Access to land, affordable finance, markets and supportive legislation dominated discussions on Friday as young farmers, parliamentarians, government officials and development partners gathered for a landmark national retreat aimed at placing young people at the centre of The Gambia's agrifood transformation. He described youth empowerment in agriculture as a national development imperative, saying the country's youthful population represents its greatest asset. She said the retreat provides an opportunity for young people to influence policies instead of remaining mere beneficiaries of development programs. Executive Director of the National Youth Council, Alagie Jarju, urged lawmakers to ensure concerns raised during the retreat are translated into legislation and government action. "Youth are no longer treated as a constituency to support politically; you are recognised as partners in transforming Africa's agrifood systems," he said.