The Gambia takes a major step towards sustainable farming with new Organic Fertiliser Standard

On Monday 16 March, The Gambia marked an important step towards sustainable agriculture with the launch of work to develop a National Organic Fertiliser Product Standard. The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources.

The ceremony brought together key partners including the Ambassador of the European Union to The Gambia, Imma Roca i Cortés, alongside other representatives including from WasteAid.

The new standard will define what qualifies as organic fertiliser in The Gambia. It will set clear rules for quality, safety, labelling and performance. These measures will help ensure that organic fertilisers are safe for the environment, suitable for farming and reliable for producers and farmers alike.

By introducing a national product standard, the initiative will strengthen confidence in organic fertilisers and support farmers to access safe and dependable agricultural inputs. The standard will also support the growth of a market for locally produced organic fertilisers made from organic waste.

The work forms part of the Civil Society Green Advocacy for Organic Fertilisers initiative. The programme manages five grants funded by the European Union that support projects focused on improving soil health, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and advancing the circular economy.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Imma Roca i Cortés said:

“Today’s agreement represents an important milestone. For the first time in The Gambia, a national standard for organic fertilisers is being developed. Standards help ensure that farmers receive products that are safe, reliable and effective. This supports sustainable agricultural practices and improves quality for consumers.”

The standard will be developed by The Gambia Standards Bureau, the national body responsible for creating standards for products, services and systems. The process will involve collaboration with government agencies, research institutions, civil society organisations and private sector stakeholders.

Through this partnership, the organisations aim to establish a strong national standard that aligns with international and regional frameworks. The standard will help improve soil health, strengthen environmental protection and support long-term agricultural productivity in The Gambia.

Lamin Sangyang, WasteAid’s Country Manager in The Gambia, said: “This initiative represents a significant milestone for The Gambia. Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and a key source of livelihood for many Gambians. At the same time, the country faces growing challenges related to soil fertility, increasing waste generation, and the need for more sustainable farming practices.

“Organic fertiliser offers a practical solution to many of these challenges. By transforming organic waste into valuable agricultural inputs, we can improve soil health, increase crop productivity, and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in dumpsites. However, for this sector to grow and gain the confidence of farmers, consumers, and investors, clear and reliable standards are essential.”