Access to Services Indicator 1973 1983 1993 2003 Life expectancy at Birth in (Years) Overall Male Female

333235

424044

53 52 54

585859

Fertility Rate, total (birth per woman) 6.1 6.4 6.1 5.1Mortality Rate under 5 (per 1000) 320 260 137 75Infant Mortality Rate ( per 1000 ) 217 167 137 75Maternal Mortality( per 100,000 live births)

- - 1050 730

Population access to safe drinking water (in %)

23 50 80

Access to Improved Sanitation(% Overall) 25 53 25 37 48 38.5 55 58

Adult Literacy Rate in %-Overall Men Women 14.7 27 37

Sources: Various (Health PER, 2001; PRSP II, November 2006)

2.2.3 Access to Services The public health service delivery system is three tier based on the primary health care strategy. Presently services are provided by 3 hospitals, 36 health facilities at the secondary level and 492 health posts at primary levels. The public health system is complemented by 34 private and non-governmental clinics. According the health PER (2003) the public sector has 1477 beds, 211 doctors and dentists, 8 pharmacists, 261 registered nurses, 250 Enrolled nurses, 144 community nurses, 122 public health officials. Safe water is an essential pillar of sustainable health for rural and urban population. Data in Table 14 indicate that 80% and 53% of the population in 2003 have access to safe drinking water and 53 improved sanitation respectively. It should be indicated that these facilities are unevenly distributed between rural and urban areas.

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School enrolment and attendance previously low in the past has increased with increased accessibility to schools for the rural population. Table 15 indicates that 745 schools of various categories exist with for Lower basic, 103 for Upper basic 83 basic Cycle and 66 Senior Secondary schools. Table 15: Number of Schools by Regional Education Directorate Region/School type

Lower Basic

Upper Basic

Basic Cycle

Senior Secondary

Total

Banjul 74 44 3 31 152Western Region 85 27 24 15 151North Bank Region 70 10 17 8 105Lower River Region 56 4 12 2 73Central River Region 115 8 15 5 143Upper River Region 92 10 12 5 119The Gambia 491 103 83 66 745Source: Department of State for Education, 2004 Electricity is provided by the state-owned National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC). Lack of investment and inadequate maintenance of the aging infrastructure have led to a progressive decline in reliability, cost effectiveness and efficiency. Power losses are estimated at 37-42 percent, far above the industry norm. Of these losses, NAWEC estimates that 25 percent are attributable to theft with the remaining 75 percent being technical. Table 15 provides information on the status of electricity detailing customer population, electricity sales, system losses, energy demand and energy demand growth rate from 2004 to 2006. The strategic objective for the energy sector is the establishment of partnership arrangements with multinational companies for the latter to generate supplementary capacity, which is sold to NAWEC for transmission, distribution and sale to consumers. One such arrangement is currently being implemented with the Global Electric Group in March 2006 which has an installed capacity of 25 megawatts. Table 15: Status of Electricity Provision Item 2004 2005 2006 Customer Population

35,329 54,976 66,405

Sales KWH 80,233,481 91,889,449 111,255,946 System Losses (including powerhouse consumption)

37.3 41.2 40.8

Energy Demand MWH

289,080 312,210 368,970

Energy Demand Growth rate

18.5 7.4 18.18

Source: PURA Annual Report, 2006 The rural electrification project commissioned in 2007 is providing power to a number of rural towns and is expected to provide a boost to the development of rural industries. Despite these developments, power outages are frequent and the price of electricity is high even by African standards as indicated in Table 16.

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Table 16: Comparative Cost Structure – Electricity The

Gambia Ghana Uganda Mauritius Senegal

Electricity Manufacturing rate$ per KWh

US$.14Cents up to

130 KWh

US$0.06 US$ 0.03 US$0.07 US $0.08

Source: IDI/Sahel Invest,2003)

NAWEC is also responsible for distribution of water. This task is undermined by the difficulties with electricity since the water must be pumped. Although the water situation is much less dire than for electricity, and water quality is good, some areas are subject to daily cuts in water supplies and pressure is often weak.

2.2.4 Rural to Urban Drift Table 17 indicates a rapid increase in the urban population. Until the 1970’s population movements from rural to urban areas was mainly seasonal with rural migrants moving to urban areas in search of jobs during the dry season (stretching from December to May) and returning to rural areas at the beginning of the rains. Since the Sahelian droughts of the mid-1970s, however, the rate of settlement for such migrants in urban areas has increased considerably. Table 17 indicates that the proportion of the population resident in urban areas increased from 23 per cent in 1973 to 31 per cent in 1983 and 38 per cent in 1993 and 51 percent in 2003. This can be attributed to the declining rural income, the huge disparity between rural and urban incomes, the lack of job opportunities and the absence of essential social services such as health and education. Table 17: Urban Population and Proportion by Census 1973-2003 Census Year Total Population

The Gambia Urban Population Percentage Urban

population 1973 493,499 112,689 23 1983 687,817 211,779 31 1993 1,025,867 386,876 38 2003 1,360,681 686,090 51

Source: CSD,2003

The Gambia also attracted large numbers of migrants from the sub-region, mainly into urban areas. The high urban population growth has culminated in increased urban unemployment and pressure on the limited social amenities in urban areas.

