The Gambia Government has been implementing the Nafa cash transfer programme through project implementing institutions like National Nutrition Agency (NaNA). The initiative, being implemented in targeted districts across the country, provides for the distribution of cash to beneficiaries, and building their capacities through Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC).
It seeks to build resilience of the extreme poor in terms of food security, entrepreneurship, creating businesses, eradicating sexual and gender-based-violence, among others.
Project implementers were recently in the intervention areas in the regions for payment verification exercise. These places include Nioro Jataba, Sangajor in Foni Kansala, Bantanjang, Foni Bondali; Jataba in Kiang West, LRR; Jimbala Kerr Malick; Felngo; Kerr Chindou; Ballaghar Jalato, CRR North.
This reporter spoke with some of the benefits, who shared the impact of the cash transfer initiative on their life and livelihood. The beneficiaries acknowledged life and livelihood-enhancing opportunity accorded by the project and expressed gratitude for project as it winds down.
Binta Marong is a resident of Kiang-Jataba, and a beneficiary of the Nafa cash transfer. She noted the challenge of being the provider for the family while acknowledging the significance of the cash transfer, which she said is assistance her greatly in the family upkeep, especially in this month of Ramadan.
Chebou Jallow, a beneficiary from Jimbala Kerr Malick, said she now owns a business and rears animals thanks to the project. She said she started with one she goat, and now she has a large animal farm and a vegetable garden, where she grows lettuce and potato. This, she said serves as a source of income and family upkeep. She said she has benefitted many times since the project started.
Awa Kassama of Nioro-Jata had this to say: “I would like to thank National Nutrition Agency and all other partners that intervene with such a great gesture to help the extremely poor families not only in Nioro-Jatta, but also across all regions in The Gambia. I am able to own poultry, from where I pay school fees for my children”.
Njayor Saho, a beneficiary from Ballaghar Choiyan, thanked Government and World Bank for the initiative. She hailed the project’s social uplifting nature for extreme poor families, and indicated that the cash distribution will helpful in this Ramadan. She assured that she will make sure part of the money is invested in agriculture, to serve as a source of income after the project phased out.
Other beneficiaries who shared their impressions about the project were: Adama Jarju of Bantanjang; Musu Jarju of Kanlang, who is into a charcoal business, and poultry; and Fatou Secka, of Felngo, who is into agriculture and soap businesses.
By Kumba Leigh
