By Fatou Dahaba
President Adama Barrow on Monday launched the National Land Policy 2026-2035 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to overhaul land administration, curb conflicts, and promote equitable access to one of The Gambia’s most contested resources.
The comprehensive ten-year framework, developed through extensive nationwide consultations, aims to address long-standing challenges in land governance, including weak institutional coordination, insecure tenure rights, and growing disputes over land use amid rapid urbanization and population growth.
“This policy is a testament to our commitment to addressing land governance challenges and ensuring that every voice is heard,” President Barrow declared during the launch ceremony. “It’s not just about land; it’s about building a future together where everyone has access to resources that are vital for their livelihoods.”
The policy is structured around seven interconnected chapters that cover access to land, land-use planning, tenure security, dispute resolution, and the management of special land issues, including coastal zones and customary lands. It places particular emphasis on protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including youth, women, and marginalized communities.
A key innovation is the creation of a National Land Policy Implementation Unit, which will coordinate the rollout of an action plan and mobilize both domestic and international resources over the next three years. The unit is expected to foster collaboration among government ministries, local authorities, traditional leaders, and development partners.
Massaneh Landing Ceesay, representative of the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA), praised the policy’s unifying potential. “This policy stands out because it brings us together around a common understanding of how land should be managed and used,” Ceesay said. “It provides a clear and fair framework to prevent land-related conflicts, protect rights, and ensure that land serves the collective interest of all Gambians.”
Abdou Touray, the local consultant who led the policy formulation process, underscored its inclusive nature. “The process was not only participatory but highly inclusive of all concerned Gambians,” he said. “We incorporated feedback from communities across the country, as well as international consultants, ensuring alignment with the African Union’s Declaration on Land Issues and Challenges in Africa and other global best practices.”
The launch comes at a critical time for The Gambia, where land disputes have fueled tensions between farmers, urban developers, and investors, particularly along the rapidly developing Atlantic coast. Supporters argue that the policy will help reduce conflicts, attract sustainable investment, and support national priorities such as food security, climate resilience, and economic diversification.
President Barrow described the document as “a roadmap for justice, stability, and sustainable development,” adding: “Together, we will ensure that land is managed responsibly and that it contributes to the prosperity of all Gambians.”
The policy’s adoption follows years of advocacy by civil society groups, traditional authorities, and international partners, who have long called for a modernized, transparent land governance system that balances customary rights with the demands of a growing economy.
Officials say implementation will begin immediately, with an initial focus on capacity-building for local land committees, record digitization, and public awareness campaigns. The government has already secured initial funding commitments from development partners to support the first phase of the rollout.
The launch of the National Land Policy 2026-2035 is widely seen as a pivotal step toward aligning The Gambia’s land governance with national development goals and international standards, offering hope for a more equitable and conflict-free future for the nation’s 2.5 million people.