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2.3 Media and Telecommunication

2.3.1 Newspapers, periodicals and broadcast media Table 18: Newspapers in The Gambia Newspaper Ownership Circulation Number of

copies per issue

Address

Banjul Weekend

Private Bimonthly 5 000 6 Adama Njie Street, Bakau New Town, Tel:2209844742 Tel:2209889190 Emai: [email protected]

Daily Express

Private Wednesday and Saturday

C/0 GPU. Mosque Road, Serrekunda P.o.Box 3465, SerreKunda Tel: 2209985504 22079

Daily Observer

Private Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

2 000-5 000 PMB 131, Banjul Bakau New Town, Sait Matty Road, Bakau KSMD Tel: [email protected] www.oberver.gm

Foroya Private Monday, Wednesday and Friday

1 100-1 300 P.O.Box 2306, Serekunda Churchill Town, KSMD Tel 2204393177 Fax 2204393177 9918216 [email protected]

Gambia Daily Gov Monday, Wednesday and Friday

200-500 Daniel Goddard Street, Banjul Tel 2204223279

Gambia News and Report

Private Weekly 1 000 P.O.Box 976, Banjul 73 Mosque Road, Serre Kunda (Dippa Kunda), KSMD Email: [email protected]

The Point Private Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

2 000-3 000 2 Garba Jahumpa Road, Fajara, KSMD 220 4497441/2 2209917501 Email: [email protected] Website: www.thepoint.gm

Today Private Tuesday and Thursday

1 500 Churchill Town, Serre kunda Tel 2209801623 Email: [email protected]

Source: Survey Data, December, 2007

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Table 19: Broadcast Media (Radio) Radio Station

Address Coverage Frequency Broadcast hours/day

City Limits 49 Kairaba Avenue, KSMD 2204375531

Greater Banjul Area and Western Region

93.6 FM 18

Radio 1 FM Kairaba Avenue Greater Banjul Area and Western Region

93.4 FM 20

Radio Syd Mile 2, Banjul 2204226490

Greater Banjul Area, NBR

909KHZ 20

Radio Gambia-Mile 7

Mile 7, Bakau, KSMD Countrywide 98.6 FM 15

Radio Gambia-Basse

Basse, URR URR, CRR 747MHZ 15

West Coast Radio

Herman Gmina, Manjai

Greater Banjul Area, Western Region and NBR

95.3 FM 24

Kids With Talent(KWT)

Kairaba Avenue Greater Banjul Area and Western Region

106.7 FM 20

Brikama Community Radio

Brikama, Western Region Western Region 98.0 FM 20

Yiriwa FM Brikama, Western Region Western Region 94.7 FM 20 Kerewan Community Radio

Kerewan, NBR NBR and LRR 105.7 FM 8

Farafenni Community Radio

Farafenni, NBR NBR and LRR 103.5 FM 8

Source: Survey Data, December, 2007 Table 20: Broadcast Media (Television in The Gambia) Station Ownership Coverage Broadcast

Hours Address

GRTS TV Gov Countrywide 6 Sayerr Jobe Avenue GAMTV Private Greater

Banjul Area 24 Garba Jahumpa

Avenue,Bakau New Town Premium TV(DSTV)

Private Greater Banjul Area

24 Kotu, KSMD

Source: Survey Data, December, 2007

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2.3.2 Telecommunication Services The Telecommunication industry comprises of GAMTEL the primary provider of fixed lines with mobile GSM services provided by GAMCEL, AFRICELL and COMIUM. Table 21 provides detailed information on the coverage, number of subscribers of the telecommunication service providers. Table 21: Telephone/Mobile Service Provider Name Address Cost of 3

min local call

# of individual subscribers

Coverage

GAMTEL (fixed line)

GAMTEL House 0.26€ 53,000 70% of the country

GAMCEL(Mobile) Mamadi Manjang Highway, Kanifing, KSMD

0.26€ 195,922 70% of the country

AFRICELL(Mobile) Kairaba Avenue 0.29€ 208,423 70% of the country COMMIUM (Mobile)

27 Kairaba Avenue, Pipeline, KSMD

0.29€ 7,000 30% of the country

Source: Survey Data, December, 2007 GAMTEL, the fixed lined provider, has modernized its telephone system with the installation of digital telephone exchange and network and has established several branches in strategic community locations ad equipped them with the necessary communication facilities. At these branch offices international calls and telefax messages can be received and sent. Connection rate for mobiles are generally high and compare favorably with many countries in the sub-region. However, the costs of fixed line telecommunication services provided by GAMTEL exceed the regional average as highlighted in Table 22. The pending Telecom Bill is expected to open up competition for fixed lines. Public telephone access services like telecentres are very much widespread in the Greater Banjul Area with a number operating in the rural areas making telephone services available to the public.

Table 22: Comparative Cost Structure – Telecommunication The

Gambia Ghana Uganda Mauritius Senegal

Telephone charges to Europe per minute

US$ 0.70 US$ 0.50 US$ 3.00 US$ 1.40 US$0.50

Source: IDi/Sahel Invest, 2003

However, prices for mobile telephone calls are on the decline with more market entry and competition. Connection rate for mobiles are generally high and compare favorably with many countries in the sub-region. Figure 2 presents information on total subscribers by fixed and mobile from 1998 to 2006 and shows that while fixed lined dominated up to 2001 but mobile dominated afterwards

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. Fixed Vs Mobile Subscribers (1998-2006)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

FixedMobile

2.2.3 Computers and Internet Both the Government institutions and private sector have a fair number of ICT equipment with the private sector optimizing use of ICT for business. The picture is however not balanced with some offices having majority of equipment whilst others are poorly equipped. The scenario being much worse for in terms of the rural urban divide with most rural locations using obsolete, slow machines installed years ago. According to World Bank (ICT at a glance) there were 11 personal computers per 1000 people in 2000; these increased to 16 per 1000 people in 2005. The use of ICT equipment is hindered by lack of reliable support services, particularly electricity, with the situation more acute in rural areas where equipment can lie idle for long without use. With only relatively few trained ICT personnel, retention has become difficult and most ICT firms have inadequate manpower to cater of existing ICT equipment. There are five Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Four of these channel their traffic through one international gateway owned by GAMTEL, whilst AIRTIP has been allowed to operate a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT). Some of the ISP’s had wireless infrastructure configured for high speed Internet service but have been constrained to offer such services because the Internet highway controlled by GAMTEL does not provide full broad band access. Table 24 provides information on the Internet service providers and the number of subscribers.

