Decentralised renewable energy for agriculture in The Gambia

Agriculture is an important pillar of The Gambia’s economy, accounting for approximately 20% to GDP, yet the sector remains constrained by unreliable electricity supply, reliance on rain-fed farming and lack of adequate processing and value addition.

This report identifies systemic barriers limiting the large-scale adoption of decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions in The Gambia’s agriculture sector, including high commercial lending rates and the general reluctance among banks to finance smallholder farmers due to perceived risks and lack of collateral.

To unlock market potential in The Gambia, the report proposes key recommendations and a five-year roadmap (2026-2030) anchored by three strategic pillars: financial innovation and market acceleration; technical capacity and supply chain development; and policy, regulatory, and institutional strengthening. The measures described in the report seek to promote the scaling of DRE adoption, ultimately driving the transition toward a more sustainable, productive and market-oriented agricultural sector.

The report is the first output of IRENA’s engagement in The Gambia under the Empowering Lives & Livelihoods: Renewables for Climate Action initiative. It was facilitated and supported by the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security of The Gambia.