Gambian women replant mangroves to protect Banjul from erosion and flooding

Women on the island’s capital are turning tree‑planting into both a source of income and a frontline defense against environmental threats. Local initiatives have organized female growers to cultivate fast‑growing species that can be harvested for timber, fruit, and medicinal products, providing households with a steady stream of earnings while reinforcing community resilience.

The planted trees also serve a critical ecological function, stabilising soil along the shoreline and reducing the risk of erosion and flooding that have historically plagued the capital. By integrating sustainable agriculture with coastal protection, the program aims to safeguard the island’s infrastructure and support the livelihoods of its women, reinforcing broader efforts to adapt to climate‑related challenges.