The GIRAV project Team and Implementing Partners meet to Develop the project’s 2025 Workplan and Budget

The Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chains Development Project (GIRAV) under the Central Projects Coordinating Unit (CPCU) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security today began a two-day convergence designed to Develop the project’s 2025 Workplan and Budget. The synergy at the Bakadagi Hotel is brings together all the 20 Implementing Partners (IPs) of the project.

Mr. Mod A Secka, Permanent Secretary, MoALFS presided over the opening ceremony. He reminded participants of the importance of the task at hand to the project and the country. He also called for concerted efforts and actions to ensure timely delivery of project activities. Addressing representatives on the two new IP namely NAWEC and the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, He said: “You have a big responsibility towards ensuring the timely and successful execution of the work plans. A lot of money is earmarked for activities under your institutions so if your implementation rate is low it will ultimately affect the delivery and project rating which will have negative impacts and consequences for the MoALFS and the country at large”.

Mr. Abdoulie Touray, GIRAV/CPCU PC also underlined the importance of the convergence. He acknowledged with appreciation the remarkable contributions of the IPs in the execution of the project. He called for renewed commitment and teamwork. “Let’s take ownership of this activity and participate proactively. The output will be tabled before the PSC for approval. The approved Annual Workplan and Budget will then be submitted to the project TTL before the end of the year for approval “, said Mr. Touray.

GIRAV is a seven-year USD115.91million project co-funded by the World Bank with a grant (US$108m), Gambian Government counterpart contribution (US$4m) and Matching Grant beneficiaries’ counterpart contribution (3.91m). The Project Development Objectives (PDO) are to promote (i) the development of inclusive, resilient, and competitive agricultural value chains, focusing on smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, and (ii) improved water supply and sanitation in project target areas.