In 2020, as part of UNDP’s global response to the pandemic, the Gabon Country Office mobilized $1.5M to foster a green economy by strengthening capacity and resilience of small agricultural businesses.

At present, Gabon’s food production meets 40% of its needs despite its large agricultural potential. According to UNDP's July 2020 COVID-19 Socio-Economic Impact Study, the pandemic has deepened food insecurity and caused a rise in prices due to border closures and restrictions on domestic travel. UNDP’s Rapid Financing Facility (RFF) project entitled "Strengthening Food Security and Women and Youth Employment via the Promotion of an Inclusive Green Value Chain for Post-COVID 19 Recovery" is focused on the Estuaire and Ogooué-Maritime provinces. The project will provide small businesses access to larger markets in Libreville and Port-Gentil.

As such, UNDP is targeting 200 women and 100 young small business owners to:

• establish an investment loan mechanism dedicated to sustainable agriculture and processing activities;

• develop a digital platform linking actors across the value chain in partnership with cell phone operators ;

• train beneficiaries in the use of new technologies;

• facilitate access to climate information and innovations in food production and processing;

• raise awareness on the use of clean energy and organise waste collection systems.

     Lastly, the RFF project aims to boost the agricultural sector in a sustainable manner allowing Gabon to reduce its dependence on food imports.

For more information, contact the National Project Coordinator Diane Mbadinga - diane.mbadinga@undp.org