By Madiba Singhateh
Action Aid International – The Gambia, an international non-governmental organisation together with Action Aid Italy, on Friday, 10 May 2024, validated the findings of a research document on climate change induced migration.
The 52-year-old organisation whose primary aim is to work against poverty and injustice worldwide, said they are starting with the Gambia as one of the lowest emitters of greenhouse gases which have a big impact on the economy of the country as well. The organisation said these impacts are made evident by an increase in the occurrence of severe climate events like floods, windstorm and the long dry spells in the country, inducing the migration of people from both rural and urban centers through a remarkably high level of irregular migration among the youth.
Cognisant of these facts, both Action Aid International Gambia and Italy conducted a research on climate change induced migration which was introduced to stakeholders for validation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the validation, Ndella Faye Colley, the Director of Action Aid-The Gambia (AAIG) said they are a member of the Action-Aid Federation whose mission is to eradicate poverty and injustice worldwide. She said The Gambia is one of the most vulnerable countries in a very vulnerable continent with high levels of irregular movements, and the destruction of assets and livelihoods by disasters and long term climate impacts.
According to Mrs Faye Colley, there is absence of a deeper analysis on the links between existing trends of internal and international migration, (rural, urban and irregular), and the growing impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.
She said the study was done by an International and a local consultant, recognising the valuable support of the Government of The Gambia.
Action Aid International, she said, believes migration is an old-age phenomenon and a right to do if one chooses, but said people should not use migration to jeopardize their lives.
Executive Director Faye Colley said given the negative experience of irregular migration and the effects of climate change on communities, all stakeholders are obliged to investigate and have a deeper understanding of various connecting factors to better inform communities for national intervention, so that they are more sustainable and on communities.
Also speaking was Chris Norwood, the consultant, who presented the document to be validated by the stakeholders.
