By Madi S. Njie
Mr. Dawda Trawally, a climate change consultant, has urged The Gambia to include the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) in the national climate change decision-making process. Speaking at a recent workshop,
Trawally emphasized that people with disabilities (PWDs) must be represented on the National Climate Change Committee to ensure their voices are heard on issues directly impacting their lives.
In opening remarks, His Worship Muhammed Krubally, acknowledging the event’s funding by the Global Green Grant Fund, highlighted the importance of addressing climate change—a major global challenge
affecting billions. “Climate change impacts every aspect of life,” he
said, referencing rising temperatures, land degradation, and high sea
levels. “This workshop, organized by the GFD, is timely as the world
rallies around the 2030 global development goals to tackle climate
change.”
During his presentation, Trawally noted that The Gambia, like other
developing nations, relies heavily on international support to address
climate impacts. He stressed the importance of research focused on the
specific effects of climate change on PWDs to enable their inclusion
in adaptation and mitigation projects. Reflecting on changing weather
patterns, Trawally observed, “Decades ago, rain would start in June,
but now it doesn’t begin until July and lasts until October. This
shift illustrates the abnormal changes in our climate.”
Held from October 29-31 at the Kanifing Municipal Council Conference Hall, the three-day workshop brought together representatives from various disabled peoples’ organizations under GFD. Participants highlighted the importance of reforestation and other eco-friendly practices. They pointed to causes of climate change such as tree-cutting, uncontrolled bushfires, and pollution from cars and industries. “Trees absorb the carbon dioxide we produce,” explained Trawally, “but when we cut them down, CO₂ levels increase, trapping heat and leading to warmer temperatures. Planting trees can help cool the atmosphere and increase rainfall.”
Modou Gaye, GFD Vice President, recounted his ongoing struggle to
protect trees he planted in Sabach Sanjal.
“I planted 2,000 trees, but residents and herders from Senegal continue to cut them down for firewood and animal feed,” he lamented. Gaye observed that uncontrolled deforestation has reduced rainfall in the area, historically known for its rich harvests.
Participants also examined gaps in forest management policies. They noted that The Gambia licenses tree-cutting without enforcing replanting. “The U.S. model, which mandates planting two trees for every one cut, could be a sustainable approach,” suggested one attendee.
Additional discussions addressed imported pollution from outdated vehicles. One participant observed, “Europe’s old cars are often shipped to The Gambia because they’re cheap, but they contribute significantly to air pollution.”
A delegate from Basse added that, although Basse experiences higher temperatures than other areas, it still receives more rain. She described the challenges faced by gastric patients during intense heat and noted flooding from the river due to heavy rains.
Among the workshop’s key recommendations was to actively include PWDs in climate change decision-making and data collection, particularly through partnerships with agencies like the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). It was proposed that GFD reach out to NDMA’s Executive Director to establish collaboration for emergency relief, data collection, and early warning systems for PWDs.
“PWDs must be sensitized on climate risks and be part of the solution,” Trawally concluded. He stressed the need for comprehensive data on PWDs to facilitate their full inclusion in climate policies and initiatives.
