Gambiaj.com – BANJUL, The Gambia) — United Purpose has made a significant contribution to the safety and livelihoods of women oyster collectors in Gambia, donating $1 million worth of personal protective equipment. The donation, which took place at the United Purpose conference hall, is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and security of these women, along with other community members.

The equipment, including 370 life jackets, 913 hand gloves, 1,049 goggles, 840 socks, and 18 canoes, will be distributed to 18 communities across the country. These communities, spanning the West Coast, Lower River, and North Bank regions, include Kartong, Berending, Bulock, Sutisinjang, and others.

This donation is part of a five-year project called the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience Building (ICCR). The project, implemented by Self Help Africa (SHA) in partnership with various local NGOs and funded by the Irish government, aims to improve the adaptive capacity of 12,000 participants, including 9,250 women and 2,750 men. The total budget for the project is £1,498,645.

ICCR focuses on three main outcomes: promoting equitable and inclusive stewardship of marine protected areas, supporting food security through sustainable practices, and fostering adaptive green economies. Key activities include mangrove restoration, sustainable oyster harvesting, waste management, and the introduction of best practices in oyster farming.

Ngansa Touray, the ICCR Project Manager, emphasized the importance of the project in advancing the adaptive capacity of vulnerable populations in coastal and riverbank areas. She outlined the project’s goals to enhance food security, promote environmental conservation, and build community resilience to climate change.

Speaking on behalf of partner organizations, Modou Lamin Manneh from the Kartong Association for Responsible Tourism (KART) highlighted the empowerment of oyster farmers and the potential for horticultural farming during the off-season. He urged for sustainability efforts and long-term planning to ensure the project’s success beyond its initial implementation.

Participants, including Wontonding Fadera, expressed their gratitude for the support provided by United Purpose. Fadera emphasized the need for continued empowerment of women in horticultural farming to strengthen sustainable development and household food security.

Mbemba Jabbie, Country Director of United Purpose, marked the occasion as a milestone in the organization’s history. He reiterated the importance of protecting lives and livelihoods, stressing the need to add value to the production of oysters for local markets and export.

As the project moves forward, participants called for additional support, including fencing materials and land allocation for horticulture, to further improve productivity and resilience in their communities.