Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a move aimed at modernizing The Gambia’s dairy sector, the government has procured 25 pregnant “Brown Swiss” cows and two bulls from France through ANIPL-Senegal, a breeder specializing in high milk-producing cattle and goats. The initiative falls under the Programme for Accelerated Community Development (PACD), a flagship project of the Barrow administration.

The fully government-funded project seeks to enhance local cattle productivity by making high-quality breeding stock more accessible to farmers. By introducing these superior breeds, the government hopes to improve milk production and strengthen the livestock sector’s contribution to the national economy.

During an inspection of the newly acquired cattle at the West Africa Livestock Innovation Centre (WALIC), President Adama Barrow expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. He noted that the initiative, currently in its trial stage, is expected to drive meaningful progress in the livestock industry and reinforce economic growth.

The President further disclosed that the cattle will be distributed to master farmers—those with the expertise, skills, and resources to rear them successfully. This approach aims to ensure the sustainable development of the dairy sector and promote modern livestock-rearing practices across the country.

The PACD, launched in April 2020, is a Gambian government initiative implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in coordination with the Department of Strategic Policy and Delivery (DSPD) under the Ministry of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination, and Delivery. The program is part of broader efforts to revitalize The Gambia’s cattle industry and improve agricultural productivity.