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Proposal for funding for the preparation of
A National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA)
Country Name:
The Gambia
Project Title:
Enabling activities to facilitate the preparation of a
National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) for
The Gambia
GEF Implementing Agency:
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
GEF operational focal point:
Momodou Cham, Executive Director, National
Environment Agency
Climate change focal point:
Bubu Jallow, Director, Department of Water Resources
National lead agency:
Office of the Secretary of State for Fisheries, Natural
Resources and the Environment
Country eligibility:
(i)
LDC country
(ii)
Date of UNFCCC ratification: 10th June 1994
GEF financing:
US$ 198,100
Government contribution:
In kind
Estimated total budget:
US$ 198,100
Estimated starting date:
August 2003
Duration:
18 months
Gambia: Key Socio-Economic Indicators
Population (millions)
Population growth rate (%)
Land area (km2)
GNP per capita
GDP (million US$)
GDP growth rate (%)
Access to water (%)
Access to sanitation
Forest cover (%)
1.33
4.1
11,000
340
422
5.6
62
37
48.1
Source: World Bank, 2002; World Bank, 2003
1
Background
1. The Gambia is the smallest country on the African continent and virtually an enclave of Senegal. The
country has a land area of 11,000km2, and a population of 1.33 million, estimated to be growing at 4.1%
annually. With a population density of 130 per square kilometre, The Gambia is among the five most
densely populated countries in Africa. More than 62% of the population lives in the rural areas. The
Gambia has about 500,000 hectares of forests and woodlands, which constitutes about 48% of the total
land area. The average annual rate of deforestation is estimated to be 1%.
Economy
2. Agriculture is the mainstay of The Gambian economy, employing about 75% of the labour force. The
GDP per capita is $1,100. The GDP growth rate in the 1999-2000 period was an impressive 5.6%.
Industry, agriculture and services account for 12%, 21% and 67% of GDP, respectively. However, the
growth rate in the agricultural sector at 2.7% has been lagging behind the service sector, which is
4.3%.
3. Any adverse effects of climate change on the agricultural sector would significantly affect the
economy of The Gambia. The proposed NAPA will investigate adaptation measures to this end. One
adaptation measure for the economy would be to broaden the economic base of the country, by
improving the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP, which is currently meagre (only 12%).
Agriculture
4. As mentioned earlier, agriculture is a major activity in The Gambia. Groundnuts are the country's main
export crop. The main food crops are rice and coarse grains (millet, sorghum and maize), which are both
vulnerable to climate change. Switching to less vulnerable crops/cultivars is a desirable adaptation
measure.
5. Average rainfall has declined by 30% in the last half century. The country is directly vulnerable to
climate change effects that may occur such as temperature rises and decrease in precipitation, sea level
rises, degradation of soil fertility, inundation of arable land, salinity and drought which could affect crop
yields. Since women are involved in most agricultural activities, they are likely to be more vulnerable to
climate change impacts on agriculture. Livestock is also vulnerable to climate change, with large
numbers dying during droughts due to shortage of feed/forage.
Poverty
6. The Gambia is one of the poorest countries in the world with a GNP per capita of US$ 340. It was
ranked 149 out of 161 in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development
Index, 2001. About 64% of the total population live below the national poverty line, whereas 59.3%
of the population live below US$ 1 per day, and 82.9% live below US$ 2 per day. Poverty,
environment and natural resources are very closely related. The poor depend on natural resources for
their immediate needs of sustenance to satisfy daily requirements, thus environmental degradation is a
major threat to poor people.
7. Of those who are extremely poor, 91% work in agriculture. According to the Poverty Reduction
Strategy Paper (PRSP), groundnut farmers in The Gambia are the poorest of the poor. The paper also
states that high fertility rates have resulted in high levels of poverty. Average earnings of men are
consistently higher than those of women, regardless of poverty status or occupation. One of the
reasons for this is that women do not have access to land in rural areas thus intensifying their
vulnerability.
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8. The poor are more vulnerable to climate change since they do not have sufficient incomes to prepare
and protect themselves from the adverse effects of climate change. Poor women are more vulnerable,
since they have lower incomes and depend on income from relatives or small income generating
activities. In floods, the poor are usually displaced due to the temporary nature of their homes. They
are also more susceptible to water borne diseases, since they rely on traditional wells, which could get
contaminated during floods. During droughts, crop failure affects the food security of the poor.
9. The PRSP ranks food security (agriculture) as the highest in priority in reducing poverty. The PRSP
also identifies education, research and agricultural policy as vital elements in alleviating poverty and
minimising vulnerability. This PRSP will be very instrumental in the preparation of the NAPA.
Health and Water
10. Life expectancy in The Gambia is about 53 years overall, 52 years for men and 55 for women. Infant
mortality was 73 per 1000 babies born in 2000, down from 159 per 1000 babies born in 1980. The
under-five mortality rate is about 110 per 1000 children. Prevalence of malnutrition declined to 30%
in 2000. About 62% of total population, 53% of the rural population and 80% of the urban population
have access to safe water supply. Sanitation services are available to 37% of the total population, 35%
of the rural population and 41% of the urban population. The table below provides additional health
indicators for The Gambia.
Physicians per 1,000 people
Hospital beds per 1,000 people
Child immunisation rate (under 1 year)
Measles
- Tuberculosis
Prevalence of under –nourishment
Child malnutrition (under 5 years)
Births attended by skilled health staff
0.04
0.6
88%
97%
25%
30%
44%
11. Vulnerability to climate change in the health sector could result from increased temperatures that
would lead to increases in Anopheles vectors, leading to increased incidences of malaria, in
particular, while increased rainfall resulting in floods could cause contamination of drinking water by
sewage. The floods would also result in increased occurrence of water-borne diseases.
12. The water sector’s vulnerabilities to climate change would include coastal flooding resulting in
increased coastal erosion, saline intrusion reducing fresh water availability, and drainage congestion.
Women are more vulnerable to water scarcity since they would have to travel longer distances to
fetch fresh potable water. Coping measures that could be employed include water conservation,
supply and demand management, water treatment, controlled flooding and flood protection areas,
management of water resources infrastructure and improved forecasting for improved disaster
management systems for adequate preparedness and safety measures.
Energy
13. Fuel wood is the predominant source of energy in The Gambia and accounts for 78.6% of total energy
consumption. Electricity is generated entirely from petroleum based fuels.
14. The reliance on fuel wood and charcoal presents significant vulnerability. The continued and widespread
inefficient use of fuel wood and charcoal may intensify deforestation problems in the country. The
resultant scarcity of biomass fuels would affect rural women, since they would have to travel longer
distances to collect firewood. Another area of vulnerability in the energy sector is the impact of stormy
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weather on electricity transmission lines. These could be damaged and require frequent repairs. In
addition, temperature changes due to global warming could result in changes in energy requirements. For
example, an increase in average temperatures could result in higher demand for cooling energy. This
could mean additional generation of electricity, and therefore an increase in GHGs emissions.
Transport and Infrastructure
15. The total road network in The Gambia is 2,700km long, of which 956km are paved. The Gambia has
400km of waterways, which include the Gambia River, the most navigable river in West Africa.
16. Roads and associated infrastructure are vulnerable to changes in climate patterns, for example
increased flooding. Heavy rains and floods damage seasonal roads that are critical in the marketing
of agricultural produce in rural areas, an activity mostly undertaken by women. Very heavy rains can
damage telephone (landlines) and electricity infrastructure. Changes in sea level could affect ports
and harbours and interfere with ocean freight.
Coastal Resources and Structures
17. The Gambia has a coastline 80km long. The coastline is mainly composed of sandy beaches and the
main developments include residential, commercial and fish landing facilities as well as beach hotels.
In the year 2000, the Department of State for Works, Communication and Information commissioned
a study on coastal protection. The findings indicated that the causes of erosion were partly due to
human activities (sand mining) and partly natural (inundation and sea level rise).
18. Vulnerability of coastal resources includes drainage congestion, saline water intrusion, and
accelerated coastal erosion. Changes in sea level are likely to destroy the delicate coastal ecosystems,
which depend on wetlands, beaches, coral reefs and mangroves. Fish, birds and mammals, which rely
on coastal wetlands, would also be affected. In addition, sea level rises could affect the population
that lives by the coast, as well as lead to the loss of agricultural land. Inundation due to flooding
affects all members of the community.
19. Coping measures that may be useful in The Gambia include improved drainage networks, increased
drainage capacity and construction of new hydraulic structures, for example, check-dams to prevent
saline water intrusion. Institutional level measures include establishment of water management
associations, development of institutional design criteria for drainage infrastructure, land use planning
and change of cropping patterns. Protection of coastal wetlands and maintenance of coastal
embankment could also be considered. The proposed NAPA will build on these findings and identify
priority adaptation measures.
Institutional Context
20. The responsibility for environmental issues in The Gambia is shared by a number of Government and
Non-Government institutions. The flowchart below shows the institutional framework for the
implementation of the Convention on Climate Change. The functions of some of the key Government
institutions are summarised below:
21. The Department of State for Fisheries, Natural Resources and the Environment (DoSFNRE) is
responsible for protecting and promoting the rational use of the country’s forests, fisheries, wildlife
and water resources. It is also the policy level organ of Government responsible for the
implementation of the Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) i.e. Biodiversity, Climate
Change and Desertification. Technical departments under this Department of State are as follows:
4
a) Department of Fisheries, responsible for fisheries production and conservation;
b) Department of Forestry, responsible for forest management and Focal Point for UNCCD;
c) Department of Water Resources (DWR), responsible for meteorology and hydrology (surface and
ground water quantity and quality) and Focal Points for UNFCCC and IPCC;
d) Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, responsible for the protecting of wildlife and Focal
Points for UNCBD and Ramsar Convention on Wetlands;
e) National Environment Agency (NEA), responsible for coordinating environment-related matters,
enforcing Environment Impact Assessments (EIA), and overseeing the implementation of The Gambia
Environment Action Plan (GEAP). The NEA is also the Focal Point for GEF in The Gambia.
22. The task of implementing the MEAs by the DoSFNRE is realised through the Agriculture and Natural
Resources Working Group (ANR). The Group is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, DoSFNRE and
the National Environment Agency (NEA) serves as the Secretary to the Group. In addition to the
above listed, other institutions in the ANR Working Group include:
-
-
The Department of State for Agriculture, which is responsible for promoting agricultural
development.
The Department of Agricultural Services, which is responsible for the promotion of sustainable
farming practices, agricultural extension and soil and water conservation.
The Department of Livestock Services, which is responsible for improving animal productivity
levels through the provision of extension advisory services.
The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), which is responsible for research on crop
varieties and farm technologies geared towards increasing the agricultural productivity levels of
farmers.
The Department of Planning, which is responsible for collection, analysis and archiving of data
and information in the agricultural sector.
The Department of Lands and Surveys
Women’s Bureau, which is responsible for promoting women’s interests
Strategy for Poverty Alleviation Office
Catholic Relief Services (NGO), which is active in agricultural development
Action Aid The Gambia (NGO), which is active in education
The Department of Community Development which serves as the interface between the rural
population, social services and the NGO community
23. The National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) is the key institution of environmental
policy issues. The NEMC has a technical secretariat, the NEA. Meanwhile, based on the active
participation and previous experience of Department of Water Resources (DWR) in climate change
matters, it was selected as the Lead Agency and Contact Point for climate change. The DWR,
through the National Climate Committee (NCC) is the technical arm of DoSFNRE charged with the
responsibility of implementing climate change convention. The NCC was established in November
1992 and is a multidisciplinary task team composed of government, non-governmental organizations,
the media and private sector institutions.
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Table 1: Organisational structure for climate change issues in The Gambia
National Environmental
Management Council
Forestry
Department
(Focal Point
of the CCD)
Task Force on
GHG Inventories
BCC
CSD
DAS
DCD
DLS
DoForest
DoP
DPWM
DWR
GCAA
GPTC
GREA
KMC
DoSW
GPA
NEA
GREC
GARDA
Gambia Daily
AFET
CRS
NARI
GEA
TANGO
Fisheries
Depart
ment
AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL
RESOURCES WORKING GROUP (ANR)
National Environment Agency (NEA), Department of
State for Fisheries, Natural Resources and the
Environment (DoSFNRE)
NAPA COUNTRY
TEAM (NCT)
Department of Water
Resources
UNFCCC & IPCC Focal
Points
Department of
Parks and
Wildlife
Management
(Focal Point of
the CBD)
National
Environment
Agency
(Focal Point
Montreal
Protocol)
NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE
Task Force on
Task Force on Impacts
Task Force on
Mitigation
and Adaptation
Education, Training
BCC
CSD
DAS
DCD
DLS
DoForest
DoP
GCAA
GREA
GPTC
BCC
KMC
GPA
NEA
GREC
GARDA
DoFish
DPWM
DWR
DoForest
DAS
DLS
DoP
NARI
Multidisciplinary
Integrated
Assessment Team
(MIAT)
Agriculture

