By Fatou Sanneh
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) on Thursday, 27 November 2025, officially launched the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR), marking a major milestone in The Gambia’s long-term climate resilience efforts.
LIFE-AR, a government-led programme under the broader LDCs framework, seeks to move the country away from fragmented, short-term climate interventions toward a coordinated, nationally owned, and locally led adaptation system. The launch follows the successful completion of the establishment phase and paves the way for transformative adaptation work across eight pilot wards in the Upper River Region (URR) and West Coast Region (WCR).
In her opening statement, Minister Rohey John Manjang underscored the central role of community-driven action in fostering resilience, describing LIFE-AR as a “paradigm shift” for The Gambia. She noted that the initiative positions the country beyond traditional externally driven approaches toward a system that is long-term, people-centred, and aligned with national priorities.
“This approach is business-unusual,” she emphasized. “It ensures that support reaches the most vulnerable communities in an equitable, accessible and impactful manner.”
The Minister further highlighted the importance of capacity strengthening and robust institutional systems, noting that intermediaries often pose barriers to direct climate finance access and can delay community-level implementation.
Delivering welcoming remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretary Bintou Gassama noted that, as in many LDCs, climate action in The Gambia is frequently hindered by the limited participation of key stakeholders. She explained that LIFE-AR is designed to bridge these gaps by promoting an inclusive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
“LIFE-AR for The Gambia seeks to build a strong institutional framework for adaptation and resilience,” she said. “Working collaboratively with communities and all sectors, we aim to ensure climate change is effectively integrated into national and local development plans.”
Ms. Gassama further noted that the programme will enhance cross-sectoral coordination through its designated delivery mechanisms the Department of Community Development and the Social Development Fund which will facilitate direct access to climate finance for local communities.
Speaking on behalf of the LIFE-AR Interim Secretariat, Director Tracy Kajumba emphasized the importance of strengthening LDC leadership, governance and ownership of climate solutions. She added that the initiative positions The Gambia to demonstrate a new model of effective, inclusive and sustainable adaptation.
