Corn, or maize, is the staple food of Gambians. In 2023, corn production in the Gambia reached approximately 20,000 metric tons, according to USDA. The highest output of maize in The Gambia was in 2010, amounting to 66 thousand metric tons. The output has decreased because of some current challenges at the production level. This article must review why the industry lags and how to boost its potential in the Gambia by overcoming the challenges and ensuring opportunities. It also discusses how investors can participate in this growth journey or do business.

Women play a critical role in corn farming, and empowering them can enhance the sector’s productivity.

With support from international organisations, the Gambian government is developing new projects and initiatives to improve corn production.

Gambia exports maize to several countries, including Guinea-Bissau, Mali, China, and India, which offers significant opportunities for growth.

In the colonial era, corn was brought to Africa as a hardy crop adapted to varying climates and soil types. They consume it in many forms, including boiled corn and corn porridge. 

Corn is now grown in different regions of the Gambia. It’s predominantly grown in the Fulladu East (Upper River), Wuli (Upper River), and Kantora (Upper River). According to the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, corn is crucial for securing the country’s food supply. 

Corn is a significant component of Gambia’s agricultural GDP and heavily depends on subsistence farmers and commercial enterprises. A woman who worked in the corn field said, “Corn is essential not only as a direct food source but also as a vital economic input, whether consumed by people or used as animal feed in the poultry industry.”

Consequently, the poultry sector operates almost exclusively on corn for feed, creating symbolic linkages between both sectors. Women play a vital role in this sector because they plant, weed, and harvest the produce. Profit from corn crops creates a reliable food supply and reduces poverty. 

Maize contains vitamins (B and C), minerals (magnesium and potassium), and antioxidants. maize contains high fibre, which aids in the proper functioning of the digestive system and prevents constipation. These vitamins are antioxidants with the ability to enhance the immune system. This protects our eyes and lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration, and carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) are abundant in maize. 

Maize is a low-calorie, high-fibre food that is effective for weight management. It contains iron, which helps prevent anaemia by supporting the production of red blood cells. Since it is gluten-free, people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease can consume it. Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals also play an essential role in keeping the heart healthy by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which have many health benefits. People love to eat this, but Gambia now faces many challenges in this industry. 

Corn is the most important cereal crop in the Gambia. However, some difficulties in corn production limit its production level and agricultural economy. 

• Irregular rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts negatively impact corn yields. Corn is a rain-dependent crop that relies on regular and sufficient rainfall for growth and development. 
• Not all holders and farmers can access high-yielding corn varieties, fertilisers, or traditional seeds. Low soil fertility constraints productivity, and little room for improvement exists. Less than 30% of seed varieties used in the Gambia are high-yielding or improved.
• Pests invade maize plantations. Without checks, they can destroy the fields in minutes. Poor pest control leads to huge losses of crops. 
• Insufficient storage also limits production and leads to postharvest losses, amounting to about a quarter of a year’s harvest. 

To solve these problems, these types of solutions can be taken as opportunities for investing.

• Investing in irrigation systems solves the current problems. Climate-smart agriculture will be the key to corn production even during erratic rains.
• Investors can collaborate with agricultural research institutes like the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). These institutes produce and make available seeds resistant to diseases, including adverse conditions like drought. 
• Deploying technology-enabled pest monitoring systems, such as App-based models, is an excellent initiative to reduce the impact of crop-destroying pests.
• Invest in building storage infrastructures (cold storage, warehouses) to reduce post-harvest loss.
• Assist with training programs that engage farmers in modern agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, organic farming and efficient fertiliser use.
• Establish farmer field schools and extension services to provide hands-on training and boost knowledge of best practices. Another initiative is to enhance training and resources for women farmers to develop productivity and sustainability.

Many ongoing projects and government initiatives are being taken to improve corn production. Inventors have the opportunity to participate in these. In 2018, the Gambian government began a flagship project to assist women farmers in the region, with funding from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The project focused on high-yield varieties of seeds, modern farm machinery, and new agricultural techniques. 75% of the people in Gambia work in the agriculture field. 

Gambia also exports maize to many countries. Guinea-Bissau is its top export partner, accounting for 71% of all exported maize. Mali is another significant importer, accounting for 10.6%. In addition, 6.92% of corn is exported to China. India imports 2.81% of Gambian maize. Senegal denies 1.58% of maize from Gambia.

Corn is an essential crop for the Gambia. It is vital to agriculture’s GDP, food security, and economic development. Despite these opportunities, the industry remains challenged by inconsistent rainfall, access to high-yield seeds, pests, and storage issues. This presents an opportunity for investors to make some of these issues a thing of the past. With the right investment in infrastructure, climate-resilient agriculture, modern farming methods and the power of women farmers. Corn has the potential to become a more sustainable and profitable component of Gambia’s economy. With government efforts, global assistance, and the opportunity to expand export volumes, the prospects for the corn sector in Gambia are promising.