Fisheries

Rangeland and
livestock

Energy

Health and water
resources

Coastal zones and
wetlands

Forests and
woodlands
and public awreness
ACU
DoSE
GAWA
GCCI
GRTS
GTTI
DoE
GARDA
AFET
CRS
NARI
Gambia Daily
GRTS (Radio & TV)
NEA
GEA
NARI
Gambia College
DoCD
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Objectives, and linkages to ongoing activities
24. The objectives of NAPAs are:
-
To serve as simplified and direct channels of communication for information relating to the
urgent and immediate needs for adaptation in The Gambia.
-
To facilitate capacity building for the preparation of national communications, and addressing
urgent and immediate adaptation needs.
Status of past and ongoing enabling activities
25. The Gambia has signed and ratified the following international conventions:
-
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
The Montreal protocol for CFC control
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD)
Summary of the First National Communication of The Gambia to UNFCCC
26. The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory is based on 1993 data, as it had more data than any other year
and uses the 1996 Revised Guidelines (IPCC. OECD.IEA, 1997). Meanwhile, not all emission
categories of the Guidelines are reported on, due to lack of data, or to the non-existence of the activity
in the country. The sectors assessed are energy, agriculture, waste management, industrial processes
and land-use change and forestry. A total of 181 Gg of CO2 were emitted into the atmosphere while
about 50,000 Gg were removed from the atmosphere by various socio-economic activities conducted
in The Gambia in 1993. This indicates that The Gambia is a net sink of carbon dioxide. Other gases
emitted into the atmosphere are Methane (193 Gg), Carbon Monoxide (73 Gg), Non-Methane
Volatile Organic Compounds (7 Gg), Nitrogen Oxide (3 Gg) and Nitrous Oxide (0.23 Gg). Based on
the Global Warming Potential concept, this results in a total uptake of 45,340,098 TCO 2E and, with a
population of 1,025,867, the per capita uptake is 44.2 TCO2E/capita.
27. Based on economic analysis of greenhouse gas mitigation measures the options and technologies
considered feasible to implement in The Gambia are (1) Rural electrification using solar generators;
(2) Greenhouse gas abatement using improved cooking stoves to reduce fuelwood consumption; (3)
Reducing CO2 emissions from organic waste combustion through composting; (4) Replacement of
fuelwood by liquefied petroleum gas; and (5) Carbon sequestration through forest management.
28. Climate data for the period 1951 to 1990 were used to establish the baseline climate scenarios for The
Gambia, whilst GCM outputs from the Canadian Climate Centre Model, Goddard Institute for Space
Studies, United Kingdom Meteorological Office, the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
equilibrium run and the Hadley Centre General Circulation models. On the average, by 2075, mean
temperature of The Gambia is estimated to increase by 3oC to 4.5oC depending on the GCM used. By
2100, a decrease of 15 to 59% and an increase of about 15% to 29% about the 1951-1990 average
rainfall amount are estimated in The Gambia. Little change is estimated in solar radiation (-5% to +
6%) by 2100. A CO2 concentration of about 330 parts per million (ppm) is assumed for the 1970s.
Double CO2 concentration levels of 540 - 580 ppm are likely to be achieved by 2075 and about
650ppm by 2100. Sea level rise scenarios adopted in the study are 0.2m as baseline, and 0.5m, 1.0 m,
and 2.0 m by 2100.
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29. The assessments of the impact of climate change on the various socio-economic sectors and
ecosystems were conducted on crop production, coastal resources, rangeland and livestock, fisheries,
forestry, biodiversity and wildlife and water resources. The results of the assessment indicate the
following negative impacts:
 Cereal production would decrease significantly;
 The suitability of the habitats for species such as the Dwarf Crocodile and Osprey would be
reduced;
 The city of Banjul and most of the mangrove systems would be lost under a 1-metre sea level rise
scenario; and
 Live biomass and leaf area in rangeland grasses would decrease significantly.
30. With regard to the issues affecting the implementation of the Convention, the National Climate
Committee, recognizes the paucity of data in the various sectors, its limitations in modeling, and in
conducting economic analysis and integrated assessment of climate change, and in linking the science
of climate change with policy, amongst other constraints. The Committee therefore seeks the
availability of adequate human, technological and financial capacity and the required international
cooperation, through bilateral and multilateral collaboration in order to address the above constraints.
31. The draft Initial National Communication has been reviewed by expert consultants and validated at a
national seminar. The comments and observations made by the consultants as well as during the
validation workshop have been incorporated. The document has now been delivered to a Printing
Company to make the necessary copies for formal submission to the UNFCCC. Upon reception of
the printing job, a launching ceremony (half day event) will be held after which the document would
be available to the public.
32. On Phase II, UNDP had submitted a TOR for the recruitment of a project coordinator to the
Government to review and comment. This has been done and an advertisement was placed in the
local newspaper. The Government team will now hold a meeting with the UNDP office to finalise the
workplan for the project and it will be implemented through UNDP in parallel to the NAPA project,
as there is no duplication of activities between these two projects.
33. The Gambia also participated in the United States Country Studies Programme for Climate Change
(USCSP) on Mitigation, Vulnerability and Adaptation in Developing and Transition Countries. The
participating countries assessed their vulnerability, identified adaptation methods and developed plans
for responding to climate change. The studies achieved the following:
-
Increased participation of developing and transition countries,
Understanding of countries’ vulnerability and adaptation program to climate change,
A better understanding of high green house gases emitting sectors and mitigation options,
Increased capacity of climate change researchers and a better understanding of current emissions
and projected growth in individual countries
34. Table 2 summarises the vulnerability assessment undertaken in The Gambia under the USCSP.
Annex 1 presents an initial set of gaps that still remain to be addressed, which will be tackled in the
NAPA preparation. Although the study managed to identify key vulnerabilities in major sectors, a lot
still remains to be done in the identification of appropriate adaptation measures, and criteria for
selecting priority measures. The NAPA will also propose additional gaps that need to be addressed.
35. The Gambia has since 1999 produced a national report on biodiversity, a report on the status and
trends of biodiversity in the country and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
The NBSAP recognises that much of the biodiversity loss in The Gambia is due to lack of awareness,
poverty, inappropriate policies and perverse incentives, which encourages over-exploitation and
8
unsustainable use of biological resources. The Action Plan therefore emphasises awareness
promotion and policy and institutional reform. The strategies also recognise the lack of reliable data
and the necessary human resources and institutional capacity as the major limitations hindering
effective resource planning and management and enforcement of laws and policies.
Table 2: Summary of Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment in The Gambia under the
US Country Studies Program
Sector
Vulnerabilities
Adaptation options
Coastal
Resources




