06 March 2024, Banjul- In the North Bank Region of Gambia, the struggle against deforestation is a pressing issue, with devastating consequences for both the environment and local communities. Over the years, the region has witnessed a significant decline in tree cover, including erratic rainfall patterns and exacerbating the effects of climate change. According to the Global Forest Watch, North Bank lost 58 hectares of tree cover from 2001 to 2022, contributing to a 7.0% decrease since 2000 and emitting 28.0 kilotons of Carbon Dioxide emissions. This loss of vegetation not only disrupts local ecosystems but also threatens the livelihoods of communities dependent on forest resources for their sustenance.
However, amidst these challenges, the Forest Farm Facility (FFF), supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has come to the rescue, collaborating with key partners such as the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Agricore, the FFF is dedicated to restoring the region’s depleted forest cover and promoting climate-resilient landscapes.
One such initiative is the North Bank Tree Nursery Garden. Supported by the FFF, this Association plays a crucial role in nurturing tree seedlings and distributing them to individuals and communities eager to participate in afforestation efforts. Through training programs on nursery setup and the distribution of fruit and timber trees to community forests.
“The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization and local organizations like the North Bank Tree Nursery Garden exemplifies the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change towards sustainable forestry practices and climate resilience.” Ramatoulie Bah, a member of the association remarked.
FFF aims to empower local stakeholders to take proactive measures in combating deforestation and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. The initiative’s efforts are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for the North Bank Region and beyond, something which Lang Conteh, Secretary-General of the North Tree Nursery Association attested to.
Ceesay emphasized thar their “Commitment to promoting afforestation as a vital strategy for mitigating the impacts of climate change is unwavering. Through such we are empowering communities to become stewards of their own environment.”
In the previous year, the association distributed 3000 fruit and timber trees to four communities within the region. The performance of these trees has been promising, with healthy growth and development noted. As awareness spreads among the populace about the critical role of reforestation in maintaining adequate rainfall, the demand for additional trees has surged significantly. It is evident that communities are increasingly recognizing the necessity of replenishing woodlands and forests to safeguard against environmental degradation and ensure sustainable water resources for the future.
The FAO Forest Farm Facility is committed to supporting for the like-minded associations in the Gambia. A case in point is a training organized to empower the membership of the association with the requisite knowledge to grow and nurture trees. Through the collaborative efforts of the FAO Forest Farm Facility initiative and local communities, strides are being made to restore degraded landscapes and foster climate resilience. With training, resources, and determination, FFF partners stand united in their commitment to safeguarding forests for future generations.
