The Government of The Gambia, through the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) and its partners, has extended the Nafa cash transfer programme to communities in the Greater Banjul Area, marking another milestone in the country’s social protection efforts.
The expansion builds on the success of earlier phases of the initiative under the Gambia RISE Project, which targets vulnerable households nationwide. Officials say the programme aims to ease economic hardship while promoting household well-being through regular cash transfers and social behaviour change communication activities.
Relief for Families Facing Challenges
Mafugi Jawara, Senior Nutrition Field Officer for the West Coast Region, confirmed that 46 households are expected to be enrolled in the current exercise. Despite minor challenges with phone numbers and personal information, he expressed satisfaction with the progress.
“We have gone far. As of now, we have been able to register about five to six out of the 46 households, though we are just starting for the day. We hope to complete all registrations before the end of the day,” Jawara said.
He noted that mobility within Kombo sometimes complicates the process, as beneficiaries may relocate between communities.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
For many families, the programme represents timely support. Abdou Bah, one of the newly enrolled beneficiaries, described the intervention as a lifeline ahead of the rainy season. “I am truly grateful for this support. I believe this will make a great impact on us and our families,” he said.
Mariama Jallow, another beneficiary, welcomed the inclusion of urban settlements. She plans to invest part of the funds into petty trading to sustain her household. “This project will help my family a lot. I want to use part of the money to start a small business so that I can continue supporting my family even in the future,” she explained.
Building Long-Term Resilience
From Youna Village, the registration team proceeded to Kachumeh Village, where 25 households were identified. Beneficiaries there also expressed optimism about the programme’s impact. Amadou Fatty of Kachumeh Tumbukutu Village said the support would enable him to invest in livestock rearing and gardening, helping his family remain self-reliant beyond the programme.
Community Health Nurse Famara Jarju emphasized that the initiative offers hope to households struggling with economic and environmental challenges.
Strengthening Social Protection Nationwide
With its latest expansion, the Nafa project is expected to widen its reach and strengthen support for vulnerable communities across The Gambia. For many families, the programme is more than financial assistance—it is a pathway to resilience and sustainability.