Sea Level rise
Amplified storm surges
Inundation
Accelerated erosion of the coastline


Building protection walls
Development planning and
building requirements
Agriculture
Maize, Millet
and Groundnuts



Temperature rise
Decrease in precipitation
Decrease in yields of Maize and Millet

Adaptation measures not
proposed
Water Resources




Change in precipitation
Change in river flow.
Increase effects of droughts or floods
Saline intrusion

Adaptation measures not
proposed
Forestry

The Gambia has potential for increasing
biomass stock

Adaptation measures not
proposed
Fisheries


Flooding
Decreased productivity

Adaptation measures not
proposed
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36. The NBSAP through its various strategies proposes several actions, which demonstrate the sensitivity
of biodiversity and its components, to the impacts of the current and future climate. Amongst them
are:
-
To assess the major threats and underlying causes of biodiversity loss in key ecosystems or
habitats;
To study and develop indicators associated with different habitat structures and determine the
critical limits of the varying degrees of ecological disturbance;
To carry out studies of crop suitability and adaptations to various environments to enable growing
crops in areas best suited for them and to maintain crop diversity;
To strengthen crop breeding programmes using genetic materials from the wild, to develop new
crop varieties, including salt-tolerant and short cycle crop varieties
37. Following the preparation of the NBSAP a number of programmes/projects on biodiversity
conservation have been initiated: e.g. a regional project involving Senegal and The Gambia under the
framework of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) is currently under
implementation. Also, the Integrated Coastal and Marine Biodiversity project has received GEF
approval for funding.
38. The Gambia has completed and adopted the National Action Plan (NAP) to combat desertification,
during the second national forum in February 2000. The NAP is formulated against good background
knowledge of climate variability and climate change and therefore supports measures that favour the
reduction of greenhouse house gas emissions into the atmosphere.
39. Implementation of the above three Conventions brought to light the existence of serious lack of
financial, human and technical/scientific capacity for effectiveness. Success in achieving any
meaningful goals will certainly depend to a considerable extent, on the level of the above capacities
being available within the country. It is for this reason that the National Capacity Self Assessment
(NCSA) initiative, whose main objective is to enable countries to precisely determine their capacity
requirements in the above three Conventions (Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Desertification
Control) was launched by GEF and UNDP. Implementation of the NCSA project is currently
ongoing in The Gambia.
40. The Gambia participated fully in the recently concluded World Summit for Sustainable Development
(WSSD) in Johannesburg, South Africa and presented the National Report on Sustainable
Development and the implementation of Agenda 21. The report, having assessed the progress in, and
challenges to sustainable development in areas such as economic performance; strategies for
sustainable agriculture, natural resources and environmental management; and achievements in
sustainable social development, concludes that sustainable development has taken root in The
Gambia.
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Table 3: Schedule of NAPA project activities and output
Background
Literature review
Preparatory Activities
Literature review
Literature review
Assessment and Prioritisation
Draft V&A report
National Workshop to
review draft criteria and
priorities
National Workshop
Sectoral & Eco-System
Seminars
Review of
prioritisation of
activities by
NAPA Team
Final criteria & priorities
First draft NAPA
incorporating proposals,
criteria & priorities
Drafting &
Compilation
Development of proposals for priority
activities
Public dissemination
& review
Public review and finalisation of the
NAPA
Documentation Resource
Pack
Government, & civil
society review and GEF
endorsement
Updated NAPA
incorporating public review
Final NAPA incorporating
Government & civil society
review and endorsement by
GEF National Focal Point
Wider Dissemination
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Activity 1: Establishment, composition and mandate of the NAPA country network and
identification of a lead agency
41. The main objective of this activity will be to establish a multi-disciplinary network and institutional
structure charged with preparing the NAPA. The UNFCCC Focal Point will establish a NAPA
Country Team in consultation with other relevant ministries and governmental departments, as well
as the private sector, including NGOs. A Project Co-ordinator to co-ordinate the NAPA preparation
will be identified and appointed.
42. The NAPA Country Team (NCT), with the Water Resources Department as the lead agency will be
constituted to monitor, evaluate and to provide advice and guidance to the project. The NAPA Country
Team will be answerable to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Working Group and will be
composed of representatives from the following institutions:
 Permanent Secretary for Department of State for Fisheries, Natural Resources & the Environment
(Chair)
 Director of Water Resources (Focal Point of UNFCCC)
 Department for State for Finance and Economic Affairs
 National Assembly member of the sub-committee on environment issues
 A representative of the civil society
 Association of non-governmental organisations - TANGO
 Secretary of the Public Expenditure Review Task Force on agriculture and natural resources
 Department of Forestry (Focal Point of UNCCD)
 Department of Parks and Wildlife Management (Focal Point for UNCBD)
 National Environment Agency (National GEF Operational Focal Point & secretary to Task Force on
Disaster Relief)

