Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – A new survey by Afrobarometer has revealed that a significant majority of Gambians are calling for urgent action to combat climate change, both from their government and from wealthy nations. The findings highlight the worsening effects of climate change on the country, particularly on agriculture and livelihoods, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.

According to the Afrobarometer Round 10 survey, conducted in April-May 2024, nearly 70% of Gambians are aware of climate change, and among them, 67% say it is making life worse. The survey found that 38% of respondents have experienced worsening drought over the past decade, while 37% reported more severe flooding. Additionally, one-third of Gambians say crop failures have intensified, posing a threat to food security.

The Gambia, ranked 151st in climate-change readiness by the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative, faces growing challenges due to erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and weak mitigation policies.

The devastating 2024 rainy season, which resulted in 11 deaths and displaced over 5,000 people, underscores the country’s vulnerability. Poor infrastructure has only worsened the impacts of extreme weather, making adaptation an urgent priority.

Growing Calls for Climate Action

A large majority of Gambians (76%) believe their government must take immediate steps to mitigate climate change, even if such measures come at economic costs. However, they also place significant responsibility on developed countries, with 81% insisting that wealthy nations should take stronger action against climate change, given their historical contributions to the crisis.

Furthermore, 83% of respondents believe that developed countries should provide financial and technical assistance to help The Gambia adapt to the effects of climate change.

“Gambians are feeling the real-life impacts of climate change, from droughts affecting farmers to floods destroying homes,” said Bill Clinton Alex, a researcher at the Center for Research and Policy Development, which led the Afrobarometer study in The Gambia. “There is a strong consensus that the government needs to act, but there’s also a clear demand for international support.”

Adaptation and Policy Responses

The survey highlights the steps many Gambians have taken to cope with changing weather patterns. More than one-third (35%) have changed the types of crops they plant or the food they eat, while 30% have adjusted their working hours to avoid extreme weather. In rural areas, adaptation measures are even more pronounced, with 46% of livestock owners modifying grazing patterns and 55% of farmers shifting their agricultural practices.

Despite these efforts, Gambians overwhelmingly support stronger government policies to address climate change. Key policy measures with strong public backing include:

Pressure on wealthy nations – 83% support increased diplomatic efforts to secure climate aid.

Investment in infrastructure – 82% advocate for climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate floods and droughts.

Renewable energy transition – 77% support investment in wind and solar energy.

Deforestation controls – 66% favor a ban on tree-cutting for firewood and charcoal.

While climate awareness has grown in recent years—from 56% in 2022 to 68% in 2024—there remains a significant portion of the population unfamiliar with climate change. The survey found that awareness is highest among urban residents (73%), men (73%), and individuals with post-secondary education (87%). However, those in rural areas and economically disadvantaged communities are less likely to be informed about climate change, despite being among the most affected.

With climate change increasingly threatening livelihoods, The Gambia’s government faces mounting pressure to implement policies that enhance resilience and sustainability. The survey results indicate strong public demand for climate action, not only at the national level but also from the international community. As climate negotiations continue globally, the call for climate justice from vulnerable nations like The Gambia is becoming impossible to ignore.