Few years into the project, beneficiaries have spoken how the project has changed their lives with many venturing into gainful undertakings to transition from dependency to self-reliance.
From Fonis in the West Coast Region to far-flung communities in North Bank, Lower River, Central River and Upper River Regions, this ambitious project has bettered the lives of many families, thanks to its regular cash transfer services.
Funded by the World Bank, the initiative is being jointly implemented by the National Nutrition Agency (NANA), Department of Community Development, and Directorate of Social Welfare as part of The Gambia Resilience, Inclusion, Skills and Equity (RISE Project).
The initiative is targeting extremely poor households in the country with particular emphasis in rural households.
In essence, the project provides immediate universal cash transfer of D1,500 per month (2 transfers of D3,000) within a period of 4 months to about 83,000 households in 30 districts in these regions.
However, national statistics have indicated that huge disparities exist within The Gambia's population in accessing basic social protection services, coupled with social, cultural, economic and environmental risks that exacerbate this situation; and those most affected are the poor and vulnerable people.
The overall project, which seeks to contribute to the mitigation of the social and economic impact of COVID-19 on the population, is indeed life-changing as testified to by beneficiaries themselves.
Each beneficiary hailed the project as a life-changing one, in view of considerable changes it has on their lives. However, they appealed for the renewal of the project to help boost their undertakings for its sustainability.
What is even adoring about this project is that it allows beneficiaries to venture into activities that they so desire to enable them to boost their income. From agriculture, handicrafts to livestock management, we’ve seen beneficiaries venturing into so many areas that have greatly uplifted their respective families from dependency state to being self-reliant. That alone is amazing and worthy of emulation.
Also, it allows poor families to take care of their children’s education needs, something that poses a challenge to rural communities to allow their children to finish grade 12.
In addition, the overwhelming positive testimonies and feedback from beneficiaries and even communities is a testament to the viable and success of the initiative. Most recipients are spending the money wisely particularly on food items which is very important.
Now that many beneficiaries are appealing for the renewal of the project to enable them sustain their ongoing project. We call on beneficiaries to utilize the money or assets wisely.
Let them remember that in any undertaking, they should always plan for the future as projects are bound to phase out. And the NAFA cash transfer is not an exception.
We also commend the Word Bank, Government of The Gambia and their implementing partners for their foresight in mitigating the condition of rural poor in the country. Indeed, we are going through hard times and this support has greatly served as a beacon of hope that these poor communities relied on for some time now.