 Project Co-ordinator (Secretary)
43. A multidisciplinary integrated assessment team (MIAT) will be mainly drawn from the current
membership of the National Climate Committee (task team under the ANR Working Group), which
has representatives from key sectors as well as from The Gambia's major eco-systems. The National
Climate Committee (NCC) is a multi-disciplinary task team composed of about 40 government, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and private sector institutions. The Department of Water
Resources chair the NCC and the NEA serves as the Secretary to the Committee. In addition, gender
equality and youth participation will be considered in forming the MIAT. The participation of women
is essential for several reasons. Adverse effects of climate change disproportionately affect women,
who are often marginalised in national projects. Women are often knowledgeable in vital local and
traditional issues, and they should be recognised as key stakeholders in consultations and decisionmaking.
44. Experts in the MIAT will be chosen from the following key organisations:






National Environment Agency (NEA)
Department of State for Works and Communication
Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO)
Local Women’s Associations
Department of Agricultural Services
Department of Planning (Agriculture)
12















Department of Community Development
Energy Division, Office of the President
Department of State for Tourism and Culture
District Desertification Committees
Divisional Development Committees
Department of Livestock Services
Department of State for Agriculture
Department of Parks and Wildlife Management
Department for State for Finance and Economic Affairs
Department of State for Local Government and Lands
Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment
Department of Water Resources
Farmers’ Platform
Youth Groups
Department of Health Services
45. Due to the need to continuously build the capacity of members of the National Climate Committee, the
lack of expertise outside the NCC to take up the challenge, as well as the need to avoid a conflict of
interests, MIAT will be a study team and the NAPA Country Team (NCT) watch over both technical and
management concerns. The MIAT will, with the exception of the Project Co-ordinator, undertake all the
studies related to the preparation of the NAPA, for which it possesses the expertise. The Project Coordinator would facilitate the work of the MIAT as well as serve as link with the NCT. The Project Coordinator will have adequate and appropriate computer and telecommunication facilities, including access
to the Internet. The MIAT will hold monthly meetings to monitor the progress of the project, while the
project co-ordinator and assistant will be responsible for the day to day running of the project. The
Project Co-ordinator would serve as secretary to the NAPA Team.
46. NAPA Country Team (NCT) being responsible for preparing the NAPA and co-ordinating its
implementation will maintain a distinct separation with the MIAT. No members of the MIAT will be part
of the NAPA Team, with the exception of the Project Co-ordinator. The NCT will meet as often as
required (at least 4 times during the project life – meetings scheduled for start and end of activities as per
proposed workplan) to review and guide the progress of the project. The NCT avails itself to the
methods and approaches that are available for the implementation of the NAPA, including material from
the Least Developed Country Expert Group (LEG), UNEP and others. The NAPA Country Team will
request for assistance from UNEP and the LEG to identify appropriate methods and approaches for
implementing the project.
47. It is estimated that a total of 8 experts covering the issues of agriculture, fisheries, rangeland and
livestock, energy, health and water resources and coastal zones and wetlands, and forests and woodlands
will form part of the MIAT. These experts will ideally be the team leaders of the various groups who
conducted the vulnerability and adaptation studies for the First National Communication. The experts
will undertake assessments of vulnerabilities to climate change in their respective sectors / ecosystems,
and propose possible adaptation measures, priorities and associated criteria. They will prepare expert
papers based on their assessments, which will be presented at the sectoral and ecosystem workshops, as
well as undertake the required reviews.
48. In addition to the sectoral and eco-system experts, economists will be recruited as part of both expert
teams. The economists will take a lead role in the cost benefit analysis of adaptation measures. The
MIAT experts will focus on the drafting of the NAPAs.
13
49. By drawing on a wide range of disciplines, the resulting NAPA will be more integrated and
crosscutting, capturing all the components of sustainable development.
50. The project co-ordinator will be responsible for compiling the various reports into a single
comprehensive NAPA report and for overall day-to-day co-ordination of the project.
51. Based on the skills and capacity available in the country (as demonstrated by the progress of the
preparation of the initial country communication), the duration of the project will be 18 months. This
will provide sufficient time for building the requisite skills and capacity needed for the preparation of the
NAPA.
Outputs for Activity 1
52. The key output of this activity will be the appointment of the project co-ordinator, nomination of
the NAPA Country Team and assembly of the MIAT experts. This activity will be undertaken for
a duration of three months.
Activity 2: Synthesis of available information on adverse effects of climate change and coping
strategies
53. The main focus of this activity will be to review all previous and on-going studies on climate change
undertaken to ensure that there is no duplication, and that the NAPA preparation is based on existing data
and information. Special emphasis will be placed on filling the gaps identified from the V& A
assessment in the UNFCCC National Communication.
54. For each of the sectors/ecosystems, the review will provide information on the following aspects:
- Analytical approach that was used to assess vulnerability, including comments on strengths and
weaknesses of modeling efforts;
- Nature of the vulnerability, including range of affected populations, types of physical impacts, scope
of economic risks, and urgency of the threat;
- Magnitude of the physical impacts, including estimates of the uncertainty and potential range of
impacts; and
- Adaptation options, including a categorisation into policy, technology, and project approaches.
55. Both sectoral and eco-system experts forming the MIAT will gather existing international, regional and
country-specific information on the vulnerability and adaptation to climate change based in their areas of
specialisation. The information will be sourced from published and unpublished reports, articles,
electronic media, conference papers and draft reports. The experts will synthesise the material gathered
for their respective sectors and eco-systems, and will prepare a report on vulnerability areas and
adaptation measures. The report will also included an annotated bibliography on all the materials and
publications reviewed.
56. The key documents to be reviewed by MIAT will include:
-
National communications – The initial national communication under the UNFCCC, which is
ongoing.
Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, included in the initial national communication under the
UNFCCC Report
United States Country Studies Program Support on Climate Change Studies, Plans, and Technology
Assessments.
14
-
Biodiversity Studies and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
Desertification Control National Action Plan
Reports from organisations that distribute food and medical aid to communities (e.g. World Food
Programme) during emergencies
Relevant national, eco-system and sectoral environmental reports.
National and regional studies on drought
Relevant IPCC Assessment Reports
57. As a gap-filling exercise, a Participatory Rapid Appraisals, (PRAs) with the aim of collecting
additional information on vulnerabilities to climate change, coping measures currently in place and
possible adaptation measures. Following departments will be involved by MIAT in undertaking the
PRA:
-
Department of Central Statistics
Department of Community Development
Department of Agricultural Planning
58. The PRA will be modelled around the stakeholder consultation workshops used during the
compilation of the National Communication, which involved 150-200 people from all walks of life
and were held at the village level. The workshops were conducted in the local languages of Fula,
Mandinka, and Wolof. Therefore, the PRA will cover the following three issues that were not
exhaustively covered in previous Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment:
-
Coping measures and adaptation to climate change vulnerabilities
Differentiated impact of climate change on men and women
Criteria for prioritisation of adaptation and coping options
59. A documentation expert will compile the various documents into an accessible, easy to use
documentation resource pack, which will be available in the public domain. The documentation resource
pack will be housed in the lead agency.
60. An initial set of relevant publications and reports that could be included in the document pack are listed
in Annex 2. The listed documents were used in the compilation of this proposal.
Outputs for Activity 2
61. The main output for this activity will be a Draft V&A Review Report, to be compiled by the project coordinator from the reports prepared by each MIAT sectoral and eco-system expert; and, a public domain
documentation resource pack on climate change, vulnerability and adaptation. This activity will be
undertaken for a duration of four months. The documentation resource pack will comprise of:
-
A minimum of 8 key reports on vulnerability and adaptation to climate change
Electronic abstracts of the key publications
Draft V&A Report
Reports of the MIAT meetings
Contact list for vulnerability and adaptation in The Gambia, including detailed names and contact
addresses of all agencies represented in the NAPA network.
15
Activity 3: Participatory assessment of vulnerability to current climate variability and extreme
weather events, and associated risks
62. The project co-ordinator in consultation with MIAT will organise an initial national level workshop,
where a wide range of stakeholders will discuss the Draft V&A Review Report. The key objective of
the validation workshop will be to solicit the views of stakeholders nationally, and to quantify, where
possible, assessment of the sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and vulnerability of natural and human
systems to climate change, with particular emphasis on changes in the range of climatic variation and
the frequency and severity of extreme climate events.
63. The workshop will also identify the need for improvement of systems and methods for long-term
monitoring and understanding the consequences of climate change and other stresses on human and
natural systems in The Gambia.
64. The validation workshops will determine the following:
65. Past and current practices (coping mechanisms) for adaptation to climate change and climate
variability
66. Key climate change adaptation measures
67. Criteria for selecting priority activities
68. Adaptation measures in the following sectors will be included:
Agriculture
69. Adaptation measures that can be considered would include, improved irrigation efficiency, crop
diversification, conjunctive use of surface and ground water for irrigation and changes in fertilisation
techniques. At the institutional level, measures such as, improvement of agricultural extension services,
research and development of new resistant crops, enhanced training programs and diversification of
agricultural activities, improved agronomic practices and expanded access to credit could be considered.
The validation workshop will evaluate these options and identify the most appropriate measures suitable
for priority implementation.
Health
70. Some adaptation measures that could be proposed for dealing with the vulnerabilities in the health
sector, could include a comprehensive malaria control programme, establishment of water treatment
facilities, revamping public health programs, construction of flood protection shelter for vulnerable
population, access to improved health care systems, improved surveillance and monitoring of
conditions favourable for health education, research and treatment of diseases.
