Almost 40% of Gambians report intensified droughts and flooding, with many adjusting their agricultural practices and daily lives in response. Awareness of climate change is high, with overwhelming support for governmental and international action to mitigate these effects. Agriculture, crucial for the Gambia’s economy, faces significant threats from changing weather patterns, emphasizing the need for urgent adaptation strategies.
Recent surveys indicate that a significant 38% of Gambians perceive an increase in drought intensity over the past decade, while 37% report worsening flooding and 33% experience more frequent crop failures. Many individuals have made lifestyle adjustments in response to these climate changes, including adapting their agricultural practices. These modifications reflect a heightened awareness among rural and economically disadvantaged populations compared to urban counterparts, with 35% changing their crop selections and 30% rescheduling outdoor work due to these climatic shifts.
Awareness of climate change is prevalent, with 68% of Gambians acknowledging its existence. Among this group, a substantial 67% assess that climate change worsens life in the Gambia. The majority attribute climate change to human activities (61%) or a mixture of human and natural factors (19%). There is urgent public demand for climate action, with 76% urging the Gambian government and 81% insisting that wealthier nations provide assistance. Respondents recognize their government (50%) and industries (21%) as primary agents responsible for mitigating the impact of climate change.
Gambians support various proactive government strategies, including increased pressure on developed countries for assistance (83%), investment in climate-resilient infrastructure (82%), promotion of renewable wind and solar energy sources (77%), and banning deforestation practices for fuel (66%). Despite notable vulnerability to climate impacts, many African nations, including the Gambia, face challenges in executing effective adaptation strategies, as highlighted by the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative ranking the Gambia 151st in climate readiness.
Agriculture, contributing nearly 25% to Gambia’s GDP and employing 46% of the labor force, faces severe threats from climate change, impacting food security and livelihoods. The 2024 rainy season has been particularly challenging, with unpredictable rainfall patterns leading to extensive flooding and consequential human casualties. Experts warn that the ongoing climate-related challenges require immediate intervention to avert further detrimental effects on the Gambia’s economy and its inhabitants.
Conducted as part of Afrobarometer’s Round 10 survey, the findings underscore the urgent need for adaptation strategies as many Gambians navigate worsening drought, flooding, and agricultural challenges, emphasizing the necessity for both local and international support.
The Gambia confronts significant climate-related challenges, evidenced by the widespread acknowledgment of deteriorating weather conditions affecting agriculture and livelihoods. A robust call for urgent climate action underscores the need for both local and global responses to assist affected populations. As the agricultural sector, vital to the economy, faces increasing threats, proactive strategies are essential to mitigate future risks and ensure food security, suggesting a collaborative effort is necessary to combat climate change effectively in the region.
Original Source: allafrica.com