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Table 24: Internet Service Providers in The Gambia Name Address # of individual

subscribers GAMTEL (ISP)

Abuko 586

QUANTUMNET Kairaba Avenue 650Netpage Solutions Kairaba Avenue 206Airtip Kairaba Avenue n/aUnique Solutions Bakau New Town n/aSource: PURA, Annual Report, 2006 The number of Internet users according to the World Bank Data (ICT at a glance) increased from 9 persons per 1,000 people in 2000 to 33 persons per 1000 people. Similarly, the percentage of schools connected to the Internet increased from 2% to 13% from 2000 to 2005. The price basket for Internet use by per month is estimated at 17.8 US$.

57

ANNEX 3. PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONS

3.1 List of Institutions in the Agricultural and Rural Development Sector No

Name of Org Name of Contact Position Org. Address

Town Tel Fax Email Type of Organization

Role of Organization 1 Department of

State for Agriculture

Mr. Bakary Trawally Permanent Secretary

The Quadrangle

Banjul 2204228270 220 4228270 [email protected] GOV PP

2 Department of State for Local Government and Lands

Mr. Abdoulie Manneh Permanent Secretary

The Quadrangle

Banjul 2209961122 GOV PP

3 Department of State for Forestry and the Environment

Mr Bubu Jallow Permanent Secretary

State House Banjul 2202201515 GOV PP

4 Department of State for Fisheries and Water Resources

Mr. Lamin Nyabally Permanent Secretary

7 Marina Parade

Banjul 220 4227631 GOV PP

5 Department of State for Communication, Information and Technology

Mr. Karim Sonko Permanent Secretary

MDI Road Kanifing 2204378000 GOV PP

6 National Agricultural Development Agency

Mr. Bakary sonko Director General

Cape Point, Cape St. Mary

Bakau 220449542 2204495038

2204497353 GOV EX RD IN FS

7 Department of Planning

Mr. Fafanding Fatajo Director 5 Marina Parade

Banjul 220422040 220422040 [email protected] GOV PP RD IN

8 Department of Extension Services

Mr..Musa Dampha Director Cape St. Mary

Bakau 2204496420 GOV EX

9 Department of Technical Services

Mr.Landing Sonko Director Yundum Agricultural Station

Yundum 2204472058 GOV RD

58

No



Role of Organization 10 Department of

Agribusiness Mr.Cherno Mballow Director Cape Point,

Cape St. Mary

Bakau 4497352 GOV

11 Department of Community Development

Mr. Husainou Jorbateh

Director Marina Parade

Banjul 2204228178 GOV EX RD

13 Department of Water Resources

Mr. Ousman Jarju Director Marina Parade

Banjul 220422272 Gov RD IN

14 Department of Fisheries

Mr. Ardy Njie Director Marina Parade

Banjul 2204201515 GOV RD EX

15 Directorate of Information Technology

Mr Ebou Jobe Director MDI Road Kanifing GOV

16 Agricultural Communication Division (ACD)

Mr. Aboulie Bojang Head of Unit

Abuko Station

Abuko 2209998607 220 4392282 [email protected] GOV

17 Participatory Integrated Watershed Project (PIWAMP)

Mr.Omar Jammeh Coordinator Kofi Annan Street,Cape Point

Bakau 2204497990 220 4497990 GOV RD

18 Peri-Urban Smallholder Improvement Project (PSIP)

Mr.Lamin AD Sanyang

Coordinator Abuko Station

Abuko 220 4393870 2204393875 [email protected] GOV RD EX FS

19 Rural Finance Project

Mr.Alasan Bah Acting Coordinator

Cape Point,Cape St. Mary

Abuko 220 4497354 220439 [email protected] GOV

20 Farmer Managed Rice Project

Mr. Momodou Mbye Jabang

Coordinator Sapu Agricultural Station

Sapu 220-4484925 2204484931

220 4484931 GOV

21 NERICA Rice Dissemination Project

Dr.Mustapha Ceesay Coordinator NARI Brikama 2204484925 2204484931

220 4484931 GOV

59

No



Role of Organization 22 Market

Information Service for Traders Organizations in West Africa (MISTOWA)-Gambia

Mr. Momodou Ceesay Focal Point C/o GHE Old Jeshwang

2204394819 2204394820 PRV

23 ActionAid International The Gambia (AAITG)

Dr. Kuje Manneh Country Director

MDI Road Kanifing 2204392244 /4392004

[email protected]

INGO

24 Catholic Relief Services(CRS)

Mr. David Donavan Country Director

Fajara Bakau 2204498000 2204498001 /4498002

2204498007 [email protected]

INGO

25 Freedom from Hunger Campaign (FFHC)

Mr. Babanding Jaiteh Director Lamin Sanchaba

Lamin 2204474024 220447025

220 447025 [email protected] NGO

26 Gambia Food and Nutrition Association (GAFNA)

Mr. Albert Cox Executive Director

Independence Stadium

Bakau 2204496743 2204496745

NGO

27 Campaign for Development and Solidarity (FORUT( Gambia)

Musa Jeng National Director

50 Garba Jahumpa Road

Bakau 220495622 2204497745

22044496316 [email protected] NGO

28 World Evangelization for Christ International (WEC) International)

, 2204373105/439226

2204483235

29 Africa Muslims Agency

Shahab A. faesal Director c/o Post Office Road, P.OBox 2312

2204393183 2204393183 [email protected] NGO RU

60

No



Role of Organization 30 The Gambia

Organisation of The Visually Impaired (GOVI)

