By Kebba AF Touray
The Agriculture Minister, Demba Sabally, on Monday, 22 September, 2025, appeared and provided responses to the lawmakers on the activities of transhumance in the Gambia.
Providing his response, he told the legislature that 600 hectares is targeted for sowing improved pasture in some of the ROOTS intervention communities.”
Minister Sabally’s reply came following the matter of the day that was read before the plenary by the Member for Badibbu Central, Hon. Sulayman Saho, during the second ordinary session of the parliament in the 2025 Legislative Year, on 16th March, 2025.
After the statement, members debated on the statement, during which they lamented the adverse activities of the actors involved, which among others have adverse effects on the citizens, especially in communities in the rural area, where they settle.
After the debate, lawmakers resolved that the matter be assigned to the Agriculture Committee to probe into the activities of the seasonal and traditional movement of herders together with their livestock in the Gambia, and report its findings back to the plenary.
In the execution of its task, the joint committee on Agriculture and Environment conducted an investigative mission to URR, CRR, and NBR.
The committee was to assess the situation by engaging with affected communities and the pastoralists, to gain firsthand information on the matter, and to recommend the policy measures that will address the challenges through public hearings and spot checks.
The practice has increasingly led to tensions in the country due to the impact it has on crop destruction and deforestation, and the occasional clashes that happen between the seasonal pastoralists and villagers in these communities, prompting calls for a parliamentary investigation into the matter.
The committee executed the mandate given to it by the plenary, and the report was adopted and shared with relevant entities, such as the Agriculture Ministry for actions, to remedy the menace.
Providing responses on the subject matter, Minister Sabally informed the members that they wholeheartedly endorse the report’s conclusions and “welcome its recommendations as a critical and urgent blueprint for resolving the longstanding challenges associated with transhumance.”
Policy and Legal Framework: He said that they accepted the recommendations on the framework in its entirety, adding that there are clear and active steps being taken to develop one.
These include a transhumance tracking tool, which enables real time monitoring of livestock migration routes to inform early warning systems.
He added that there is climate vulnerability with which maps climate vulnerability hotspots to guide proactive interventions and conflict sensitive planning.
Infrastructure and Service: He said “My Ministry will prioritize the development of designated pasture, development zones and water reservoirs in the upcoming agricultural fiscal year. This will however need the support of the National Assembly in facilitating the allocation of the necessary development funds to the Department of Livestock Service.”
He informed that the ROOTS project through the GEF is currently partnering with the department of livestock services in helping to rehabilitate some grazing areas across the country, and “600 hectares is targeted for sowing improved pasture in some of the ROOTS intervention communities.”
Security and Border Management: He told the parliament that the Ministry of Interior and Environment Ministry pledged their full collaboration and support, “we will provide technical expertise on animal identification and movement patterns to any assigned established team.”
He added that they will also work with the Department of Forestry to integrate sustainable grazing models into their enforcement strategies and support the crucial capacity building programs for security agencies.
Community Participation and Support: Minister Sabally reported to the legislature that they will immediately begin working with the Lands Ministry to develop a framework for empowering traditional authorities and establishing local mediation teams.
Environment Management: He said that “we fully concur that environment sustainability and transhumance must go hand in hand. In partnership with the Environment Ministry, “we will promote and demonstrate controlled grazing and rotational systems to communities.”
He stressed that her Ministry is prepared to lead this effort with commitment and urgency, “we owe it to our farmers, our herders and all Gambians to ensure that their vital economic activity becomes a source of national priority and unity, rather than conflict.”
