Skip to main content

A Growing Disaster Threat for The Gambia

 By: ROHEY NGUM

A Growing Disaster Threat for The Gambia

Poor environmental keeping can contribute to climate change, pollution, and poor land use intensify global warming and increase disaster risks." 

The Gambia is facing escalating threats from climate change, as rising sea levels and extreme weather events increase the risk of disasters nationwide. The frequency and intensity of these disasters have grown significantly, with the Banjul flood serving as a stark example of the devastating consequences. Climate-related challenges such as rising sea levels, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather have heightened the country’s vulnerability to flooding, drought, and coastal erosion. These impacts not only endanger lives and livelihoods but also jeopardize the nation’s development efforts.



The flash flood of 2022 exposed Banjul’s vulnerability as an island city and highlighted the critical importance of involving local stakeholders in major development projects, such as the Banjul Project. A lack of proper consultation with the Banjul City Council—an institution with valuable expertise in the city’s drainage system—was a key factor contributing to the disaster. The sealing of a major canal and inadequate pumping infrastructure worsened the flooding.


Flood exposed Banjul’s vulnerability as an island city

“Scientific research has shown that Banjul faces the risk of losing more than 15% of its land by 2050 if precautionary measures are not taken,” said Mr. Njie, a resident of Banjul.

The flood led to water contamination, property damage, and exposed the economic fragility of the Banjul community. It underscored the urgent need for early warning systems and data-driven decision-making by institutions such as the National Disaster Management Agency.

“As a concerned resident, I appreciate Banjul’s efforts to plant trees in wetlands, the inner city, and along the beach as part of its mitigation strategies,” Mr. Njie added.

In response to these growing threats, The Gambia is implementing a comprehensive climate strategy. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable land management practices, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through international cooperation and financial support.

Comments

Ifeoma Ndefo said…
I hope the authorities respond fast
Tuesday, 01 July, 2025
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

From Classrooms to Communities: Gambian Schools Tackling Climate Change Together

  School in the Age of Climate Chaos By: Victoria Chizoba Okwuanalu A 2024 World Bank report reveals a startling reality: students in low-income countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa, lose an average of 18 school days each year due to extreme weather events. This growing crisis is a warning sign that climate change is quietly but drastically disrupting education across vulnerable nations. In The Gambia, this challenge hits home. The Gambia’s Education System Under Threat Fig 1: Catastrophic Storm in Central River Region had a hit on  Dobang Kunda Lower Basic School. Source https://www.gambiarising.org/crr-storm-fund.html For Gambian children, climate change is not an abstract future problem; it is a daily obstacle. Floods, searing heat waves, and violent storms have become regular disruptors of school attendance and learning. These extreme weather events cause school closures, destroy infrastructure, and create unsafe conditions that prevent children f...
Post a Comment
Read more

Climate Change and Agriculture in The Gambia

 By: NYIMA SONKO Climate Change and Agriculture: Sowing Solutions for a Warming World.   In The Gambia, climate change is directly impacting agricultural production by disrupting rainfall patterns, increasing soil salinity, and altering pest dynamics. As these environmental shifts threaten food security, Gambian farmers are finding ways to adapt in order to maintain crop yields and sustain their livelihoods. Agriculture in The Gambia relies heavily on rain-fed systems, with a short rainy season that is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Changes in the timing and intensity of rainfall are making it difficult for farmers to determine when to plant and harvest staple crops such as millet, sorghum, maize, rice, and groundnuts. Erratic rains can lead to flooding, washing away seeds or young seedlings, while prolonged dry spells cause soil moisture stress and degradation. Soil salinization is also becoming a major concern, especially in lowland rice-growing areas. Reduced r...
Post a Comment
Read more