Muhamed Kora President MDI Road Kanifing NGO RU

31 Village Aid Project Gambia

Diana Tottle Executive Coordinator

PMB 6016 Farafenni 2205735373/ 2205748045

[email protected] NGO RU

32 Association of Baptist for World Evangelish (ABWE)

Barnon Robinson Director Kotu Layout-West

Kotu 2204460737 2204460737 NGO RU

33 Gambia Women's Finance Association (GAWFA)

Olimata Dibba General Manager

Kanifing Industrial Estate

Kanifing 2204397063 /64

4397062 [email protected] NGO FS

34 Foundation For Research on Women's Health, Productivity and the Environment (BAFROW)

Fatou Waggeh Executive Director

Tafsir Demba Mbye Street

Banjul 2204225270 NGO FS

35 The Gambia Committee on Traditional practices

Dr. Isatou Touray Executive Coordinator

Garba Jahumpa Road

Bakau 2204497416 2204497416 [email protected]

36 The National Council of The Gambia YMCA

37 Foundation for Humanitarian Aid Gambia

61

No



Role of Organization 38 Gambia Good

Seed Mission

Massembeh Kiang 2204484186

39 Kombo East Tesito Association (KETA)

Lamin Fatty President Farraba Banta

Faraba 2204487101 4484100

40 Agency for the Development of Women and Children (ADWAC)

Mam Samba Joof Team Leader

P.B0x 828 Kerewan 2205720106 5720075 [email protected]

41 Women in Service Development and Management(WISDOM)

Mariatou Kassim Loum

General Manager

JIMPEX Road

Kanifing 2204390536 4390536 [email protected]

42 43 Gambia 4H

Momodou Secka Coordinator Farafenni Farafenni 2209953160 2205735524 [email protected]

44 Njawara Agricultural Training Centre

Badara Jobe Coordinator Njawara Njawara 2205720130

45 Rescue Mission Planet Earth

2204390730

46 Anglican Mission Development Ministries

Marina Parade

BANJUL

47 Institute of Social Research and Action (ISRA)

Phoday Kebbeh Executive Director

1A Fakalya Street

Bundung 2204370418/4392952

4390521 [email protected]

62

No



Role of Organization 48 Gambia Family

Planning Association Kanifing

Yankuba Dibba Executive Director

Kanifing

49 Christian Children's Fund (CCF)

Ousman Cham Executive Director

Radio Gambia Road

Kanifing South

50 Trust Agency for Rural Development (TARUD)

Wanjiku Kagira Kargbo

Programme Director

Gunjur Village

Kombo South, WD

51 Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO)

Nuha Jatta Chief Executive

22 Atlantic Road

Fajara

52 Association of Farmers, Educators and Traders, AFET

Seedy Bensuda National President

P.O Box Brikama Town, Western Division

53 Association of Gambian Entrepreneurs (AGE)

Amira Ghanim Jagne Director Kairaba Avenue, Fajara

54 Methodist Mission Agricultural Programme

(MMAP)

Mr. Soni George Director Brikama Brikama Town, Western Division

55 Micro Finance Promotion Centre

Mr. Sariang Jorbateh Director Cape Point Bakau

56 The Gambia Red Cross Society

Lamin Jammeh Secretary General

Mamadi Manjang Highway

Kanifing

57 Worldview International Foundation

Mrs. Adelade Sosseh Gaye

Director 49 Garba Jahumpa Road,

Bakau

63

No



Role of Organization 58 Gambia Rural

Development Agency (GARDA

Kebba Bah Executive Director

Soma Soma Village, Jarra West District

59 National Assoviation of Youth Against Food Securiy (NAYAFS)

Alhagi Kebbeh Director Latrikunda Sabiji

Latrikunda, KSMD

60 The Assoication of Non-Governmental Organisation (TANGO)

Ousman Yarbo Director Garba Jahumpa Road

Bakau

61 Stay Green Foundation

Baboucarr Mbye Director Essau Essau Village, N.B.D

62 Youth Front Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (YFADAA)

Ebou Sillah Director

63 Youth Action for Food Self-sufficiency and Education (YAFSSE)

52 Kombo Sillah Drive, Churchills Town

64 Catholic Office for Development CADO

Kairaba Avenue, Kanifing

65 Fund for Africa, Africa American Cultural and Educational Solidarity (FACES)

P.O. Box 2929 S/Kunda No.3 Allen Street

64

No



Role of Organization 66 Initiatives

Development Association The Gambia (IDAG)

