Proper water management to improve the quality of life in Gambia

Alba Junquera

The study is part of a collaborative effort coordinated by URJC Geology professors María Najarro de la Parra and Raquel Herrera Espada. It is part of a Water Management Framework Program for supplying rural populations in the Farafenni region (Gambia). The first phase of the project involved a geological and hydrogeological analysis of the region to assess the implementation of agroforestry. This method involves planting trees, grasses, and shrubs, which can, among other things, improve the quality of life of the population, prevent climate crises, and ensure food security.

The collaboration was carried out with the University of Zaragoza and the Polytechnic University of Madrid. In addition, several organizations participated actively, such as the NGO Geologists of the World, Kailu Jammeh Foundation and the University of Gambia.

After an initial study, and due to Gambia's hot, dry climate, the scientific team determined that the optimal solution was to build water wells to harness groundwater. To this end, in this initial phase of the project, a situation analysis was conducted, observing the needs and development of the population. A study of the physical environment was also conducted due to the limited level of study in Gambia. Finally, the water level (groundwater table) was measured in existing wells, and water samples were taken from some of them for analysis and to detect potential sources of contamination. In total, ten communities in the Farafenni region were hydrogeologically analyzed, taking the population of Jirong village as a reference.

Image: Example of the work carried out in the villages visited in the Farafenni region (Gambia), where meetings were held with the local community and existing water resources and the needs of each locality were assessed.

After this first phase of the project, experts will propose implementing a training and capacity building program for members of the Kailu Jammehm Foundation, which primarily develops its projects in Jirong, and for the population of that region.

The researchers remain involved in the project and are very pleased with the results obtained. "In addition to improving people's quality of life, it promotes the use of water resources, which are also sustainable," explains María Najarro, coordinator of the URJC's pioneering degree in Water Resources, which recently changed its name to the Degree in Water Sciences and Technology.

National Agroforestry Strategy for Gambia

Rising rates of soil degradation in Gambia pose significant economic and environmental challenges, making it one of the countries most exposed and vulnerable to climate and socioeconomic factors.

The water management project in this country emerged in 2022 when the Global Agroforestry Fund developed a strategic plan as part of its technical support to the Gambian Government for the “National Agroforestry Strategy for Gambia 2022-2032” project. This initiative is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the Gambian Government with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “The development of this national strategy is a milestone for the project and the country as a whole, as it establishes a firm foundation on which agroforestry practices can be scaled up and integrated,” concludes Raquel Herrera.