By Kumba Leigh
As a result of the financial empowerment provided across communities in The Gambia, the NAFA Cash Transfer Project has facilitated the creation of numerous small-scale businesses. These include animal husbandry, poultry farming, soap-making, crop cultivation, petty trading, micro-finance initiatives, Osusu (a traditional savings and credit system), and general goods trading. This wave of entrepreneurship has not only led to a surge in local economic activity but has also significantly contributed to national economic growth and development.
By injecting regular financial support into vulnerable households, the NAFA Project has enabled beneficiaries to invest in income-generating activities. This has reduced dependence on subsistence living and social aid, promoting financial independence and sustainability. Women, in particular, have benefited immensely, gaining both economic autonomy and a stronger voice in household decision-making.
Moreover, the diversification of livelihoods through these small enterprises has enhanced community resilience against economic shocks and seasonal poverty. The increased circulation of money within local economies has stimulated demand, supported local supply chains, and created job opportunities.
In an exclusive interview with the Gambia Daily, the Deputy Director at the Department of Community Development, Gibbi Bah, revealed that the NAFA Cash Transfer Project currently operates across 20 districts. He went on to explain that the initiative began with just three piloted districts; on the other hand, after a year of successful implementation, the project scaled up to include the remaining seventeen districts. “As of now, the project has completed its fourteenth payment cycle in the seventeen districts, with four more cycles to be disbursed,” he noted.
Mr. Bah stated that the NAFA Project has positively impacted over 16,000 beneficiaries, who have been receiving monthly cash transfers for eighteen cycles. He emphasised that the project is unconditional, granting beneficiaries the freedom to decide how to utilise the funds.
“Our findings indicate that some beneficiaries invest in multiple businesses, while others use the funds for small-scale enterprises, children’s education, healthcare, and family upkeep,” he explained.
Testimonials from Beneficiaries
Awa Jallow, a beneficiary from Bankukulu Bunyadu, shared how the NAFA Project transformed her life:
“Before the project, I struggled to provide even basic needs for my family. Today, I have been able to install electricity in our home, raise animals, access healthcare, and afford transportation during emergencies. During my last pregnancy, we used the donkey cart purchased with NAFA funds to get to the health centre in time for delivery. This project has truly changed our lives.”
Marie Camara, another beneficiary from Tempoto, Badjie Kunda, had this to say:
“The NAFA Project brought tremendous change to my household. I now own five animals and plan to sell them to buy cows for ploughing as the rainy season approaches. This will boost my farming and help support my family further. I urge the project organizers to extend this opportunity to other parts of the country.”
Marie also expressed concerns raised by some communities, “There are people who believe the project favours certain communities. To avoid misunderstandings or potential conflict, there is a need for more public sensitization, especially in areas like Foni, to ensure everyone understands the selection process.”
