By: Momodou Gagigo
Despite the river that gives the village its name sustaining their livelihoods for generations, residents of remote Kudang Mayo, located a few kilometers from the main village of Kudang in the southern Central River Region, are grappling with the harsh realities of the climate crisis, crumbling infrastructure, and economic hardship.
Nestled in The Gambia’s Central River Region, where “Mayo” translates to “river” in the local language, this isolated community depends almost entirely on fishing for survival. Year-round, men head out to sea while women process and sell the catch. Yet, what was once a reliable source of income has become increasingly unpredictable.
Fatoumata Sallah, a resident and mother, described the daily struggle: “Our challenges are many, and our children are enduring hardship. If you go to sea for fishing and can only come back with half a pan, which, if you sell, cannot sustain you for lunch and dinner.” She explained that they often cannot preserve their fish because ice blocks have become unaffordable. Unsold catch often rots, resulting in total loss.
The situation worsens during the rainy season. High tides frequently overflow, flooding homes and disrupting daily life. Fishing yields drop significantly in wet months, making it difficult to feed families or pay school fees. “The river offers hope, but it can also pose a deadly threat,” residents told this reporter.
Kumba Gaye highlighted the community’s resilience and adaptive strategies. “Our only survival depends on the river. Our youths go fishing, and when they return, we buy the fish from them and sell it to other places,” she said. Profits help purchase ruminants as a backup source of income when the river fails during the rains. However, getting produce to market remains a major ordeal. “We trek for kilometers… and along the way, some fall with their fish due to poor road conditions,” Gaye added.
The village’s challenges extend beyond climate impacts. Poor infrastructure – including badly damaged roads, power shortages, and limited market access – compounds the difficulties. Despite these hardships, the community maintains a strong culture of unity. Each year, they celebrate their heritage through colorful fishing and boat-riding competitions that draw participants and spectators.
Haruna Sallah voiced the frustration shared by many: “We are suffering, and it’s like we are not even considered part of this country. We always vote and participate in constitutional activities. Let the government come to our aid and support us with roads and electricity, at least.”
As climate change intensifies, flooding disrupts traditional fishing patterns, and the people of Kudang Mayo continue their daily fight for dignity and survival. They remain hopeful that government intervention will finally reach their riverbank, bringing much-needed infrastructure and support to a community that has long felt forgotten.
