Food Security & Livelihoods

ChildFund installed a powerful water borehole in the community garden of Bafuloto, Kombo Central District, Western Region. This borehole now provides sufficient water to 180 women, enabling them to earn a living from the garden.

Horticulture is vital to The Gambia’s socio-economic development, with women, who make up most of the workforce, gaining income, jobs, and food security, according to the Department of Agriculture. That’s why ChildFund, together with local partners, helps communities and families to establish backyard gardens. 

“We have 180 women working here in this garden. We grow various crops and vegetables including onions, lettuce, cabbage, bitter tomato, and eggplants. Since we received this water system, we can accommodate more women in the garden, and we all enjoy a bumper harvest,” says Fullo, one of the women working at the garden.

Yassin Sanyang, the women’s coordinator and garden supervisor, shares how the intervention has transformed their work: “Prior to this intervention, very few women worked in the garden because there was no water, and there was no fencing. The well was too deep to fetch water from, and animals would intrude and destroy our crops. This was very labor-intensive, discouraging most women from working in the garden. But look everywhere now, we have water in abundance! We now make good harvests. When we harvest our produce, we use some for food for our families and sell the excess to earn an income and support our children’s education and other basic needs.”

The water project also included 18 reservoirs installed ten meters apart across the garden, which are regularly filled with water using underground pipes. These reservoirs help irrigate crops that are far from the main water system.

“Before this water system, we women had no income to support our families. But today, 180 women, their children, and other family members are benefiting from this garden. We thank ChildFund and Saama Kairo Federation for supporting us. We also appeal for more projects like this that uplift women,” says Yassin.

The intervention has provided significant employment for 70% of the women in Bafuloto. According to ChildFund’s latest survey, 85% of women report increased income, with 82% stating they can now better meet their families’ needs, including school expenses and medical care.

On average, based on testimonies from those participating in gardening activities, women make a minimum of 6 – 7 dollars daily from the sale of excess produce, a decent income for rural dwellers by Gambian standard.

“ChildFund and Saama Kairo taught us how to manage it, ensuring we can continue farming for many years to come. We hope to expand this garden and provide for even more women in the region,” adds Yassin.

In addition to the infrastructure, ChildFund has also trained a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) user committee, ensuring that the community is equipped with the knowledge and skills to maintain the water system for long-term sustainability. “Through this training, we have learned how to properly manage and protect the water system, which guarantees that future generations can continue benefiting from it,” says Yassin.