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 rainfall and rising temperatures are increasing salt levels in the soil, which limits crop productivity. In addition, warmer conditions have led to shifts in pest and disease patterns, with farmers reporting earlier and more frequent infestations that threaten their harvests.
To better understand these impacts, I spoke with two Gambian gardeners—Isatou Saidy from New Jeshwang and Jarra from Ebo Town—who shared their firsthand experiences.
Isatou Saidy:
“The rains no longer come when expected. Sometimes they start late or stop early, which makes it hard to know the right time to plant my millet and groundnuts. When heavy rains come suddenly, they flood my fields and destroy young plants. But the warmer weather has allowed me to try growing vegetables like okra that need more heat. Still, the dry spells make watering difficult, and I worry about the soil losing its nutrients.”
Jarra:
“I have seen more pests and diseases this year than before, probably because of the heat. Water is scarce during the long dry season, so I use mulching to keep moisture in the soil. These changes have forced me to learn new ways to protect my crops and keep the soil healthy.”
Both women emphasized that while climate change presents challenges—such as unpredictable rainfall, soil salinity, and increased pests—it also encourages innovation and adaptation. Their experiences highlight the resilience of Gambian farmers and the urgent need for continued support to help them respond to a changing climate.
Addressing these issues requires targeted efforts to assist farmers in adjusting planting calendars, managing soil salinity, and improving pest control. With sustained support and adaptation strategies, Gambian agriculture can build resilience to climate variability and continue to feed communities despite the pressures of a warming world.
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