On March 13, 2025, the LIFFT-Cashew Project, implemented by Shelter for Life International, successfully handed over the draft National Cooperative Regulation 2024 and the Cooperative Toolkit to Mr. Alhagie Nyangado, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture of The Gambia. The handover ceremony was attended by Mr. Aba Sankareh, the Registrar of Cooperative Development, and Mr. Amat Diop, the Chief of Party for the Climate Resilience Optimization and Productivity in Horticulture (CROP-H) Project in The Gambia.
Background and Development Process
In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture of The Gambia sought Shelter for Life’s support in reviewing and amending the Cooperative Societies Act of 1990. Shelter for Life responded positively, supporting the consultancy component of the initiative. A consultant was hired in April 2024 and successfully drafted the new cooperative regulations by the end of June 2024.
To ensure broad stakeholder engagement and inclusiveness, a consultative meeting was held to incorporate comments and recommendations from various stakeholders. This approach aimed to foster a sense of ownership and collaboration in the development of the regulations.
Official Handover Ceremony
During the presentation, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alhagie Nyangado, expressed gratitude to Shelter for Life for their steadfast support in transforming cooperative sector governance in The Gambia. He assured that the Ministry’s doors would remain open for future collaborations and endeavors with Shelter for Life.
Impact and Future Prospects
The draft National Cooperative Regulation 2024 and the Cooperative Toolkit are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing cooperative governance and empowering local communities. By fostering resilience and productivity in the agricultural sector, this milestone will contribute to sustainable development and economic growth in The Gambia.
SFL PR/COM BFS