Exploring roads in the Gambia

A Logistics Capacity Assessment is a study of a country’s logistics infrastructure. They are designed to obtain information about a country’s or region’s food aid transportation infrastructure.

Roberto (HUB management and systems coordinator) and Thando (African Associate coordinator) were deployed from the 23rd of February till the 13th of March. Together with WFP they explored the capacity of subcontractors for transport by river, landing sites, and warehouse capacities when emergencies hit the Gambia. They also advised on quick wins and supply chain management from neighboring countries such as Senegal, Mali and Mauritania.

The study is essential for WFP. The organisation must be able to rapidly respond to emergencies and get food and aid supplies to as many people possible in a short timeframe. This study will help in reducing the overall response time in the delivery of food aid and decrease the cost of transportation during an emergency operation.

We found out that the Gambia has enormous logistics potential, huge unused storage capacity and two major roads separated by a navigable river full of wharfs. The only thing missing is a complete overview of this potential. Our assessment will hopefully help them to create one. – Roberto Occigano