Energy
71. Some of the adaptation measures that could be proposed include more energy efficient appliances such as
improved stoves both at household and institutional levels. These would directly benefit women, by
reducing the amount of fuel used and therefore the time and distance for firewood collection. In addition,
the appliances would reduce the exposure of women and children to smoke emissions.
72. A set of locally driven criteria will be used to select priority adaptation activities. The MIAT will
consider the following criteria proposed in the guidelines prepared by the LDC Expert Group (LEG):
16
-
Level or degree of adverse effects of climate change
Poverty reduction to enhance adaptive capacity
Synergy with other multilateral environmental agreements
Cost-effectiveness
73. Sectoral and eco-system experts as well as workshop participants will be invited to comment on the
proposed criteria for prioritisation of adaptation measures as well as invited to suggest other criteria
that might be more appropriate.
Outputs for Activity 3
74. The consultation workshop will result in a more detailed inventory of areas of vulnerability to climate
change in The Gambia; key adaptation and coping measures (categorised by sector and eco-system);
and, an initial set of criteria for prioritisation of adaptation measures for The Gambia. This activity will
be undertaken for a duration of two months.
Activity 4: Identification of past and current practices for adaptation to climate change and
variability
75. Based on the criteria agreed to by the National Workshop, MIAT will convene validation seminars to
consult with district stakeholders to refine and prioritise the various adaptation measures. In parallel
to the above activities, the sectoral experts will also convene validation seminar to prioritise the
various sectoral adaptation measures.
Priority adaptation actions identified in First National Communication include:
76. Agriculture (crop production)
- Integrated crop/livestock farming
- Efficient management of soil and water in order to reduce runoff and nitrogen leaching
- Contour farming and construction of dykes, crop residue, fallowing and crop rotation for the
maintenance of soil structure
- Crop cultivar screening, training of rural development agents and on-farm adaptive research on
crop management practices
77. Coastal zone
- Construction of dykes to protect villages bordering the wetlands and swamplands from seasonal
flooding
- Rehabilitation of the groyne system
- Construction of revetments, seawalls/bulkheads and breakwater systems in order to protect
economically and culturally important areas
- Development and enactment of appropriate regulations and policies relevant to construction,
urban growth planning, and wetland preservation and mitigation
- Development of a Coastal Zone Management Plan
78. Energy
- Promote energy efficiency and reduce energy use by applying basic house keeping and
retrofitting
- Promotion and use of renewable energy
- Replacement of firewood and charcoal by LPG as a source of domestic energy supply
79. Fisheries
17
-
Use hatcheries to enhance natural recruitment
Preserve and restore essential habitats and promote fisheries conservation and environmental
education
Promote aquaculture
80. Water Resources
- Regulation of abstraction of freshwater from the river to maintain a delicate equilibrium between
flow and saline intrusion
- Introduction of legislative measures such as licensing and permits for withdrawal of river water
for irrigation
- Improvement of the efficiency of existing irrigation systems and introduction and encouragement
of the use of more efficient irrigation systems such as sprinkler and drip irrigation
- Promote of water harvesting techniques
- Construction of small dams in most of the smaller streams of the river
81. The Project co-ordinator will compile the priority listings from the sectoral and eco-system seminars and
develop a national level priority listing.
Outputs for Activity 4
82. The key outputs for activity 4 will be a priority listing of adaptation measures for each sector
and each eco-system as well as a national level priority listing of urgently needed adaptation
measures with the requisite criteria. This activity will be undertaken for a duration of four months.
Activity 5: Identification of key climate change adaptation measures
83. MIAT will identify the adaptation measures building on the information generated in Activity 4. It
will identify autonomous and planned adaptation utilising the former as the foundation for planned
adaptation.
84. It will develop approaches to adaptation responses, estimating the effectiveness and costs of
adaptation options, and identification of differences in opportunities for and obstacles to adaptation in
different parts of the country and population. The economists in MIAT will provide cost-benefit
analysis for the identified adaptation options to assist in prioritisation of activities by the stakeholders.
85. MIAT will draw upon the past experience with adaptation to climate variability and extremes in the
region to develop appropriate strategies for adapting to anticipated climate change. The experts will
also identify national policies due to insufficient information that lead to maladaptation, such as
promoting development in risk-prone locations.
Output for Activity 5:
86. Planned, anticipatory adaptation options for The Gambia as supplement to identified autonomous
adaptation. Duration two months.
Activity 6: Formulation of country driven criteria for selecting priority activities to address the
adverse effects of climate change
18
87. The project co-ordinator will organise a national workshop of experts, in consultation with MIAT to
formulate a country driven criteria for selecting priority activities. The workshop will involve key
Government departments, NGOs, community groups, research organisations and parliamentary
members.
88. MIAT experts will then put together the selection criteria for submission to the NAPA Country Team
for approval.
Output for Activity 6:
89. Selection criteria based on analysis of the conditions under which various potential adaptations can
be implemented and its effectiveness. This activity will take one month.
Activity 7: Development of proposals for priority adaptation activities
90. The project co-ordinator will organise a national workshop involving all stakeholders to short-list the
adaptation options identified in Activity 5. The workshop will then select and identify priority
activities based on the criteria agreed in Activity 6.
91. MIAT will then prepare profiles of priority activities identified by the national workshop in the
prescribed format. The profiles will describe how the adaptation measures will be implemented and
highlight the requirements for implementing the measures.
92. The profiles will also include a cost-benefit analysis for each of the adaptation measures, to be
prepared by economists attached to each sectoral and eco-system expert. Guidelines for the
preparation of proposals are provided in Annex 3, prepared by the LDC Expert Group (LEG).
93. The NAPA project co-ordinator will co-ordinate the drafting and compilation of the proposals with
the day-to-day co-ordination responsibilities delegated to the various sectoral and eco-system experts.
Outputs for Activity 7
94. Once all the sections of the proposals have been drafted and compiled and incorporated in earlier
draft reports, the compilation will constitute the first Draft National Adaptation Programme of Action
(NAPA) report in the prescribed format. This activity will be undertaken for a duration of three
months.
Activity 8: Public Review of the draft NAPA
95. The public review of the NAPA document will ensure incorporation of opinions and views of the
public, and will be modelled on the public awareness and feedback mechanism used during the
National Communication preparation that was spearheaded by:
- Department of Community Development
- Curriculum Development unit of Gambia College
- Gambia Technical Research Institute
- Local Government Division commissioners
- Gambia Television and Radio
- The Daily Observer Newspaper
- The Gambia Daily Newspaper
- National Agricultural Education Unit
- Department of Adult Literacy
19
-
The Independent Newspaper
96. In addition, a media consultant will be contracted to take a lead in publicising the NAPA. The draft
NAPA will be summarised into brief 5-page summaries, and translated into Mandinka, Wolof and
Fula, which are widely used in The Gambia before being distributed to the public for review. The
Department of Adult Literacy will be particularly instrumental in the translation of the NAPA
document given their experience in adult education. The draft NAPA will be distributed to various
interest groups (e.g. NGOs, environmental organisations, universities, etc.) in both urban and rural
areas. The draft NAPA will appear in English daily newspapers and the weeklies in the local
language, which will ensure wider public readership. Press conferences involving representatives of
the main TV station, national radio station and a wide range of FM radio stations will be organised.
In addition, a public hearing will be organised to solicit the views of the general public. Comments
from the public review of the draft NAPA will be compiled, and incorporated into the NAPA by the
NSC with assistance from the sectoral and eco-system experts.
Outputs for Activity 8
97. The output for this activity will be an updated NAPA (in both summarised and extended formats),
which will have incorporated the comments received during the public review. This activity will be
undertaken for a duration of one month.
Activity 9: Final review of the NAPA by Government, civil societies, and endorsement by GEF focal
point
98. The updated NAPA will be distributed to the NAPA country network, key Government ministries, the
National Climate Change Committee and civil society for review. Comments received from the
review will be used to further improve the NAPA.
99. The updated NAPA will then be forwarded to the GEF focal point for endorsement.
Outputs for Activity 9
100.
The two key outputs from this activity will be (i) the final NAPA (in both summarised and
extended formats), and (ii) the endorsement letter from the GEF focal point in The Gambia. This
activity will be undertaken for a duration of two months.
Activity 10: Dissemination of the NAPA
101.
The final NAPA report (in both summarised and extended formats) will be published, and also
translated in Mandinka, Wolof and Fula. The published versions will be disseminated to a wide range
of stakeholders and the public. Brief summaries of the reports will be reproduced in the major English
daily newspapers, and the weeklies in the local language, and also discussed in the mass media (TV
station and radio station).
Outputs for Activity 9
102.
The key outputs will be the published versions of NAPA reports in English, Mandinka, Wolof and
Fula and widespread national dissemination. This activity will be undertaken for a duration of one
month.
20
Institutional Arrangements for oversight and co-ordination
103.
The National Executing Agency will co-ordinate the project. The Executing Agency will be the
UNFCCC Focal Point, which is the Department of Water Resources. The Executing Agency will
have overall responsibility for the project. They will oversee the constitution of the NAPA Team.
104.
The MIAT will be formed at both the sectoral level and regional levels. Each major sector and
eco-system will be represented in the MIAT. This will allow for participation of all stakeholders,
even at the divisional and district levels.
105.
The MIAT will meet monthly and will be comprised of the Project Co-ordinator and the experts.
106.
The NAPA Team will act as an independent oversight body, and will approve the major decisions
of the project. The Committee will periodically review the outputs of the MIAT, as well as
proceedings of the national workshops. It is expected to meet at most six times during the project life.
107.
UNEP as the implementing agency will provide technical backup and advisory support to both
the executing agency and the NAPA country network. In addition, the NAPA Team could also
request for technical assistance from the LDC expert group, (LEG).
The institutional structure envisaged for the project is provided in Table 1.
21
Table 4: Timetable
Activity/Month
1.0 Appointment of project co-ordinator,
nomination of NAPA Team and setting up the
MIAT
2.0 Synthesis of available information on
adverse effects of climate change and coping
strategies
(to be carried out at sectoral and eco-system
levels)
