10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Rural-urban youth migration presents a critical challenge to agricultural sustainability and food security in The Gambia, particularly in the Central River Region South (CRR-South). This study assesses the effects of youth out-migration on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and food output in CRR-South, a region identified as a priority area for climate resilience interventions. Drawing on recent project data from the RICAR initiative, EU-funded agroecology programs, and migration studies conducted between 2022-2026, the research employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis of agricultural output indicators with qualitative interviews of remaining farming households. Findings indicate that youth out-migration has reduced the agricultural labor force by an estimated 40-60% in affected communities, directly constraining the adoption of labor-intensive sustainable practices such as agroecology and ecosystem-based adaptation. However, emerging evidence shows that targeted interventions—including climate-smart enterprise grants (D150,000-D195,000), Farmer Field Schools, and cereal banking systems—have enabled some returnees and remaining youth to establish sustainable ventures that create local employment. The study identifies a paradox: while migration depletes rural labor, remittances and return migration with acquired skills can facilitate investment in sustainable intensification. Policy implications include the need for youth-friendly agricultural financing, secure land tenure systems, and rural infrastructure development to make agriculture a viable livelihood option for young Gambians.