Bakoteh Housing Estate P.O. Box 1546 S/Kd

67 Wuli and Sandu Development Agency(WASDA)

Wuli Upper River Division

NGO RU

68 Wulli Development Agency (WAD)

Basse, Upper River Division

NGO RU

69 Pro-Poor Advocacy Group(PRoPAG)

Dr. Siga Jagne Director Sayerr Jobe Avenue,

Bakau New Town, KSMD

NGO RD

70 Natonal: National Farmers Platform, The Gambia (NFPG)

Musa Jawneh President Brikama Misira

Brikama NGO RD

71 Gambia National Cashew Growers Association

Saikouba Sanyang President Brikama Brikama NGO RU

72 Natonal: ROPPA

C/o Farmer’s Platform President Brikama Brikama NGO RD

73 Association for the Advancement of Science and Tehnoogy in The Gambia(AASAT

Dr. Kebba Fadera

Secretary General

74 : National Consumer and Protection Agency

Mr. Amadou Gaye Chairman

65

No



Role of Organization 75 YAMPI Farmers

Association

Isatou Jarju President Jenoi Lower River Region

76 Agricultural Research Institute (NARI)

Lamin Jobe Director General

PMB 526 Serre Kunda, Brikama, Western Region

220 4484925 220484921 GOV RD

77 International Tryponotolerance Centre (ITC)

Dr. Sheikh Leigh Director General

P.M.B. 14, Banjul

The Gambia, Kerr Serign , Western Division

220 4462928 2204462924 [email protected] REG RD

78 University of The Gambia (UTG)

Mr. Jenung Manneh Head of faculty

Building, Kanifing

University of The Gambia, Facullty

2204397912/2209917098

[email protected] Website: www.unigambia.gm

EDU TR

79 College, School of Agriculture

Dr. Badara Senghore Principal Brikama Campus

Brikama, Western Region

2204483298 EDU TR

80 Gambia Technical Training Institute(GTTI),

Mrs. Fatou Mboob Mbye

Kanifing

81 Management Development Institute (MDI)

Yusupha Dibba Director General

Mamadi Manjang Highway

Kanifing, KSMD

EDU TR,RD

82 Chamen Training Centre

Hayib Touray Director Chamen NBR

83 Njawara Agricultural Training Centre

Badara Jobe Director Njawara NBR

84 Radio Gambia, Radio and Television Services (GRTS)

Momodou sanyang Director General

MDI Road, Kanifing

Kanifing GOV IN

66

No



Role of Organization 85 Radio Gambia-

Basse (747 Mhz)

Basse, Upper River Division

GOV IN

87 Radio 1 FM (93.6 FM)

14 Kairaba Avenue,Serre Kunda,KMC

PRV IN

89 Radio Syd (909 Khz

Mile 2, Banjul High Way

2204226490 PRV IN

90 West Coast Radio (93.3 FM)

Peter Gmez Proprietor Herman Gmina Road, Manjai Kunda, KMC

Manjai, KMC

2204461193 PRV IN

91 Kids With Talent (106.7 FM)

Nana Anderson Proprietor Kairaba Avenue, Serrekunda, KSMD

PRV IN

92 Yiriwa FM (94.7 FM)

Brikama, Western Region

PRV IN

93 Brikama Community Radio (98.0 FM)

PRV IN

94 Farafenni Community Radio (103.5 FM)

Farafenni, NBD, The Gambia

95 Kerewan Community Radio (105.7 FM)

Alh. Lamin Ceesay Kerewan, NBD, The Gamia

96 Gambia Radio and Television Services

Serign Faye MDI Road, Kanifing

TE IN

67

No



Role of Organization 97 GAM TV

Papa yusupha Njie Sayerr Jobe

Avenue, Bakau New Town

PRV IN

98 Premum TV

Momodou Taal Kotu

100 Banjul Weekend

:6 Adama Njie Street, Bakau New Town

2209844742 /2209889190

[email protected]

101 Gambian Daily/Weekly News Papers

Alieu Sanyang C/0 GPU. Mosque Road, Serrekunda P.o.Box 3465, SerreKunda

220998550422079

102 The Gambia Daily

Daniel Goddard Street, Banjul

2204223279

103 Foroya

Sam Sarr P.O.Box 2306, Serekunda Churchill Town, KSMD

2204393177 2204393177 220 9918216

[email protected]

104 The Gambia News and Reprt

Suwaibu Conateh P.O.Box 976, Banjul 73 Mosque Road, Serre Kunda (Dippa Kunda), KSMD

[email protected]

105 The Point Newspaper

2 Garba Jahumpa Road, Fajara, KSMD

2204497441/2/ 2209917501

[email protected] www.thepoint.gm

68

No



Role of Organization 106 Today

Churchill

Town, Serre kunda

2209801623

[email protected]

107 Daily Observer PMB 131, Banjul Bakau New Town, Sait Matty Road, Bakau KSMD

[email protected] www.oberver.gm

108 The Guardian

Guardian Newspapers Limited, Rutam House, Isolo Expressway, P.O. Box 1217, Oshodi, Lagos, Lagos State

234524111

234521982 [email protected] www.ngrguidiannews.com

PRV IN

69

3.2. List of Selected Institutions Name of institution

Department of State For Communications and InforTechnology (DOSCIT

Objective/mission statement To create an enabling, competitive and conducive environment for all stakeholders in the ICT sector under the principle of fair play

Field of specialization 1. Policy Development 2. Mainstreaming ICTs in social sectors and

communities 3. E-Government to enhance public service delivery 4. Development of legal and regulatory framework 5. Supervising public enterprises under DOSCIT

purview Number of staff (professional clerical technical etc

7

Branches other sites Directorate of ICT Spectrum Management Department of Information

Annual budget €321,311 Source of funding including main donors sponsors

Government budget

Programme /project undertaken 1. Staff training in Information Technology 2. Development of Website and Local Area Network

Target audience (plus number, actual or estimated

1. ISP Service Providers 2. Telecomm Operators 3. Mobile Operators 4. TV Broadcasting and Postal Services 5. Government and Consumers

Extent of interaction with CTA-Spore magazine ,SDI, QAS, seminars, consultants, publications

None

Extent of collaboration/ interaction with other institutions (name, nature)

1. ITU, CTO, ATU, UNDP, Foreign Mission, UNECA, PURA, ITAG, ISOG (promotion and regulation of ICT)

2. PanAfrican e-network with AU, E-government Implementation Action Plan with UNECA (promotion of e-government)

How information needs are currently met, and from where and whom

Personal collection, Internet and collaborators

Main information needs not satisfied 1. Market data 2. Credit and micro credit 3. Government and International regulations 4. Development network

70

Name of institution

Gambia Radio and Television Services(GRTS)

Objective/mission statement To inform, educate and entertain through our radio and television programmes

Field of specialization Broadcasting and production of radio and television programmes