3.0 Participatory assessment of vulnerability
to current climate change variability and
associated risks
4.0 Identification of past and current practices
for adaptation to climate change and variability
5.0 Identification of key climate change
adaptation measures
6.0 Formulation of country driven criteria for
selecting priority activities to address the
adverse effects of climate change
7.0 Development of proposals for priority
adaptation activities
8.0 Public review of the draft NAPA
9.0 Final review of the NAPA by Government,
civil societies, and endorsement by GEF
10.0 Dissemination of the NAPA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
22
18
Table 5: Budget (US$)
Activity
Stocktaking
Process: (Assessments,
consultations,
workshops, etc.)
Product:
Assessment
reports/strategy
and action plan
Total
Assessment and prioritisation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Synthesis of available information on adverse
effects of climate change and coping
strategies
Participatory assessment of vulnerability to
current climate variability and extreme
weather events, and associated risks
Identification of past and current practices for
adaptation to climate change and climate
variability
Identification of key climate change adaptation
measures
Identification and prioritisation of criteria for
selecting priority activities
Total
(Assessment and prioritisation)
9,525
3,000
12,570
25,095
-
7,425
500
7,925
-
54,450
2,000
56,450
-
5,400
-
5,400
9,525
7,425
77,700
500
15,570
7,925
102,795
7,925
-
7,925
-
-
-
7,925
7,000
7,000
7,000
14,925
17,650
-
17,650
-
-
-
3,000
20,650
19,320
19,320
22,320
39,970
4,700
160
4,860
2,700
2,700
4,700
27,850
27,850
160
5,000
5,000
4,860
30,550
5,000
35,550
12,225
138,825
47,050
198,100
Development of proposals for priority activities
1.
National consultative process for short-listing
potential activities
2. Selection and identification of priority
activities on the basis of agreed criteria
3. Prepare profiles of priority activities in the
prescribed format
Total (Development of proposals for priority
activities)
Preparation, review and finalisation of the NAPA
1. Public review
2. Final review by Government and civil society
representatives
3. Printing, publishing, translation and
dissemination of the final NAPA document
Total
Technical Assistance
1. Assistance requested from LDC expert group
2. Other technical assistance
Total
Project Co-ordination and Management
Monitoring and Evaluation
Total
TOTAL
23
References
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) (2002). The World Factbook-The Gambia. Document downloaded
from CIA website (www.cia.gov)
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) (1999-2000). Country Profile-The Gambia, Mauritania. Economist
Intelligence Unit, London, United Kingdom.
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) (1999). Country Report Senegal, The Gambia, Mauritania. Economist
Intelligence Unit, London, United Kingdom.
Global Environment Facility (GEF) (2002) Project Documents. Document downloaded from GEF
website (www.gefonline.org)
Kebba, B., 2002 Country paper for the GEF African Meeting of National Focal Points. Document
downloaded from GEF website (www.gefweb.org)
Ramsar Organisation (2002). The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: National Report of The Gambia for
COP7. Document downloaded from the Ramsar Organisation website (www.ramsar.org)
Republic of The Gambia, (2002). Republic of The Gambia-Cabinet. Document downloaded from
Republic of The Gambia website (www.gambia.com)
United Nations (2000). The Worlds Women, Trends and Statistics (2000). United Nations, New York.
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) (2002). National Action Programme to
Combat Desertification (NAP)- The Gambia. Document downloaded from UNCCD website
(www.unccd.int)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (1993). The Impacts of Climate Change, UNEP,
Nairobi, Kenya.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (1999-2000). Vulnerability Indices: Climate Change
Impacts and Adaptation, UNEP Policy Series. UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)
(1990). Scientists Assessment of Climate Change, Policy Makers Summary of the report of Working
Group I to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. UNEP and WMO, Inter Governmental Panel
on Climate Change, Geneva, Switzerland.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (1999-2000). Vulnerability Indices: Climate Change
Impacts and Adaptations, UNEP Policy Series, UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (2002). STAP Expert Group Workshop on Adaptation
and Vulnerability, 18-20 February 2002 and STAP Consultations, 21 February 2001. UNEP, Nairobi,
Kenya.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (1997). Communications from Parties not included in
Annex 1 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). UN, New York.
24
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (2001). National Communications from Parties not
included in Annex 1 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). UN,
New York.
The US Country Study Notes. Country Study Notes, Issue 10. The Country Study Notes, New York.
WL Delft Hydraulics (2002). Project Description-The Gambia, Coastal Protection Study. Document
downloaded from WL Delft Hydraulics website (www.wldelft.nl)
World Bank (2001). Human Development Report (2001). World Bank Washington, DC.
World Bank (2002). World Development Report (2002). World Bank Washington, DC.
World Bank (2002). World Development Indicators (2001). World Bank Washington, DC.
25
Annex 1: Gaps in Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment in The Gambia
Differential impact of climate change on men and women not covered
Gender
Sector
Coastal
Resources
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Water Resources
Forestry
Grassland/ Livestock
Fisheries
Health
Transport
Energy
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Coverage/Initial set of gaps identified
and
-Effects of sea level rise due to amplified storm surges and inundation covered.
Proposed adaptation measures include building protection walls development
planning and building requirements.
-Erosion levels due to sea level rises, drainage congestion, salinisation and
natural disasters not covered
-Impact on specific crops such as Maize, Millet and Groundnuts covered.
-Adaptation assessment not undertaken.
-Inundation of arable land by sea water, variation in rain water and sea level rise
not covered
-Effects of change in precipitation on and magnitude of runoff and its effect on
droughts or floods covered.
-Adaptation assessment not undertaken
-Vulnerability to fresh water resources availability, morphological dynamics,
drainage congestion and increased flooding not covered
-Vulnerability assessment undertaken revealing that The Gambia has potential for
increasing biomass stock.
-Adaptation assessment not undertaken
-Vulnerability assessment undertaken, adaptation assessment not undertaken
-Vulnerability to sea level; changes and cyclone induced storm surges not covered
-Vulnerability assessment undertaken indicating that flooding would result in
decreased productivity.
Adaptation assessment not undertaken
-Physical and institutional adaptation not covered
-Vulnerability and adaptation assessment not undertaken
-Vulnerability to higher temperatures, floods, tropical cyclones and
contamination of ground water not covered
-Impact on roads (major highways and feeder roads) not covered
-Impact on bridges and railways not covered
-Impact on electricity generation not covered
-Impact of floods and rain on electricity transmission lines not covered
-Impact of higher day temperatures and lower night temperatures on energy
requirements not covered
-Vulnerability and adaptation assessment not under taken
-Impact on wildlife and biodiversity species not covered
- Not undertaken
Criteria for
prioritisation
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Adaptation/Coping Options
Institutional
Technical capacity to
Capacity to
implement
implement
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Financial
capacity to
implement
Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
27
Annex 2: Selected Background Documents on Climate Change and Adaptation in The
Gambia
Robert T.Watson, Marufu C.Zinyowera, Richard H. Moss, 1995
Climate Change 1995: Impacts, Adaptations and Mitigation of Climate Change - ScientificTechnical Analyses, Contribution of Working Group II to the Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Abstract: This chapter summarises the scientific-technical analyses of impacts, adaptations, and
mitigation of climate change in particular, mitigation options in the Transportation Sector. The transport
sector is one of the most rapidly growing sectors. In 1990 was responsible for about 25% of 1990 world
primary energy use and 22% of CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel use. The transport sector though linked to
economic development imposes burdens on society, including air pollution. The publication looks into
climate change and abatement of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. It also includes a
section on management of forests for mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
KEYWORDS: climate change, international, Asia, capacity building, energy, Gambia, China, India,
Indonesia, Korea, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam Pages 33
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2000
Vulnerability Indices: Climate Change impacts and Adaptation
Abstract: Climate Change is the most challenging environmental problem facing the international
community today. The purpose of this briefing paper is to review emerging and existing concepts of
vulnerability and adaptability, and to refine them into a dependable tool for prioritising preventive actions
by policy makers. This would ensure cost-effective policy decisions in a variety of countries and regions
likely to experience adverse effects of climate change. The paper systematically differentiates between
three domains of vulnerability considering present criticality in the absence of climate change, adaptive
capacity and climate change hazards.
KEYWORDS: climate change, vulnerability, adaptability, international Pages 84
United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) 2002
STAP Expert Group Workshop on Adaptation and Vulnerability, 18-20 February 2002 and STAP
Consultations, 21 February 2001
Abstract: This is a background document on the STAP expert group workshop on Adaptation and
Vulnerability convened from 18-20 February 2002, Nairobi, Kenya. The expert group workshop
examined the following specific aims and objectives with the view of providing the GEF with strategic
advice on how to maximise its interventions and investments in the area of adaptation. (i) How to
operationalise the guidance provided by the conference of the parties; (ii) Identify the gaps in current
scientific knowledge in terms of integration adaptation concerns into mainstream development in specific
sectors; (iii) How to integrate adaptation concerns into mainstream development projects in specific
sectors in a scientifically sound manner; (iv) Develop guidelines for the formulation of a framework
and/or approach for the GEF to fund adaptation interventions; (v) Outline the main elements of a targeted
research agenda for adaptation, based on the gaps identified in (ii).
28
KEYWORDS: UNEP, STAP, energy, GEF, international, workshop, climate change, adaptation Pages 32
The US Country Studies Management Team Washington, DC, USA, 1997
Country Study Notes, Issue 10
Abstract: Final country study reports for countries with economies in transition, an announcement of an
inter-agency climate change program, reports on workshops, interim report on climate change action plan
activities and advances in the Bolivia country study are contained in this issue.
KEYWORDS: climate change, international, Nepal, USA, Egypt, Mexico, Fiji, Bolivia, newsletter Pages
7
US Country Studies Program (USCSP) (1999)
Climate Change Mitigation Vulnerability and Adaptation in Developing and Transition Countries:
US Country Studies Program Support for Climate Change, Studies, Plans and Technology
Assessments.
Abstract: This report provides an overview of the work conducted by developing countries participating
in the U. S Country Studies Program (USCSP). Under this program, participating countries evaluated
climate change mitigation options assessed their vulnerability to climate change, identified methods for
adapting to climate change, and developed plans for responding to climate change.
