From Farmers’ Fields to Export Markets

Surrounded on three sides by Senegal, and with only a small sliver of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, The Gambia is a small West African country whose economy is largely dependent on fishing and farming.

While the country doesn’t have an abundance of natural resources, and half its population lives below the poverty line – earning less than US $1.90 per day – The Gambia’s untapped arable farmland offers an opportunity to grow its economy through exports.

As part of EIF’s strategy to position Least Developed Countries such as The Gambia for long-term economic growth and poverty reduction, EIF began a partnership with The Gambia’s government to prioritize trade as part of its development strategy.

CASHEW NUTS

In The Gambia, one of the industries ripe with potential for growth identified by EIF and the government was the cashew. By supporting the cashew’s entire chain of production – from farmers’ fields to the development of a new cargo facility – the EIF equipped cashew farmers with new skills and the food safety certification needed to export to markets such as the European Union (EU).

Let’s take a closer look at what this shift in strategy and new investments have meant for the citizens of The Gambia.

ALIEU FAYE

Alieu Faye has been a cashew farmer since 1998 – over 20 years. He received training from EIF in 2014 and his cashew farm has improved a great deal since then.

Let’s take a closer look at what this shift in strategy and new investments have meant for the citizens of The Gambia.

“I am making more money now than before the EIF training,” he said. “And now that I’m a successful cashew farmer, I’m very comfortable. I pay my children’s school fees, I pay all my expenses. I’ve very happy.”

So successful, in fact, that Alieu Faye is preparing to retire from his other job as an accountant and rely on the cashews for his income, which he says is “good money and less work” and a crop he can depend on.

Recognizing its importance to the Gambian economy, Faye is now the President of the Federation of the Gambia Cashew Farmers’ Association, and is encouraging other farmers across The Gambia to grow cashews.

"If you want an easy life, grow cashew,” he says.

BUBA JAWNEH

Buba Jawneh is the General Manager of the Jawneh and Family Cashew Processing Enterprise outside Banjul.

Following training and financing support from EIF, the business now receives and processes two tonnes of cashew kernels per month from local farmers.

During a visit to the facility in May 2018, Jawneh described the full process – from drying the cashews in the sun, to steaming, shelling, baking, peeling, packaging and sealing them.

“The partnership with EIF has helped us and improved our capacity a lot. EIF gave us training, packaging bags, and a sealing machine,” said Jawneh. “Also, because of EIF, many people trust us to give us a contract and buy our product. Now, there is always a ready market for our product.”

Jawneh said he felt proud to be part of the cashew industry, a sector that was increasing his country’s socioeconomic status and creating jobs for young people.

SALOUM MALANG

Saloum Malang is the Deputy Managing Director of Gambia International Airlines, and has witnessed how recent investments in The Gambia’s international airport have transformed the country’s ability to connect with the rest of the world.

“Trade is important in our economic development, and one of the pre-requisites for economic development is having a good airport,” he said.

“The partnership with EIF has helped us and improved our capacity a lot. EIF gave us training, packaging bags, and a sealing machine,” said Jawneh. “Also, because of EIF, many people trust us to give us a contract and buy our product. Now, there is always a ready market for our product.”

Jawneh said he felt proud to be part of the cashew industry, a sector that was increasing his country’s socioeconomic status and creating jobs for young people.

SALOUM MALANG

Saloum Malang is the Deputy Managing Director of Gambia International Airlines, and has witnessed how recent investments in The Gambia’s international airport have transformed the country’s ability to connect with the rest of the world.

“Trade is important in our economic development, and one of the pre-requisites for economic development is having a good airport,” he said.

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER

From farm, to processing plant, to cargo facility, EIF is working with the government of The Gambia to improve trade at all levels.

The Gambia’s Minister for Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Isatou Touray, feels extremely positive for her country’s future. “We see more businesses coming, we are building capacity and responding to global standards. We see positive trends in our domestic export numbers,” she said.

“Gambia is ready for business.”