By Madiba Singhateh
The National Beekeepers Association of The Gambia (NBAG) held a project evaluation meeting on Wednesday, November 13, to assess the progress of the UNDP GEF Small Grant Program (SGP)-funded initiative titled “Building Resilience of Jokadou National Park Beneficiary Communities Affected by Climate Change and COVID-19.”
This 18-month project, worth $27,000, aims to enhance livelihoods and environment conservation by training 35 rural participants, primarily women and youth, in sustainable beekeeping. The beneficiaries hail from eight communities: Bali Mandinka, Bali Hali Hawa, Chisseh Majaw, Kerr Alhaji Karoo, Kerr Amadou Fayol, Kerr Gumbo, Ndrammeh Joka, and Sancha Malick.
The initiative focuses on utilizing the mangrove gallery forests and surrounding landscapes of Jokadou National Park, which have been degraded by mangrove cutting, honey hunting, and other activities, threatening biodiversity and honeybee populations.
Ismaila Sanyang, Deputy Governor of the North Bank Region, emphasized the project’s significance in addressing environmental and economic challenges.
“The mangroves, critical for fish and aquatic animals, have been threatened by activities such as tree cutting for honey hunting. This project introduces new skills that transform wastelands like saline-intruded mangrove swamps into productive beekeeping sites,” he said.
Sanyang noted that the project’s beekeeping activities would also deter cashew theft, as bee colonies act as natural protectors. He reported that 34 of the 70 distributed beehives (49%) are currently colonized, showing promising prospects for honey and wax production.
“This achievement aligns with GEF’s mandatory socioeconomic indicators, improving livelihoods and well-being for direct beneficiaries,” he added.
Kebba L. Jarju, the National Coordinator of the UNDP GEF Small Grant Program, commended NBAG for its efforts in implementing the project.
“The meeting was impressive. It’s encouraging to see the training outcomes and hear the consultant’s evaluation, which highlights both achievements and gaps. This feedback is essential for identifying what needs to be improved moving forward,” Jarju stated.
Buba Sowe, the project consultant, and Jeero Maane, NBAG’s Technical Adviser, provided detailed insights into the processes and progress of the project. NBAG Manager Siaka Manga and President Musa Gibba also attended the meeting, reaffirming the association’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success.
The evaluation underscores the potential of sustainable beekeeping to contribute to environmental restoration and economic empowerment in rural Gambian communities.
