By Amadou Manjang
A groundbreaking study by Safiatou Drammeh, Lecturer at The University of The Gambia, has challenged the widely held belief that remittances from Gambians abroad lead to poverty reduction and national development. Instead, the research reveals that while remittances boost the social status of recipient families, they have not translated into significant economic improvement for the country as a whole.
According to the study, approximately 140,000 Gambians currently live outside the country, making The Gambia one of the nations with the highest relative increase in migration. Irregular migration continues to rise, as many seek better opportunities abroad.
The Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) reported that over D46.5 billion in remittances flowed into the country in 2024, representing 31.5% of the national GDP, a slight decrease from 32.11% in 2023. Despite this steady influx of funds, the national poverty rate remains stubbornly high at 48.4 percent, unchanged since 2013.
“Although remittance is crucial, its increase has not led to the reduction of poverty in The Gambia,” Drammeh’s study notes. The research explores the complex relationship between irregular migration, social mobility, and the impact of remittances on both migrants and their families back home.
The findings indicate that remittances are primarily used to cover essential household expenses such as food, school fees, health care, emergencies, and construction. Some funds also support community activities and disaster response. “One can therefore argue that remittances lead to development when the basic household needs of migrant families are provided,” Drammeh said.
While migration is often associated with economic advancement and an improved social status, the study reveals a stark difference between settled migrants and returnees. Settled migrants and their families often gain respect and higher social standing due to visible changes in their lifestyle. Conversely, returnee migrants frequently face downward social mobility, with women returnees suffering the most from negative stereotypes and societal rejection.
“Their inability to remit money, construct houses, and enhance their family lifestyles leads to feelings of disappointment and societal rejection. This makes them often grapple with perceptions of failure, laziness, or even madness,” the study concludes.
The research offers a sobering reminder that while remittances are vital for many Gambian households, they are not a panacea for poverty at the national level. The findings call for a more nuanced approach to migration and development strategies in The Gambia.
