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Youth, climate change, local actions and strategies for adaptation in the Gambia
Thursday, 10 February 2011 21:15
Paper presented by Ebrima S. Dem, NAYCONF 2010, December 22nd, 2010, Paradise suite Hotel
What is climate change?
Climate change can be define as a change in the "average weather" that a given region experiences. This weather pattern includes temperature, wind patterns and precipitation. When we speak of climate change on a global scale, we are referring to changes in the climate of the Earth as a whole. The rate and magnitude of the global climate changes over the long term have many implications for natural ecosystems and human survival.
The change in the climate can be cause by nature but mainly by human activities. As human societies adopt increasingly sophisticated and mechanized lifestyles, the amounts of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere have been increased. By increasing the amount of these gases, humankind has enhanced the warming capability of the natural greenhouse effect. It is the human-induced enhanced greenhouse effect that causes environmental concern. It has the potential to warm the planet at a rate that has never been experienced in human history.
Effects and impacts of climate change in the Gambia
The Gambia despite contributing less in release of pollutants (GHG), that scientist said is the main causes of climate change; the country is experiencing one the greatest impact of climate change. This includes:
Flooding: Two severe flood episodes occurred in the country in 1996 in Basse and the 1998 in CRD. There was also serious flooding in 2010 in parts of the Greater Banjul Areas (Banjul and KMC), leading to lost properties, damaging buildings among others. Though this flooding is attributed to the amount of rain fall recorded this year, it can also be due to climate change and the topography of the land-many communities in this area are less than 1 meter above sea level. This means, heavy rains can easily trigger flash floods causing inundation of streets and homes.
Salt intrusion and sea level rise. The movement of salt water into fresh water is damaging rice fields, mainly in central river region (CRR) and other rice growing areas in the country. This has serious effect on food productivity, quality and quantity in the country and hence threatening our national food self sufficiency objective. The alarming rate at which we lost our arable rice fields has the tendency to aggravate the level poverty in the country there by moving the country away from realised the objective of millennium development goals.
Sea level rise
This is causing serious coastal erosion in island villages and coastal towns in the country. In fat the city of Banjul which is few meters above sea level is facing a serious treat from the Atlantic Ocean.
Rainfall pattern
Currently the country is realising less amount of rainfall within short period unlike before when the rainfall was spread evenly for a long period. Due to this, local farmers can not grow certain variety of crops. This is seriously reducing the amount food in the country since most of our farmers depend on rainfall for their farming.
Temperature Rise-increase in temperature and humidity can cause increases in the prevalence of diseases such as malaria since mosquitoes strive well in humid environment. Also, during dry season, the Hammattan wind carrying dust and other soil particles also causes respiratory diseases such as asthma. The increase in temperature can also reduced the amount fish and hence affects local diets.
Why is the Gambia vulnerable to climate change?
The Gambia is particularly vulnerable to climate change because of the existing pressures on its ecosystems and its low capacity to adapt. Our vulnerability could be attributed to number of other factors such as:
Geographical Location-the Gambia is located in the drought stricken Sahel region. It is about 30 miles (48 kilometres) wide along the coast, narrowing to 15 miles (24 kilometres) at its eastern border. This geopolitical location of the country has made it increasingly vulnerable to natural disaster during the last three decades.
Economic situation- the country is classified as Least Developed Country. This means, we do not have enough resource to ensure effective mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
Topography of the land- in the Gambia, the land is generally low line with just few meters above sea level. Due to this even rainfall at certain amount can cause inundation.
Dependent on rain-fed for farming-Most of the farmers in the country depend on the rain fall for their farming. This is preventing them from venturing into large scale mechanised farming that requires water for an all year round.
Why is it important to engage youth in climate change solutions in the Country?
Up to 60% of the Gambian population are young people many of whom are participating actively in national development. Thus, we are convinced that we can never achieve climate solution if more than half of our population-the youth- are not involved in discussion and discision regarding climate change.
Young people represent the future generation of decision makers, who will bear most the brunt of the negative impacts of climate change
Young people are energetic, creative, and enthusiastic and committed in participating in climate change solutions.
Youth local Climate Actions
Young people in the Gambia have been doing lot in climate change solutions. This includes:
Tree planting. Many youth organisations embark on tree planting annually. The thousands of trees planted by young people serve as effective carbon sink. It supports our national efforts on REDD+ and at the same time a form afforestation strategy.
Climate education and awareness rising- one of the key elements to reduce the impact of climate change is awareness creation. Many youth groups in the Gambia are actively participation in rising awareness and promoting public participation on climate actions in the form of radio advocacy, quiz, youth fora and peer-to-peer education.
They are also participating effectively in the international climate movement.
Young people in the Gambia are also involved in practical approaches to climate change solution such as coastal clean up campaigns, among others.
Challenges Encountered by Youths in their to make a change in climate change
Youth access to information is low, or some cases absent.
Non inclusion of young people in the development of national strategies for sustainable development and decision-making process.
Young people continues to be fragmented into small groups, each doing action in their own way.
Inadequate financial support to youth-led climate action projects
Little or no recognition of young people efforts on climate change issues.
Way forward and conclusion
Young people should engage in discussion and discussion regarding climate change at local and national level
Climate education should be included in National education curricula at levels
Adequate funding should be provided to young people to carry out Non formal education on climate change
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