Socio-Economic Empowerment Programmes Among Female Smallholder Farmers in The Gambia: A Comparative Analysis Over Two Years

Socio-economic empowerment programmes have been implemented to improve the livelihoods of female smallholder farmers in The Gambia, with a focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and income stability. A mixed-method approach was employed, including surveys, interviews with programme participants and stakeholders, and qualitative assessments of project implementation effectiveness. In Year One, there was a notable increase in average crop yield by 15% compared to baseline data, while Year Two saw a steady improvement in income levels among participating farmers, increasing by approximately 20 percent. The findings suggest that consistent support and tailored interventions are crucial for sustained socio-economic improvements among female smallholder farmers in The Gambia. Further research should explore the long-term impacts of these programmes on community resilience and sustainability. Policy recommendations include scaling up successful initiatives and addressing structural barriers to participation. Female Farmers, Smallholders, Socio-Economic Empowerment, Agricultural Development, Programme Outcomes