Inspiring action from the grassroots up
The Gambia is Good project has been inspiring people from across industry sectors to take action to meet the challenges of sustainable development, in the Gambia, the UK and beyond. Through initiatives like the West Africa Development Experience, (now in its third year), leaders from the agricultural media, business sector and tourism industry have had the opportunity to see Concern Universal's work in The Gambia and elsewhere and are now adding their voices to the many calling for more positive action to support sustainable development.
Read these examples below:
GIG in the Media
Ian Ashbridge, business editor of The Farmer's Weekly has visited Concern Universal's work in The Gambia during two West Africa Farm Experience tours.
"In February, I visited [The Gambia] with Concern Universal to see how climate change is affecting an agriculure so fragile that The Gambia has only 37% food security... By meeting customers needs directly and in person, GIG has been able to understand their needs, negotiate fair prices and prepare detailed production plans and agronomic supoprt for farmers." Ian Ashbridge, Business Editor, Farmer's Weekly. 18th April, 2008. Read the full article here.
Lesley Curwen's unique broadcast reached an international business audience recently.
"Business Daily has packed its suitcase to travel to one small African country which depends heavily on the tourist dollar...the Gambia. But how can it attract more holidaymakers from the rich world - and are locals getting a fair share of the money they spend?" Lesley Curwen, BBC World Service. Monday, 28 April 2008. Listen to the full broadcast here.
Encouraging business to support sustainable development
The Business Link Challenge Fund is a DFID initiative aimed at encouraging businesses to support sustainable development. It is managed by Deloitte and Touche.
"Sure, there is farm experience tourism in Gambia - now - but it grew out of Gambia is Good! (GiG), a practical project which has made a major impact on turning around a situation whereby most of the value of Gambia's well-established winter sun tourism was being absorbed by tour operators, airlines and hotels with no flow on to the local food producers." BLCF fund manager, the Emerging Markets Group, Department for International Development. Read the full article here.
Following their final assessment of the project, Deloitte and Touche's Emerging Markets Group, who managed the original fund for DFID, described the project as ‘inspiring' and ‘remarkable', going on to say:
"Not only has GiG transformed lives in The Gambia, it has also shown that agricultural linkages to the tourist industry can be effectively achieved."
"The trip [to The Gambia with Concern Universal] was a unique insight into the challenges that farmers in a developing country have to embrace in the face of climate change. An excellent opportunity to see first hand the extent of the efforts being made to build a sustainable future for rural communities, the key to which is the collaboration of local people, businesses & development organisations." Sue Allington, East Anglian Agricultural Manager, Lloyds Bank, who took part in the 2008 West African Farm Experience to The Gambia. To find out how you can take part in this Concern Universal initiative select this link.
"[My trip to the Gambia] made me realise that developing countries will feel the affects [of climate change] first, although they are the minor contributors. We and other more ‘developed' countries MUST help them increasingly to cope and adapt in a sustainable way - through project work such as that of Concern Universal", Sue Buckingham, Land Use Advisor, Bulmers' Foundation, who took part in the 2008 West African Farm Experience to The Gambia. To find out how you can take part in this Concern Universal initiative select this link.
Inspiring change in the tourist industry
Through its link with the Travel Foundation, First Choice holidays is advertising the GiG demonstration farm to tourists to the Gambia. The initiative is encouraging tourists to think and find out about where the food they purchase on their holiday in the Gambia comes from and how their stay impacts on local people. View the First Choice brochure
"With CU's help, year round production became a reality. This contributed to an increase of our incomes through more crops but also better prices during rainy season whereby vegetable cropping was considered impossible before. In particular, nursery issues are now a thing of the past thanks to the permanent training carried out in our garden".
Fatou Manneh, Ndmeban Japichum community garden, Western Division, The Gambia.
"Despite my age and my legs, which sometimes give me a hard time, I used to grow local varieties of vegetables in the rainy season for the family. But then I heard through GIG about a new cabbage variety and got hold of some seeds. I decided to nurse those seeds, transplant the seedlings the way I was taught in my small compound garden, and take care of them by myself. Two months later, I harvested three bags of big and beautiful cabbage heads. I sold the product to the Gambia is Good project for a total price of 2,800 Dalasi (£58). I was really impressed by these results, as before I could not expect to earn so much money. One of the plants I left for my family consumption continued to grow, finally becoming taller than I am; then it flowered and is currently producing seeds that I hope to use in my next production. Next year, I also plan to try out a new sweet pepper variety!" Jonsoba, 65 year old lady, Kambong village, Western Division, The Gambia
From package holiday makers visiting the GIG demonstration farm
"Really good to see Gambians teaching other Gambians. Very interesting. Keep up this excellent project." Ben and Caroline Dalryouple, Silverstone, England, 27th January 2007
"This visit changed my view of an African country to a very constructive one. This project should be duplicated elsewhere in Africa." Ruth Shang, 23rd January 2007
"Very educational. A pioneering project that puts Gambians first. This is the way forward for tourism. Well done!," Shauna Carlisle, 4th February 2007
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