Reference Date: 22-September-2026

Generally favourable performance of 2026 seasonal rains

Planting of the 2026 coarse grain and rice crops was completed in July. The June‑October rainy season had an erratic start in several producing areas, with rainfall deficits from mid‑June to mid‑July delaying planting operations and hampering crop germination. Replanting was reported in southeastern parts of the Central River Region. However, improved weather conditions from late July through early September supported crop recovery. According to satellite‑based indicators, vegetation conditions were average to above average across the country as of early September.

Weather forecasts for September and October 2026 indicate a high likelihood of near‑average rainfall amounts across the country, which are expected to support crop development.

To mitigate the impact of high international fertilizer prices amid global supply chain disruptions, the government maintained subsidized fertilizer prices at the previous‑year’s level for the 2026 cropping season. Additional support measures included the distribution of free organic fertilizer and the provision of rice and maize seeds. Together, these interventions are expected to bolster cereal production in 2026.

In March 2026, FAO, the Government of the Republic of the Gambia and the Government of the People's Republic of China launched the 24‑month project Sustainable Rice and Millet Food Systems Transformation in The Gambia Through South‑South Cooperation with the People’s Republic of
China , aimed at addressing the country’s heavy dependence on imported rice and the insufficient production of millet to meet domestic food needs. Project activities include promoting the use of improved varieties and providing training in climate‑smart production practices, which are expected to support rice and millet production in 2026.

Cereal output in 2025 estimated at above‑average level

The 2025 aggregate cereal production is officially estimated at about 135 000 tonnes, approximately 20 percent above the five‑year average. The good output reflects generally favourable weather conditions and the implementation of government support measures, including the provision of improved seeds and subsidized fertilizers, as well as access to ploughing machinery. These measures supported both higher yields and an expansion in the area planted. In addition, elevated food prices prompted households to increase production for their own consumption.

Prices of cereals near or below year‑earlier values in July 2026

Retail prices of imported rice, the most widely consumed cereal in the country, declined by 10 to 15 percent between April and July 2026 across monitored markets. In July, prices were up to 15 percent below their high levels of a year earlier. In contrast, prices of locally produced maize and millet remained broadly stable over the same period and, in July 2026, were generally unchanged from a year earlier.

About 262 000 people acutely food insecure during 2026 lean season

According to the latest available Cadre Harmonisé (CH) analysis, about 262 000 people (11 percent of the analysed population) were estimated to face severe acute food insecurity (CH Phase 3 [Crisis] and above) during the June to August 2026 lean season, including more than 4 500 people in CH Phase 4 (Emergency). This represents a slight deterioration compared with the corresponding period in 2025, when nearly 244 000 people (10 percent of the analysed population) were estimated to be in CH Phase 3 (Crisis) and above.

The increase in acute food insecurity was mainly driven by low household purchasing power and the adverse impact of localized dry spells, floods and bushfires in 2025 on livelihoods.

Disclaimer: The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

This brief was prepared using the following data/tools:
FAO/GIEWS Country Cereal Balance Sheet (CCBS) https://www.fao.org/giews/data-tools/en/ .

FAO/GIEWS Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Tool https://fpma.fao.org/ .

FAO/GIEWS Earth Observation for Crop Monitoring https://www.fao.org/giews/earthobservation/ .

Cadre Harmonisé (CH) https://www.cadreharmonise.org/ .