The Gambia
In the village of Dalaba, located in the Central River Region (CRR), stands the Center for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Agriculture Training (CRSA). Created to counter youth unemployment and promote sustainable agricultural practices, the center operates in a rural context severely affected by the impacts of climate change.
Since 2018, ActionAid has been actively engaged in:
- Providing practical training to young people from rural communities in horticulture, small ruminant breeding, and poultry farming.
- Creating income opportunities through support for starting agricultural micro-enterprises.
- Promoting agroecology and climate-resilient agricultural techniques to strengthen food security and protect the environment.
- Offering concrete economic alternatives to vulnerable youth, often driven to leave their community or country in search of opportunities.
The center encourages the cultivation of vegetables using agroecological methods that can improve soil fertility and reduce environmental impact. Training includes practices such as composting, integrated pest management, crop rotation, and the use of simple and sustainable tools, suitable for the local context.
Over the years, hundreds of girls and boys have received training and support to start their own agricultural business. In recent years, the center has expanded its commitment with intensive residential courses, which offer participants the opportunity to stay free of charge at the facility. At the end of the program, and after a thorough evaluation of the skills acquired, each participant receives an initial capital, accompanied by ongoing technical support, to start an income-generating activity.
- 660 young people trained at the agroecology centre
- Over 5,500 girls and boys sensitised on issues of migration and sustainable agriculture
- 2,000 heads of households, 200 religious and opinion leaders, 200 representatives of local authorities, and 250 activists, journalists and bloggers involved
- Over 100 women trained in production techniques that improve soil health and reduce environmental damage
- “Cascade” training sessions in nearby communities, conducted by the beneficiaries themselves to pass on the acquired skills
- Improved agricultural yields and reduced use of harmful chemicals
