By Landing Sallah
President Adama Barrow on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, visited the Regional Rice Value Chain Development Project site at Madina Wassu in the Central River Region as part of his ongoing nationwide development tour.
The visit provided an opportunity for the President to assess progress on key government projects and engage with project implementers, technical teams and local stakeholders.
The inspection focused on the project’s 50-hectare rice land development and irrigation scheme, a major agricultural investment aimed at increasing rice production, improving farmers’ productivity and strengthening The Gambia’s drive towards food and nutrition security.
The project forms part of broader national efforts to reduce dependence on imported rice by expanding domestic production and modernising farming systems through improved infrastructure, mechanisation and water management.
Upon arrival, President Barrow was received by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, project engineers, technical experts and contractors overseeing the works.
He was taken on a guided tour of the rice fields and irrigation installations, where he observed ongoing land development activities, water-control structures and the layout of the irrigation network designed to support intensive rice cultivation.
Progress on Irrigation Scheme
During the inspection, the President was briefed on progress in land preparation, canal construction and the installation of water-distribution systems.
Officials also briefed him on the project’s design capacity and its potential to increase rice production in the Central River Region, one of the country’s key agricultural areas due to its fertile floodplains and access to water resources.
Upon completion, officials said the 50-hectare scheme is expected to support year-round farming, enabling farmers to cultivate rice beyond the traditional rainy season.
The shift towards irrigated agriculture is expected to help address challenges associated with climate variability, erratic rainfall and seasonal food shortages that have historically affected rice production in The Gambia.
President Calls for Ownership
and Sustainability
President Barrow expressed satisfaction with the progress made at the site and commended those involved in the implementation of the project.
He particularly acknowledged the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Dr Demba Sabally, for his leadership and coordination in advancing agricultural development initiatives across the country.
The President said the Madina Wassu rice development project represents more than an infrastructure investment, describing it as an intervention aimed at improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
He noted that agriculture remains a critical pillar of The Gambia’s economy and said investments in agricultural infrastructure are essential to empowering farmers, increasing domestic food production and reducing rural poverty.
President Barrow also stressed the importance of maintaining and effectively managing the project once completed.
He encouraged farmers and community stakeholders to take ownership of the scheme, noting that its long-term success would depend on collective responsibility, proper use of resources and adherence to sound agricultural practices.
Government Reaffirms Agricultural Focus
The visit also provided an opportunity for the President to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, particularly in rural communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture.
He reiterated that the Government would continue to prioritise investments in food production, rural infrastructure and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
The inspection concluded with assurances from project implementers that work was progressing steadily and that the irrigation scheme would be completed within the planned timeframe.
President Barrow encouraged all stakeholders to maintain the momentum and ensure that the project delivers its intended benefits to the people of Madina Wassu and surrounding communities.
As the nationwide development tour continues, the Madina Wassu rice development project stands as one of the key agricultural initiatives being highlighted in the Government’s efforts to modernise farming, strengthen food security and build a more self-reliant and resilient economy.
