The Soil Solution is hosting a delegation of students and faculty from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), led by Professor Andrew Blunk, for a week-long experiential learning and research visit in The Gambia from 8–16 March 2026.

The visit represents a significant milestone in expanding international academic collaboration between UDC, the University of The Gambia (UTG), and key institutions within the Gambian agrifood and environmental sector. It is also the first cohort of UDC students undertaking a structured academic study visit to The Gambia, marking the beginning of a growing partnership in student exchange, research collaboration, and knowledge co-creation.

Facilitated by The Soil Solution, the programme provides students with immersive field exposure to local agricultural systems, community-based food production, and emerging innovations in sustainable land management. The initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to bridging global academic knowledge with practical, community-based solutions in Africa’s agrifood systems.

Throughout the study programme, students are engaging with farmers, researchers, and local institutions to explore key themes including:

1. Soil health and land restoration.
2. Climate-resilient agriculture.
3. Food sovereignty and sustainable food systems.
4. Urban and peri-urban agriculture.
5. Indigenous ecological knowledge.
6. Community livelihoods and women-led farming initiatives.

One of the first field engagements took place at the Banjulinding Women’s Garden in the West Coast Region, a long-standing community farming initiative established in 1991/1992. The garden began with approximately 60 women farmers and has since expanded to nearly 150 members, operating under its own constitution and management system. Today, it remains an important example of community-driven agricultural development and women’s economic empowerment.

The delegation also visited the UTG Agricultural Farm in Faraba Banta, where senior agriculture lecturer Ebrima Njie introduced students to the concept of agro-voltaic farming systems an innovative approach that combines crop production with solar energy generation to improve land-use efficiency and climate resilience.

Another key stop was the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), the country’s leading agricultural research institution, where students engaged with scientists working to improve crop varieties, livestock systems, and horticultural productivity in The Gambia.

According to The Soil Solution, Executive Director, the visit highlights the growing importance of international knowledge exchange in addressing global challenges related to food systems, land degradation, and climate change.

By connecting universities, research institutions, and farming communities, The Soil Solution continues to position The Gambia as a living classroom for global agricultural learning and innovation.

The study programme will continue across several agricultural and community learning sites throughout the country, offering students hands-on exposure to farming systems, ecological restoration practices, and community-led development initiatives.