Empowering Innovation in Agri-Food Systems in the Gambia
Author: Sisira Withanachchi, Organizing Team, UNLEASH Hack Gambia
The UNLEASH Hack Gambia AGRO YOUTH, embedded within the larger AGRO-YOUTH project, happened from September 27 to 29 at Gambia College in Brikama. This Hack provided a platform for more than 60 talented young people, more than half of whom were women, to collaborate and innovate in the agri-food sector. Many participants are currently engaged in agriculture and food-related businesses and worked together in teams to tackle critical challenges in The Gambia’s agri-food systems.
UNLEASH Ambassadors and a representative from Protellus (a partner of the Hack) supported the preparations to guide teams during the Hack. Over 3 days, 14 teams developed innovative solutions, with the top 3 teams receiving awards and medals. One team that focused on an idea for reforestation and eco-agriculture for small-scale farmers received a commitment of sponsorship from a local businessman for the first 50 trees in a project pilot. All participants were awarded certificates for their efforts and energetic participation.
The AGRO-YOUTH pilot project, of which this UNLEASH Hack was a central component, aims to enhance the entrepreneurial skills and employability of youth and women in The Gambia’s agri-food sector. By fostering gender equality and enabling women, the project is working to create sustainable, market-oriented agri-food systems that will drive long-term development in the country.
The Hack was organized by Sisira Withanachchi, with team colleagues Nicola Humpert, Klaus Pellmann, Siyat Gaye, and Kaddijatou Jallow, who collaborated with BGZ Berlin International Cooperation Agency GmbH, Collective Action for Sustainable Development (CASD), the Regional Office for International Sustainable Vocational Training, Berlin, and got support from the State Office for Development Cooperation (LEZ), Berlin. UNLEASH Ambassador Kilian Karg supported as Lead Facilitator and partnered with local UNLEASH Alumnus, Charles Gomez, and Yero Bah who is a project representative from CASD.
The team stated that “The project was an excellent example of international and public-private partnership for the SDGs. After this first onsite Hack in the Gambia, with the pledged support of local senior politicians and partners, we are looking forward to further UNLEASH programs in the future.”
