Embedding climate strategies in local development plans in the Gambia

The Gambia is on the frontlines of climate change, facing rising temperatures, worsening droughts, coastal erosion, and devastating floods. As one of West Africa’s most vulnerable nations, the country’s diverse regions—from coastal cities like Banjul to inland communities in Basse—grapple with climate threats that endanger infrastructure, livelihoods, and food security. A one-meter rise in sea levels alone could render Banjul uninhabitable, by flooding over half of the city, while erratic rainfall threatens the agriculture sector that sustains over 60% of Gambians.  

The variability of the Gambia River further complicates these challenges, as altered river flows disrupt agriculture, fisheries, and hydropower generation in different municipalities. Urban areas like Kombo face growing flood risks due to rapid urban expansion and inadequate drainage systems, exacerbating infrastructure damage and public health risks.

Without urgent, region-specific approaches to adaptation and resilience-building, these diverse climate challenges will deepen poverty, disrupt key industries like tourism and agriculture, and strain resources, increasing the risk of social tension and conflict. 

In response to these escalating climate threats, local governments in the Gambia are taking action.

In October 2024, CoM SSA hosted a two-day workshop with signatory cities in the Gambia. The workshop opened with remarks from Laura Carpino of the EU Delegation to the Gambia, who underscored the power of collaboration in tackling climate challenges. High-level contributions from Mr. Bubacar Zaidi Jallow of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) and Ms. Amadou Jallow of the Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities reinforced the urgency of integrating climate action into municipal governance. 

Local decision-makers operate within frameworks shaped by national policies, and the local government’s ability to implement projects is largely determined by national government support. Therefore, it is crucial to involve representatives from the national government in the climate action planning process. CoM SSA is trailblazing collaborative approaches to gain national buy-in in signatories’ climate planning efforts. 

Technical and political representatives from all eight CoM SSA signatories in the Gambia actively engaged in discussions on adaptation, mitigation, and energy access. Practical sessions focused on embedding climate strategies into local development plans and advancing the Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) process. Embedding climate strategies into local development plans ensures that climate action is integrated into existing governance structures, making it more efficient and actionable. This approach leverages local governments' knowledge, resources, and administrative capacities to implement targeted, context-specific solutions while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of local development initiatives. By aligning climate adaptation with urban planning, infrastructure development, and economic strategies, local governments can create cohesive policies that maximize impact, reduce costs, and improve long-term sustainability.

A key highlight of the workshop was an insightful session led by Ms. Grace Wanjiru Karanja from Nakuru County, Kenya. She shared firsthand experience from Nakuru’s journey in developing a SEACAP and mainstreaming climate priorities into governance—offering invaluable lessons for Gambian municipalities. The SEACAP serves as a strategic blueprint for sustainable urban development, guiding local governments in addressing climate risks while improving energy access.

Interactive exercises helped participants map local climate challenges such as wildfires, urban flooding, and drought, identify critical stakeholders, and strategise on integrating SEACAPs into ongoing development plans. The workshop also emphasised effective communication of climate projects, with participants presenting pre-identified initiatives aimed at driving impactful change.

 

CoM SSA is an EU action. On the sidelines of this workshop, CoM SSA engaged in a bilateral meeting with EU representatives Laura Carpino and Enrica Pellacani, where discussions focused on aligning EU priorities—such as migration, waste management, and climate adaptation—with CoM SSA's objectives in the Gambia. This engagement set the stage for enhanced support and collaboration to bolster climate resilience across the country.

As many Gambian municipalities embark on updating their local development plans, this workshop came at a pivotal moment. With tailored guidance and strengthened collaboration, the eight CoM SSA signatories reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to tackling climate change and shaping a more sustainable future for the Gambia.