The Gambia's population is estimated at 1,300,000
(GambiaNews.com web site). Using my pocket calculator and dividing total area of
the country, 1,114,700 hectares by the population gives me 0.86 ha per person,
about the size of a football pitch. That is if some people live in the river as
our "boat people". The River Gambia, its tributaries and the mangroves that
protect them take up 160,000 ha. The protected forests and wildlife parks occupy
about 100,000 ha. That leave us with no more than 860,000 ha to build our
cities, villages, schools, military camps, hospitals, churches, mosques and
farms. Setting aside 10% for roads, factories, hotels, airports, power stations
and waste dumps, and another 5% for the commercial estates,each Gambian living
would get no more than 0.5 ha, the size of 2 basketball courts!
Malanding S. Jaiteh