Life-Changing: CRR Beneficiaries Hail Nafa Cash Transfer Under RISE Project

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By Ndey Sowe

Beneficiaries of the Nafa Cash Transfer Program in the Central River Region (CRR) North and South have described the initiative as transformative and empowering, praising it for significantly improving their livelihoods and providing them with renewed hope for the future.

As the bi-monthly distribution continues across the country, recipients in CRR say the program has not only elevated their financial standing but also allowed them to save for emergencies — a reality they previously could not imagine.

“This project is life-changing for us,” said Fatou Cham of Ballangharr Chamen and Ndey Ngom of Ballangharr Kerr Jibel in Lower Saloum District, CRR North. “We can now pay our children’s school fees, buy food for our families, and even save a little for emergencies.”

The two women proudly shared that they had used part of their transfers to buy goats, which have since reproduced, further contributing to their household income. “We thank God, the World Bank, the Government of The Gambia, and the implementing partners for their support,” they added.

The Nafa Program, a component of the broader Resilience, Inclusion, Skills and Equality (RISE) project, is being implemented by the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), the Department of Community Development, and the Directorate of Social Welfare. It combines direct financial support with Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC), aimed at breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Jointly funded by the World Bank and the Government of The Gambia, the RISE project targets the most vulnerable households in the Western, Lower River, Central River (North and South), and Upper River Regions. Under the program, beneficiaries in 17 of the country’s poorest districts receive D3,000 every two months, along with training and awareness on health, nutrition, financial literacy, and business management.

Fatou and Ndey both highlighted the SBCC component as especially impactful. “Through the SBCC sessions, we’ve learned how to manage a business, improve our maternal and healthcare knowledge, and plan for a sustainable livelihood even after the project ends,” they said.

Filly Nyassi, Overseer of the Directorate of Social Welfare in Dasilameh, CRR South, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of behavioral change in the project’s success.

“In this project, we want to see beneficiaries move to another level, especially in terms of poverty reduction,” Mr. Nyassi said. “We encourage them to use the funds to support their children’s education, improve nutrition, and reduce domestic violence in their communities.”

He further noted that the project is making visible strides: “If we cater to the most vulnerable groups, they will definitely uplift their status. This project came at a critical time when many of our people were struggling, and since its inception, we have seen great improvements.”

The latest round of the Nafa cash transfers, covering West Coast, Lower River, CRR North and South, and Upper River Regions, is currently ongoing from July 15 to 19, 2025.

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