By: Kebba AF Touray
In The Gambia, where the ratio of agricultural extension workers to farmers currently stands at a staggering 1:3000, efforts to close this gap and modernize advisory services have taken a significant leap forward. The Gambia Government, with support from the World Bank through the GIRAV project under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, is intensifying initiatives to digitalize agriculture extension services in the face of increasing climate-related hazards and persistent rural poverty.
A key component of this initiative is the development of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) platform known as “Senenyaa Bantabaa,” designed to modernize extension service delivery. The platform, developed by a Gambian firm, The Webway, allows farmers to communicate directly with agricultural extension workers in English, Mandinka, Wolof, and Pularr.
The E-Extension platform aims to increase access to timely agricultural advice, improve production and productivity, enhance food and nutrition security, and drive economic growth. It is also expected to promote knowledge sharing and strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers by offering up-to-date information on vegetable and field crop production.
To ensure effective use and maintenance of the platform, the Department of Agriculture (DoA), in partnership with the GIRAV project, recently trained 129 extension workers. The six-day training took place from April 29 to May 4, 2025, at the Jenoi Rural Farmer Agriculture Training Center.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Suun Faye, Digital Technology Specialist for the GIRAV Project, emphasized the training’s significance in enhancing the capacity of extension agents. “This training aims to equip extension agents with the essential skills needed to effectively support farmers through the platform to address real-time advisory service needs,” she stated. She also reminded participants of the high expectations placed on them and encouraged them to fully utilize the skills gained.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Musa Humma, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to the World Bank for supporting the initiative.
“The current extension-to-farmer ratio in The Gambia is 1:3000. We have adopted various approaches to bridge the gap. These include the introduction and promotion of the Farmer Field School approach and the Senenyaa Bantabaa,” he said.
He urged the extension workers to see themselves as change agents in the transformation of the country’s agri-food system.
“Please make good use of this training and use this E-Extension platform to effectively complement the traditional extension service by giving farmers direct access to expert advice, timely solutions, and valuable information on best practices for growing crops and vegetables,” he advised.
Mr. Lamin Sanyang, Agriculture Director for the Lower River Region, also welcomed the initiative and commended both the World Bank and the Government of The Gambia for what he described as a timely and impactful intervention.
