Risk assessment training in The Gambia is emerging as a cornerstone of national efforts to modernize food safety governance and align with Codex Alimentarius principles. Delivered under the GIRAV Project in collaboration with the Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA), this targeted initiative focused on risk ranking, sanitary risk assessment, and the development of science-based decision-making tools for priority value chains—rice, horticulture, cashew, and poultry.
Led by Dr. Blaise Ouattara, an internationally recognized expert in food safety systems and regulatory science, the training equipped FSQA’s Scientific Committee with practical methodologies for hazard identification, exposure assessment, and risk prioritization. Drawing on global best practices and regional insights, the program fostered a risk-based mindset essential for effective surveillance, resource allocation, and public health protection.
This blog post explores the objectives, structure, and outcomes of the training, while reflecting on its broader implications for institutional development, regional capacity building, and the advancement of food safety in West Africa.
Objectives of the Training
The risk assessment training in The Gambia was designed to reinforce the technical capacity of the FSQA Scientific Committee by embedding risk-based approaches into the country’s food safety governance framework. Moving beyond introductory objectives, the training delved into the nuanced challenges faced by food safety authorities in The Gambia. Participants explored real-world scenarios—such as evaluating risk factors unique to local value chains and interpreting complex exposure data—that demanded critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. The curriculum emphasized adaptive strategies for resource allocation and fostered an environment where interdisciplinary expertise could be leveraged to address evolving public health threats with agility and scientific rigor.
Grounded in Codex Alimentarius principles, the training introduced core concepts such as hazard identification, exposure assessment, and risk characterization, while emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence in regulatory decision-making. It also aimed to foster collaboration among committee members, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and harmonized approaches to risk prioritization. By aligning national practices with regional and international standards, the initiative contributed to broader efforts to enhance food safety capacity across West Africa.
Ultimately, the training sought to instill a risk-based mindset among participants, enabling them to apply these principles in their advisory roles, support FSQA’s strategic planning, and contribute to the development of national risk profiles with greater scientific rigor.
Regional Relevance and Strategic Alignment
The risk assessment training in The Gambia was not only a national milestone—it also reflected a growing regional commitment to harmonized, science-based food safety systems across West Africa. By aligning with Codex Alimentarius principles and leveraging methodologies recognized by international regulatory bodies, the training positioned FSQA to contribute more effectively to regional initiatives under ECOWAS and the African Union’s food safety frameworks.
The inclusion of priority value chains—rice, horticulture, cashew, and poultry—mirrored strategic agricultural sectors targeted for growth and export across the region. Moreover, the training supported The Gambia’s role in advancing risk-based governance, reinforcing its capacity to engage in cross-border dialogue, contribute to regional risk profiles, and participate in future harmonization efforts. This alignment strengthens not only national resilience but also regional food safety preparedness in the face of emerging hazards and trade demands.
This training also supports The Gambia’s compliance with the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, which requires member countries to base food safety measures on scientific principles and international standards such as Codex. By strengthening national capacity for risk assessment, FSQA is better positioned to justify regulatory decisions, facilitate safe trade, and engage in regional harmonization efforts under ECOWAS and AU frameworks.
Key Outcomes and Insights
The training delivered measurable improvements in both technical understanding and institutional cohesion. Participants gained hands-on experience in applying risk ranking matrices, conducting hazard prioritization, and interpreting exposure scenarios. These exercises fostered a deeper appreciation for the role of scientific evidence in regulatory decision-making and highlighted the importance of transparency and consistency in risk communication.
One of the most significant outcomes was the development of draft risk profiles for selected value chains, which will serve as foundational tools for FSQA’s future planning and surveillance activities. The training also revealed gaps in data availability and analytical capacity—insights that will inform future investments in laboratory infrastructure, inter-agency collaboration, and digital data systems.
Feedback from participants underscored the value of participatory learning and bilingual facilitation, which enhanced engagement and ensured accessibility across diverse professional backgrounds. The presence of Dr. Blaise Ouattara as lead trainer added depth and credibility, drawing on decades of experience in food safety risk assessment and regulatory capacity building.
Next Steps and Recommendations
To sustain momentum and institutionalize the gains from this training, several strategic actions are recommended. First, FSQA should formalize the use of risk ranking tools within its Scientific Committee workflows, integrating them into routine advisory processes and regulatory planning. Second, follow-up mentoring and technical support should be provided to reinforce skills and address identified gaps, particularly in data collection and analysis.
It is also recommended that FSQA engage with regional partners to share lessons learned and explore opportunities for joint training, peer review, and harmonized risk profiling. Investment in digital platforms for data management and risk communication will further enhance transparency and responsiveness. Finally, continued collaboration with international experts and institutions—such as through the GIRAV Project—will be essential to maintaining global alignment and accessing cutting-edge methodologies.
Conclusion
The risk assessment training in The Gambia represents a strategic leap toward more resilient, science-driven food safety systems. By equipping FSQA’s Scientific Committee with practical tools and internationally aligned methodologies, the initiative has laid the groundwork for improved public health protection, regulatory effectiveness, and regional leadership.
Led by Dr. Blaise Ouattara and supported by the GIRAV Project, this training exemplifies the power of targeted capacity building to transform institutional practices and foster a culture of evidence-based governance. As The Gambia continues to strengthen its food safety framework, the lessons and tools from this training will serve as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and impact—both nationally and across West Africa.
If you have questions about this training or would like to explore similar capacity-building initiatives in your country or institution, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out and share your needs, ideas, or interest in collaboration. Together, we can strengthen food safety systems across Africa and beyond.