By Alieu Ceesay
Under the relentless Gambian sun, a group of resilient women at the Bakau Women’s Garden stoop over neat rows of vegetables, watering plants by hand from buckets drawn from deep wells. For these small-scale farmers, the garden is more than a plot of land; it is a vital source of income, nutrition, and dignity for their families. Yet, climate change — with its erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures — has made their daily toil increasingly precarious.
In a significant show of support, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stepped in with a targeted donation to install a modern irrigation system at the garden. The initiative was announced during a visit by IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li, who personally engaged with the women gardeners.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Bo Li of the IMF Team underscored the IMF’s dual focus on fostering economic growth and tackling climate vulnerabilities in developing nations.
“We are from the International Monetary Fund. We support the country’s economic growth. That can benefit many, many people. And we care about climate change,” he said.
The IMF representative highlighted that climate change represents a major risk to agriculture, especially for vulnerable communities reliant on rain-fed farming. “We are very concerned about climate change. And we know climate change is a major risk for agriculture, for agricultural activities like those on this farm.”
The new irrigation system is expected to transform operations at the garden by providing reliable water access, reducing the physical burden on the women, boosting crop yields, and promoting sustainable practices amid worsening environmental conditions. Officials noted that the project aligns with broader efforts to build climate resilience in The Gambia’s agricultural sector.
The donation also reflects the IMF’s strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Mr. Bo Li pointed out the institution’s own progress in promoting women in leadership, including its Mission Chief to The Gambia. He added that easier working conditions could help attract younger generations to farming, ensuring the sector’s future.
“Through our small donation today, we want to support an irrigation system so that you will have an easier working environment, but also you can attract more young people,” he stated.
As a symbolic gesture of the growing partnership between The Gambia and the IMF, a tree was planted and named after Mr. Bo Li during the visit. The IMF representative praised the women’s determination and resilience, pledging ongoing collaboration to support sustainable development.
Sally Kaba, President of the Bakau Women’s Garden, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of her members.
“I thank my fellow women gardeners and the IMF for this gesture, and may our partners bring more development,” she said.
The intervention comes as Gambian farmers increasingly seek innovative, climate-smart solutions to safeguard livelihoods. By easing labour demands and improving productivity, the irrigation project is poised to deliver lasting benefits for the women of Bakau and serve as a model for similar community-led initiatives across the country.
