THE GAMBIA – A key agricultural hub in West Africa, The Gambia, is seeing the effects of climate change hit small-scale farmers hard.
According to Sang Mendy, owner of SanTaZ Gambia, erratic weather patterns are creating tough conditions for crop production.
“Under normal circumstances, we’d be at the peak of the rain season, but there’s not enough rain yet. Gambian farmers used to enjoy heavy rains in August, but it seems that the situation has shifted to September, which most of us are not used to,” Mendy said.
Mendy emphasized how changing rainfall patterns are delaying the start of the vegetable season, which could lead to a drop in production.
He explained that the irregularity of the rains, coupled with extreme heat waves during the dry season, is devastating for crops.
“Excessive heat scorches plants. In recent years, the heat has worsened, and it’s difficult for us, small-scale farmers, to keep up. Greenhouses or even shades for crops remain too costly for us. We’re left with no choice but to switch to crops that can tolerate these new weather patterns,” Mendy added.
Traditionally, small-scale farmers in The Gambia produce peppers, garden eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cassava for local markets. However, the changing weather conditions are making it harder to cultivate these crops.
Mendy’s troubles don’t end with the climate. Recently, he lost a borehole pump and a solar panel to thieves. The incident occurred just as the rains were failing, resulting in a significant loss of vegetable plants for the upcoming season.
“I lost a large part of my crop this season because of the theft, and it’s only adding to the difficulties we’re already facing due to climate change,” he lamented.
Mendy believes that, despite these challenges, The Gambia has strong potential for agricultural success, thanks to its rich soil and proximity to the Gambia River.
However, he argues that small-scale farmers need more support to adapt to the changing climate. “The only way forward is to invest in greenhouse farming. We need greenhouses, irrigation equipment, and better access to loans from local banks. Local market supply depends on it.”
Agriculture, which makes up about 20% of The Gambia’s GDP and employs nearly half of its labor force, is a vital sector for the country’s economy.
Fresh produce, such as mangoes, bananas, groundnuts, sorghum, millet, corn, sesame, and cashews, are key crops that contribute to the country’s export earnings. The crop sub-sector generates approximately 40% of foreign exchange earnings and accounts for 75% of household income.
Mendy’s call for action aligns with the broader goals of the Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV), which is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to expand operations and modernize infrastructure.
These modernization efforts aim to make agriculture more resilient and sustainable, supporting farmers in adapting to the evolving climate conditions.
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