KEYWORDS: climate change, mitigation, vulnerability, adaptation, developing countries. Pages 96
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 1993
The Impact of Climate Change: UNEP/GEMS Environment Library No.10
Abstract: This booklet deals with the impacts of climate change the possibility of accelerated warming
resulting from the enhanced greenhouse effect and with climate vulnerability. The effects of global
warming on climate cannot yet be predicted at a local level, but those countries currently at the margin of
their ability to support their populations’ will almost certainly find it difficult to adapt to new
environmental conditions.
KEYWORDS: climate change, environment, international, energy Pages 40
United Nations (UN), 1997
Communication from Parties not included in Annex 1 to the, United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1997)
Abstract: The is a brief report from the UNFCCC Secretariat on the status of preparation of national
communications from Parties not included in Annex 1 to the convention. A status table is prepared using
information obtained from: (i) national responses received from parties to a questionnaire on the status of
preparation of national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the convention during the
period of Feb-September 2001; and (ii) the Global Environment Facility, its implementing agencies and
bilateral programmes.
29
KEYWORDS: UN, Climate Change, national communications, Pages 12
United Nations (UN), 2001
National Communication from Parties not included in Annex 1 to the, United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1997)
Abstract: This document summarises and updates in synoptical form information concerning the state of
advancement of activities in the areas of technical co-operation, including those known as CC; TRAIN,
CC: FORUM, CC: INFO AND CC: SUPPORT, for consideration by the sixth session of the Subsidiary
Body for Implementation (SBI) on which the secretariat had reported to the SBI since the second session
of the Conference of the Parties (COP). The synopsis contains the following tables: Table I: “Status of
preparation of national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the convention”’; Table
2: “Secretariat Participation in regional workshops; Table 3 “ CC: TRAIN national workshops”; Table 4:
“CC: TRAIN training material”; Table 5: “ CC: FORUM”; and Table 6: “ CC: INFO national website
initiative”.
KEYWORDS: Climate change, International, Pages 14
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
National Action Programme To Combat Desertification (NAP): The Government of The Gambia
Abstract: The National Action Programme is structured with a brief introduction and presentation of
background information on The Gambia in Sections 1 and 2. These sections set the stage for the
discussion of the impact of desertification in The Gambia in Section 3. Section 4 covers the NAP
preparation process and provides a synopsis of analysis provided by the five sectoral studies
commissioned during the NAP preparation. Finally, the National Action Programme is detailed in Section
5, including guiding principles, priority measures, institutional and financial arrangements, and
monitoring and evaluation of the NAP.
KEYWORDS: United Nations, The Gambia, combating desertification
World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), 1990
Scientific Assessment of Climate Change: The Policymaker's Summary of the Report of Working
Group 1 to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Abstract: Human activities may be inadvertently changing the climate of the globe through the enhanced
greenhouse effect, by past and continuing emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases which will cause
the temperature of the Earth's surface to increase - popularly termed the "global warming". If this occurs,
consequent changes may have a significant impact on society. The purpose of the Working Group 1
report, as determined by the first meeting of IPCC, is to provide a scientific assessment of: 1) the factors
which may affect climate change during the next century especially those which are due to human
activity. 2) the responses of the atmosphere-ocean-land-ice system. 3) Current capabilities of modelling
global and regional climate changes and their predictability. 4) The past climate record and presently
observed climate anomalies.
KEYWORDS: environment, international, report, policy, climate Pages 26
30
Annex 3: Guidelines on the Structure of NAPA Documents
Information already included in the proposal for funding the NAPA preparation process need not
be repeated in the NAPA document itself. The GEF proposal-preparation process requires specific
information and linkages to other enabling activities. Only essential points should be repeated here.
A. Introduction and setting
1.
This introductory section will include background information about the country that is
relevant to the NAPA process. It will cover current characteristics, key environmental stresses, and how
climate change and climate variability adversely affect biophysical processes and key sectors.
Given the need for conciseness in the NAPA document, only information that is directly relevant
to the content of the NAPA document should be included in this section.
B. Framework for adaptation programme
2.
This section will also provide an overview of climate variability and observed and
projected climate change and associated actual and potential adverse effects of climate change. This
overview will be based on existing and ongoing studies and research, and/or empirical and historical
information as well as traditional knowledge.
This section should clearly summarise hazards posed by climate and climate change, and some
summary of vulnerability, based on past studies and/or from stakeholder knowledge of their situation.
This section will set the context for the whole NAPA by clearly demonstrating what aspects of climate
change are important for the country, based on the experience of its stakeholders. Such an approach
cannot rely exclusively on academic literature, or Vulnerability and Adaptation reports, but mainly on the
knowledge of practitioners at the community level who have developed coping strategies over
generations.
The reference above to “projected climate change” implies drawing on existing national
projections, if available.
3.
This section will describe the NAPA framework and its relationship to the country’s
development goals, as described in subparagraph 8(b)(i) above, to make the framework consistent with
socio-economic and development needs. In addition, it would also describe the goals, objectives and
strategies of the NAPA, taking into account other plans and multilateral environmental agreements.
While the NAPA identifies urgent and immediate action, it still needs to fit within development
goals, plans and frameworks, especially in relation to rural citizens and economic development plans for
the country. NAPAs will not attempt to implement broad national development goals; rather, NAPAs
would build upon national goals and integrate into national plans. They should also promote synergies
with other plans of action, and action in the context of other MEAs.
Most if not all countries have elaborated their development goals, and have systems in place to
implement the associated plans through economic planning, etc. It is important that the NAPA team be
aware of these, because NAPAs may be expected to safeguard important systems, including infrastructure
that would be critical in achieving economic goals for the country. For example, a NAPA may wish to
flood-proof a single bridge that connects a major cash-crop producing area of a region.
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4.
included.
Where possible, a description of the potential barriers to implementation should also be
There may be potentially serious barriers to implementing NAPAs, such as a lack of policies to
facilitate the implementation of the NAPA. These barriers should be identified and possibly considered as
areas for intervention in the immediate term or in future. Examples of such barriers could include legal
and policy-level inadequacies or inconsistencies, institutional, social, economic and cultural barriers, lack
of awareness of climate change issues etc.
C. Identification of key adaptation needs
5.
Based on this overview and framework, past and current practices for adaptation to
climate change and climate variability will be identified as related to existing information regarding the
country’s vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change, climate variability and extreme weather
events, as well as long-term climate change. This section will explain how and to what extent activities
may address specific vulnerabilities.
This will be the synthesis of the core of the NAPA preparation process, and should clearly
articulate suggested courses of action based on specific vulnerabilities. This long list of activities should
be based on the assessments carried out by the NAPA team, including very substantive involvement by
stakeholders.
In some cases, countries may have adequate information from past studies to suggest urgent
actions to address previously identified priorities. In such a case, the multi-stakeholder dialogue would
emphasise the discussion of actions and selection of priority activities.
6.
Given the actual and potential adverse effects of climate change described in section F.2
above, this section will identify relevant adaptation options including capacity building, policy reform,
integration into sectoral policies and project-level activities.
D. Criteria for selecting priority activities
A country should be free to choose from these criteria as best suits their case. NAPA activities
must address convincing threats of climate and climate change, and information should be provided that
shows potential damages and how this damage would be avoided or reduced. NAPA activities should
demonstrate fiscal responsibility (cost-effectiveness), they must be related to level of risk, and should
complement important country goals, such as overcoming poverty to enhance adaptive capacity, and other
environmental agreements.
The prioritisation process is a two-tiered approach. Under paragraph 15 below, four general
criteria will be used to select priority adaptation activities from a long list of potential activities. The
criteria under paragraph 16 below will be prioritised and will subsequently be used to rank the selected
NAPA activities.
The criteria under paragraph 15 could be seen as of a first order; those under paragraph 16 as
further detailing. It is possible to take all of these criteria into account by employing multi-criteria
32
analysis, as set out in Appendix D, where an example of a possible way to structure the criteria is given.
Countries are encouraged to limit the number of criteria to a manageable number.
7.
A set of locally driven criteria will be used to select priority adaptation activities. These
criteria should include, inter alia:
(a)
Level or degree of adverse effects of climate change;
(b)
Poverty reduction to enhance adaptive capacity;
(c)
Synergy with other multilateral environmental agreements;
(d)
Cost-effectiveness.
8.
These criteria for prioritisation will be applied to, inter alia:
(a)
Loss of life and livelihood;
Countries are encouraged to treat “loss of life” and “loss of livelihood” as two distinct criteria.
(b)
Human health;
(c)
Food security and agriculture;
(d)
Water availability, quality and accessibility;
(e)
Essential infrastructure;
(f)
Cultural heritage;
(g)
Biological diversity;
(h)
Land-use management and forestry;
(i)
Other environmental amenities;
This could include wetlands, natural attractions, etc.
(j)
Coastal zones, and associated loss of land.
Countries should use all or any of the above, as well as other relevant criteria for their situation.
E. List of priority activities
9.
This section will list priority climate-change adaptation activities that have been selected
based on the criteria listed in section F.4 above.
This is the outcome of the NAPA preparation process – a list of priority activities, which fit in
well with the country's development goals and poverty reduction strategies, while at the same time
enhancing the adaptive capacity of its vulnerable communities.
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10.
For each of the selected priority activities a set of profiles will be developed for inclusion
in the NAPA document. This could follow the format set out in subparagraph 8(c)(iv) above.
The format of the project profile is as follows, and each should be about 2-3 pages only:




Title
Rationale/justification, in relation to climate change, including sectors concerned
Description
- Objectives and activities
- Inputs
- Short-term outputs
- Potential long-term outcomes
Implementation
- Institutional arrangement
- Risks and barriers
- Evaluation and monitoring
- Financial resources
F. NAPA preparation process
11.
This section will describe the NAPA development process, including the process of
consultation, the methods for evaluation and monitoring, the institutional arrangements, and the
mechanism of endorsement by the national government.
This final section would document, briefly, the processes and major steps in developing the NAPA,
paying particular attention to the important guiding principles of NAPA, namely:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Use of a participatory process involving stakeholders, especially local
communities
Inclusion of multiple disciplines and inclusion of agencies responsible for
implementing development plans
Country-drivenness
Contribution to overall sustainable development goals
Government endorsement and commitment to implementing the outcomes, and
some system for accountability
Transparency
34
Annex 4: Multi-level indicator of vulnerability to climate vulnerability and climate change
Vulnerability Indicator for
country
Socio-economic factors e.g. sectoral composition of
GDP, GDP/cap. Total fertility, Adult literacy,
community organisations, public employees/1000
Environmental factors, e.g., pop.
Density/distribution, domesticated land as % land
area. Air/water quality
Food vulnerability
Index
Coping Capacity, e.g., % pop.
In subsistence agric. Extension
availability, net trade in cereals
Agric. Sensitivity, e.g., crop/farm
type, irrigation prevalence, Farm
income
Water
vulnerability
Index
Coping Capacity, e.g
Consumption per cap. %
pop with modern access,
type of water system
Water Sensitivity, e.g., ground
water reserves, soil moisture,
runoff, drought days/area
Settlements
Vulnerability Index
Coping Capacity, e.g,
Investment share in GDP,
Insurance mechanisms
Hazards exposure, e.g., % pop. In
marginalised settlements, % pop.
near sea level, trad. biomass fuel
use
Health Vulnerability
Index
Coping capacity, e.g., Public
health expenditures, distance to
clinic,
Health risk exposure, e.g.,
water&sanitation access, disease
incidence, urban air quality
Ecosystems
vulnerability index
Coping capacity, e.g.
conservation
enforcement, % land in
protected areas
Ecosystem sensitivity, e.g.,
extent of degraded soils,
SO2 emissions,
fragmentation
35