Number of staff (professional ,clerical, technical etc

244

Branches ,other sites Radio Basse, Upper River Region Annual budget D4.4m i.e. €132,000 Euro Source of funding including main donors sponsors

Radio and Television Revenue income from adverts, programme sponsorship and user fees

Programme project undertaken Local Training Programmes


The entire country and beyond

Extent of interaction with CTA-Spore magazine, SDI, QAS, seminars, consultants, publications

No

Extent of collaboration /interaction with other institutions (name, nature

Radio programmes from Radio Netherlands, Deutchewell Radio, UN Radio, RF1


Library Services and personal Interviews

Main information needs not satisfied Social development issues and agricultural development networks

71

Name of institution

National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI)

Objective/mission statement To conduct adaptive/client research on crops, forestry, fisheries and other natural resources in order to provide technological solutions to the problems of producers and inform policy makers on options to increase agricultural productivity and production without detriment to the natural resource base and the environment

Field of specialization Agro forestry, Crop Systems and Resource management, Horticulture, Grain legumes and oilseeds, Seed technology, Cereals, Socioeconomics, Pest management, Agric. Engineering, Fisheries, Livestock

Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical etc

200

Branches other sites Yundum and Sapu Annual budget €26,229.5 (D800,000.00) Source of funding including main donors sponsors

Government Subvention

Programme/ project undertaken Short term training in CDS/ISIS IN India and Niger, Workshop on electronic production of agric documents and bibliographic database management in Ghana, AGORA training in Dakar


Small scale producers in the country


Spore Magazine,CTA publications

Extent of collaboration /interaction with other institutions (name, nature

CTA ,IITA,ICRAF,WARDA,ROCAFEMI,CORAF,ISRA and all in-country agricultural projects


CTA booklets/bulletins, University Research Papers, Personal Collection, Radio programmes, TV Programmes, Internet, Agric Research Electronic Network, Colleagues, Agribusiness Consultants

Main information needs not satisfied Farm problems, technical information, economic inform

72

Name of institution

Department of Planning(DOP/DOSA

Objective/mission statement Improve agricultural data collection and analysis for effective policy formulation and sector planning

Field of specialization Agricultural Policy Analysis and Formulation, Projects/Programs Development and Control, Agricultural Statistics and Resource Economics, Monitoring and Evaluation of Agricultural Projects and Documentation Center

Number of staff (professional clerical technical etc

30 permanent staff

Branches other sites None Annual budget €45,901.64D1.4m Source of funding including main donors sponsors

Central Government, Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel(CILSS, ADB,IFAD, and FAO through projects

Programme project undertaken Inputting, analysis and publication of the National Statistical Yearbook


Government (Policy) Decision-Makers, NGOs, Sub regional Organizations


No

Extent of collaboration interaction with other institutions (name, nature

CILSS, the collaborations are in the areas of joint projects and information exchange. These includes agricultural and food prospects in Sahel, Early Warning Bulletin


Government departments, CILSS, NGOs, farmers, market vendors, projects

Main information needs not satisfied farmers problems, economic information, technical information (Internet access, building and posting websites, use of tele- conferencing and GIS)

73

Name of institution

Agricultural Communications Division(ACD

Objective/mission statement To achieve agricultural development through the provision of training and promotion for increasing the knowledge and skills of the target population through the use of information, education and communication(IEC) approaches for sustainable livelihoods in the Gambia

Field of specialization Film production and presentation, Radio programming, Tradition Media and Campaign, Publication, Training


-3 professionals -6 technical -2 clerical -1 auxiliary Total -12

Branches other sites - Annual budget €49,137.97 or D1,498,708.00 Source of funding including main donors sponsors

The Gambia Government

Programme/ project undertaken - Development of radio programmes for dissemination

- Development of television programmes for dissemination

- Development of manuals, leaflet, poster - - Training on theatre


Extension Agents, Farmers, Policy makers


- CTA Spore magazine


Sourcing information from partners such as: - Government department/projects - NGOs-CRS, AAITG, NAWFA, FFHC, ADWAC - Research Institutions- ICRISAT,NARI - Community based organizations - Private organizations - FAO - CTA


- Journal articles, briefing/summaries, Abstracts, - - materials suitable for mass distribution, Visual or pictorial information

Main information needs not satisfied Technical information

74

Name of Institution Gambia College Objective/mission statement

- Middle level manpower training in key essential social and development services

- Enter to learn ready to serve. Field of specialization - Education- Teacher Training

- Agriculture, Livestock and rural development- Training

- Nursing and Midwifery- Training - Public and Environmental Health-

Training Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical etc) - 67 Lecturers and 43 support staff Branches, other sites - School of Education

- School of Agriculture - School of Nursing and Midwifery - School of Public and Environmental

Health Annual budget €403,278 or D12,3000,000.00 Source of funding, including main donors/sponsors Government Programme/project undertaken - Networking of all computers

- Introduction of basic computing in all programmes

Target audience (plus number actual or estimated) - Primary and Secondary Schools- open days

- Farmers and Rural communities- Field days

- Public, communities- Visits and Media Extent of interaction with CTA-Spore magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars consultant publications

- Spore-Magazine - CTA Publication

Extent of collaboration/interaction with institutions (name nature)

- Reference materials provision:Novo Scotia Agricultural College- Canada through CDA,-Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust, CTA, National Research Institutes


- CTA Bulletins - Meetings with beneficiaries - Internet - Text books Journal,text books,

internet - Abstracts - Visual or pictorial information

Main information needs not satisfied - Farm problems, technical information and economic information

75

Name of Institution University of The Gambia Objective/mission statement

To provide the human Resource base required to develop the county natural resources in a sustainable manner and provide suitable quality education to prepare students for studies a Bachelor, Masters Phd levels.

