This manuscript reports results of our study to characterize the historical
developments of agricultural practices in The Gambia and related health risks of farm
workers. It surveys the various factors that shape production agriculture in the country
and examines the degrees to which hand tools, animal traction, motorized traction and
manual labour all contribute to the inherent hazards of farm work. The principal
objective of this study is to lay the ground work for detailed research of occupational
health hazards in Gambian agriculture; and development of policies and programmes to
promote the health of Gambian farmers. The authors of this paper assume the belief that
one must first understand the industry and its people before effective policies and
programmes can be developed. The study concludes by highlighting the need for the
integration of epidemiological investigations in the country’s agricultural research
programme