The Gambia is one of Africa’s smallest and most densely populated countries. A strip of land only 24km wide in places, it is home to almost 1.3 million people. Unlike many of its West African neighbours, Gambia has enjoyed long spells of stability since independence.

However, this has not translated into prosperity.  Three-quarters of rural people work in agriculture and under-employment is very high.

ActionAid in The Gambia
ActionAid began operating in The Gambia in 1979.  We work with the poorest people, supporting their basic needs and rights.

The key areas  we focus on are health, water, education and livelihoods.

We train local people to give simple medical help and, and we support mobile health teams with training, equipment and funds.  

ActionAid works with local people to manage and maintain water sources, and has installed wells and water pumps.

Where children have no access to school, Action Aid provides classes at flexible times to fit in with farming and housework.  We train teachers and provide equipment for primary schools.  ActionAid’s radical adult literacy programme, Reflect, is far more successful than traditional approaches.

We help families to improve their farming techniques and to increase their opportunities for earning an income.  ActionAid supports schemes which provide affordable loans and credit to invest in small businesses to increase family incomes.