Field of specialization - Agriculture and Rural Development - Medicine - French Language - History

Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical etc) - 84 full time - 60 part time

Branches, other sites - Agriculture - Social Science - Economic and Management - Science and Technology - Medicine - Law

Annual budget €1,016,692.60 or D31,009,120.44 Source of funding, including main donors/sponsors Government, Grants and through

Consultancies. Programme/project undertaken None Target audience (plus number actual or estimated) - Students from different disciplines

- Contacts are Letters, Telephone and Media

Extent of interaction with CTA-Spore magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars consultant publications

CTA Publication


- Tertiary Institutions in The Gambia viz Gambia College, Gambia Technical Training Institute, The Management Development Institutes

- - St Mary College, Maryland, St Mary University- Halifax, Novo Scotia, Tomas Bata University, National Taipe University of Technology


- Internet - Personal collection, textbooks, journals,

Videos - DVDs

Main information needs not satisfied - Technical information, farm problems, economic information

76

Name of Institution Department of Community Development Objective/mission statement

To enhance and promote the participation of people in charting their destinies through participatory development process

Field of specialization - Training field extension workers - Facilitation and capacity building of

Community Based Organizations and Extension Workers

- Skills training for women, youth groups etc.

Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical etc) - 300 Professional and Technical staff - 30 Support staff

Branches, other sites Annual budget €163,934.42 Source of funding, including main donors/sponsors - Government

- Project: African Development Bank and World Bank

Programme/project undertaken - Computer and Internet training Target audience (plus number actual or estimated) Rural farming population Extent of interaction with CTA-Spore magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars consultant publications

None


- All Government Departments - African Development Bank - World Bank - UNDP-allEx-com agencies


- Journals, internet, text books - Field Extension Reports - M & E Periodic Reports

Main information needs not satisfied Technical information (rural development)

77

Name of Institution Women Bureau Objective/mission statement

Improve the quality of life of all Gambians particularly women through the elimination of forms of gender inequality by concrete gender in development

Field of specialization Gender-Women empowerment operational sing the National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women 1999-2009 with stake holders

Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical etc) - 32 staff – 7 programme officers and 2 coordinators.

Branches, other sites Brikama, Mansakonko, Kerewn, Janjanbureh, Basse and Kanifing

Annual budget €32,786.88 D1,000,000 Source of funding, including main donors/sponsors - Government

- UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA Programme/project undertaken

Scan ICT Project, ICT Policy development for The Gambia and CICI Training-Kigali Rwanda

Target audience (plus number actual or estimated) National Women Council, Women’Association, Civil Society Organizations, NGOs, Government- Reached through quarterly meetings, yearly reviews and planning meetings


- Spore Magazine - CTA Publication


Sourcing information from:National Agricultural Research Institutes (Nerica Project) National Agricultural Development Agency UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and the ECOWAS Gender and Development Centre International Research Institutes (ICRISAT) Gender Development Centre of ECOWAS International Labour Office ActionAid International


University Research Papers visual and pictorial information

Main information needs not satisfied - Technical information, Economic

information - Materials in Appropriate Languages

78

Name of Institution The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO)

Objective/mission statement

1. Mission - to contribute to national poverty reduction efforts by expanding membership and improving services to members in a cost-effectives and financially sustainable manner.

2. Objective - Member NGOs supported to deliver effective and relevant and sustainable services in a participatory way

3. - External communication within the network of NGOs improved and link between TANGO members facilitated.

Field of specialization TANGO assist NGOs to serve Gambian communities to come together so that they become capable of participating in national and international activities decision making process that affect the lives of its members and their beneficiaries.

Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical etc) 13 professional staff, 4 clerical and 2 support staff Branches, other sites Annual budget €28,918.03 or D882,000 Source of funding, including main donors/sponsors Membership fees Programme/project undertaken None Target audience (plus number actual or estimated) NGOs CBO and CSO

- Contacts-Annual General Meetings(AGM) - Annual progress and financial reports from members - Quarterly and Annual Reports to members


Spore Magazine CTA Publication


Sourcing information from NGOs, CBOs and CSOs Government Ministries and Departments, EU/EC CTA, The UN System and Department of Planning


Personal collections, media, Internet Abstracts, text books

Main information needs not satisfied Technical and economic information (Materials suitable for distribution Material in appropriate languages Visual or pictorial information)

79

Name of Institution World View The Gambia Objective/mission statement

To give a vote to the Disadvantaged, under-privileged and vulnerable members of society with opportunity to voice their concerns through participatory communication

Field of specialization Communication Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical etc) - Professional 6, Technical 4, Clerical 4,

Project staff 3 and Volunteers 2 Branches, other sites Kerewan Annual budget €65,575.77 or D2,000,000 Source of funding, including main donors/sponsors Media Production-National and

International Partners Programme/project undertaken - Training of Community Radio Personnel

- Provision of digital equipment to community radios

Target audience (plus number actual or estimated) Women and Youths through direct linkages at community level.

