The FSIH Project (sponsored by MRDF) was designed to improve the livelihoods of Gambian farmers particularly in the North Bank Region of The Gambia. The project focuses on improving horticultural marketing strategies, promoting fair trade and discouraging the use of middle men which reduces profits for growers. Close attention is also paid to providing improved techniques that will that will provide higher quality and greater diversification of products.

40% of the vegetables needed by the hotel and tourism industry in The Gambia are imported from foreign countries. It has also been realized that growers lack the information and knowledge to make strategic and beneficial business plans that will reduce the excess of vegetables during the wet season and provide for enough vegetables during the off season. It is the aim of this program to help rural farmers benefit by meeting the demand of the lucrative tourism and hotel industry by providing quality trainings on marketing and off season vegetable production.