They claim that since the launch of the Nafa cash transfer program, it has effectively enabled them to engage in various rewarding initiatives at the household level.
Beneficiaries expressed these remarks during the recently concluded World Bank Nafa bi-monthly cash transfer program, which is executed by the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare (DSW) and the Department of Community Development (DCD). This initiative is part of The Gambia Resilience, Inclusion, Skills, and Equity (RISE) project.
The project, a collaborative effort between the World Bank and The Gambia government, aims to establish a solid foundation for sustainable livelihoods for the impoverished and vulnerable populations.
The Nafa program, a key component of the RISE initiative, is currently being implemented in the 20 most disadvantaged districts. It offers bi-monthly cash transfers of D3000 along with behavioral change activities to approximately 17,000 extremely poor households (beneficiary households) over a duration of 36 months.
In an interview with The Point during a cash disbursement program held at Jimbala Kerr Mailck village in Central River Region-North, Chebou Jallow shared that the project has significantly transformed her life and that of her family.
According to her, the Nafa project's intervention empowered her to explore gardening, allowing her to generate income from her harvest, saying: “Since we began receiving this support, we were advised not to spend all the money. Instead, I chose to invest in gardening and used part of the funds to purchase food items.”
Mrs Jallow also praised her husband for standing by her side in her endeavors.
In Brikama-Ba, Kolleh Jallow, a notable beneficiary, shared her inspiring story of starting a small poultry farm, adding: “I utilised a portion of the funds not only to nurture my business, but also to provide for her family's needs.”
She urged the World Bank and the Gambian government to ensure the continuation of the project, while also expressing gratitude to NaNA and other partners for the invaluable educational sessions they provide in the realm of Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC).
Other beneficiaries who spoke to our reporter at various payment points voiced similar sentiments regarding the impact of the project.
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