Extent of interaction with CTA-Sore magazine, SDI, QAS, DORA, seminars consultant publications

Spore Magazine


- Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education

- The UN System - Department of Information - The Gambia Tourism Authority - Concern Universal - ActionAid the Gambia - Regional - OSIWA, ECOWAS Gender

Development Centre, AWARE, ANCEFA


- ECOWAS national and research institutes

- Newspapers - Personal collections - Electronic media - Meeting with beneficiaries - Internet

Main information needs not satisfied Technical information( Materials suitable for mass distribution Materials in appropriate languages)

80

Name of institution

National Farmers Platform The Gambia(NFPG)

Objective/mission statement - A sustainable productive agricultural sector with farmers taking the role in decision making

- To constitute a credible and acceptable framework which will genuinely cater for the general interest of farmers

Field of specialization - Adult literacy and numeracy - Group management training - Information Communication Technology - Advocacy


4

Branches other sites Regional and District Offices Annual budget €20,000 Source of funding including main donors sponsors

Action Aid The Gambia, GICAP, DOSA

Programme/ project undertaken Advocacy, Adult literacy, Group management training, Information Communication Technology


Grass root members(farmers in the rural areas )


None


- VECO Senegal, - Regional farmer network (ROPPA) - Capacity reinforcement (AAITG,CRS) - Farmer empowerment (DOSA) - Institutional support (CNCR)


Radio, Newspaper, NARI, Internet

Main information needs not satisfied Farm problems, economic information

81

Name of Institution Gambia Horticultural Enterprises Objective/mission statement

An Agri-Business Enterprise geared towards Agricultural and Socio-Economic Development in The Gambia.

Field of specialization - Dealers in agricultural inputs, machinery- Producers and exporters of fresh fruit

and vegetables - Agro-food processors - Providers of Agricultural

market/information

Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical etc) -Professional 5, Technical 8, clerical 7 and support staff 6

Branches, other sites Annual budget €131,147.51 or D4,000,000.00 Source of funding, including main donors/sponsors - Local Banks

- MISTOWA- USAID - Own fund

Programme/project undertaken - MISTOWA-market information system for traders and organizations in West Africa

Target audience (plus number actual or estimated) Farmers, NGOs and private operators Contacts- Telephones, Internet and shops


Spore magazine


IFDC, African Food Seed Trade Association(AFSTA), CTA Ministry of Agriculture COLEACP and ITC


Internet Meetings with Beneficiaries Trade Fairs and Exhibitions Journal articles Briefing/Seminars

Main information needs not satisfied Economic and economic information,

materials suitable for mass distribution

82

Name of Institution Information Technology Association of

the Gambia Objective/mission statement

The Information Technology Association of The Gambia (ITAG) is the premier and pioneer association for information and communication technology (ICT) industry, professional and enthusiasts in The Gambia

Field of specialization - Advocacy and Partnership - Business Opportunities and

Development - Research - Publication

Number of staff (professional, clerical, technical etc) - 5 Volunteers-executive members Branches, other sites Annual budget €10,000 Source of funding, including main donors/sponsors - Membership Fees Programme/project undertaken None Target audience (plus number actual or estimated) - Print Ads on newspapers

- Websites - Mailing lists


None


DOSCIT-regulation of IT services


Internet, journals, personal communication

Main information needs not satisfied Economic information Funding Sources

83

ANNEX 4: LIST OF PERSONS MET

No NAME OF INSTITUTES ADDRESS TELEPHONE

1 Abdoulie Bojang Agricultural Communication Division 99986072 Adelete Sosseh World View, The Gambia 44969903 Ebriama Bandeh GAMTEL 99600494 Papa Yusupha Njie ITAG 77684005 Cherno Jallow Freelance Journalist, 6 Amadou Gaye Gambia Consumer Protection Association 98870077 Sidi Jarju SPFS-DOSA 99005008 Ebriama Camara DOSA 99630399 Momodou A. Ceesay GHE 990305810 Seringe Faye GRTS 996503511 Jero Maane Department of Planning-NADA 993782212 Ebriama Cham Department of Planning-NADA 771682513 Fafanding Fatajo Department of Planning-NADA 990879314 Ousainou Jorberteh Department of Community Development 996161115 Ida Faye Hydra Women’ Bureau 992207116 Kajally Sonko Women’s Bureau 990652717 Alhagie Cham TANGO 993683518 Alieu Badara Senghore Gambia College 19 Omar Touray NAOSU 992061720 Jenung Maane University of The Gambia 991709821 Sheriff Sanyng Farmer’s Platform, The Gambia 990674022 Ebriama Jobe DOSCIT 779671023 Lamin Camara DOCIT 24 Falankoi Janneh NARI 25 Lmin Jobe NARI 993528326 Ousman Sillah Gambia Press Union 995321227 Lamin Dampha DOSTIE

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ANNEX 5. BIBLIOGRAPHY Action Aid The Gambia. 2003. The Private Sector and Food Production in The Gambia. DOSA. Various Years (1991-2006). National Agricultural Sample Survey (NASS), Department of Planning, DOSA. FAO/GOTG. 1997. The National Agricultural Research System of The Gambia, Analysis and Strategy for the Long Term, Final Report FAO. 2004. The Gambia Food Security and Agricultural Development – Horizon 2015 – Summary National Strategy (Draft), June, 2004). GOTG / DOSA. 2006.Draft Policy Framework for the Agriculture and Natural Resources Sector of the Gambia. GOTG. 1996. The Gambia Incorporated Vision 2020. GOTG/UNECA. 2004. National Information and Communication Infrastructure (NICI) Policy and Plans for The Gambia. African Information Society Initiative GOTG. 2002. Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (SPAII), (PRSP). GOTG/DOSA and DOSNRE. 2002. Agriculture and Natural Resources Sector Public Expenditure Review. GOTG. 2000. 1998 Household Poverty Survey Report. NGO Affairs Agency. 2000. NGO Directory for The Gambia. Public Utilities and Regulatory Authority (PURA). 2006. Annual Report TANGO. 2002. Directory of NGOs in The Gambia. TANGO UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service. 2000. Information and Communication Technologies. Voices From Africa 9. Un- Non-Governmental Liaison Service World Bank. 2003. The Gambia Development Policy Review, Challenges Ahead: Obstacles and Opportunities. World Bank. 2005. ICTs at a Glance, The Gambia. Website: agrigambia.gm