The Global Youth Innovation Network (GYIN) Gambia Chapter, in collaboration with the Gambian-German Advisory Centre for Jobs, Training, and Reintegration (GGAC), proudly announced the successful implementation of a transformative 5-day training programme on “Agro-Food Processing and Digital Skills for Income Generation.” Held from the 11th to the 15th of December, 2023, in Mansakonko, Lower River Region (LRR), this initiative targeted women, youth, and migrant returnees, aiming to equip them with essential skills to establish agri-food businesses and generate sustainable income.
With the objective of addressing changing consumption needs and fostering economic empowerment, the training program was meticulously designed to provide participants with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in agro-food processing techniques. Through a series of workshops, demonstrations, and interactive sessions, beneficiaries were introduced to various aspects of food processing, including preservation methods, value addition, and market linkage strategies.
Selected from different regions across the country, 25 enthusiastic participants eagerly engaged in the training, demonstrating a strong commitment to harnessing their entrepreneurial potential and contributing to the agricultural value chain. By leveraging digital skills and innovative approaches, the programme sought to enhance participants’ capacity to leverage technology for business development, market research, and financial management.
This initiative formed part of the broader Global Programme Centres for Migration and Development (ZME), commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MOTIE) in The Gambia, the “ZME/GGAC” project underscored a commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods and facilitating the successful reintegration of migrant returnees into their communities.
The partnership between GYIN Gambia and GGAC exemplifies a shared vision of promoting youth and women’s economic empowerment, harnessing the transformative potential of agro-food processing to create inclusive and resilient communities. As the successful completion of this training programme is celebrated, the organizations remain steadfast in their dedication to supporting the aspirations and aspirations of Gambian youth, women, and migrant returnees, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all.