Waca Livelihoods Programme Onboards First Cohort of 700 Beneficiaries and 20 Women's Groups

The West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Programme [WACA] has officially onboarded its first cohort of 700 beneficiaries and 20 women’s groups marking a major step to strengthen livelihoods and economic resilience for communities along the Kotu stream.

The ceremony was held Friday at Paradise Suites Hotel.

The WACA Livelihoods Programme forms part of the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project II [WACA ResIP II], financed by the World Bank and implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources [MECCNAR].

The International Trade Centre [ITC] is supporting implementation of the livelihoods component, with a focus on communities living and working along the Kotu Stream.

Dr Muhammed Lamin Sanyang, WACA Project Coordinator, said the intervention is about building resilience beyond infrastructure.

“True resilience must go beyond infrastructure. It must improve the lives and livelihoods of people most exposed to climate risk,” Sanyang said. 

“Today we are turning that vision into action. We are onboarding 700 individuals and 20 women’s groups across the Kotu Stream. I am pleased that over 100 people with disabilities are among the beneficiaries.”

Officials said the first cohort comprises 400 individuals receiving business advisory support and grants, 150 individuals receiving entrepreneurship training and grants and 150 individuals receiving livelihoods training and grants.

The 20 women’s groups, representing 1,428 members, will also receive business advisory support and grants to strengthen existing businesses. 

In total, the first cohort reaches 2,128 direct beneficiaries. 

Suwaibou Cham, Entrepreneurship and Business Development Consultant at ITC Gambia, said the programme attracted overwhelming interest. 

“Over 5,000 people applied. With partners including Startup Incubation Gambia and The Gambia Startup Chamber of Commerce, we carried out community sensitisation that generated this response,” Cham said. 

“Although the first-year target was 1,500 people, we have already selected 700 individuals and 20 groups. We urge beneficiaries to maximise this support.”

The programme seeks to strengthen coastal resilience through disaster risk management, climate-resilient infrastructure and social investment.

Aji Satang Jaye, Councillor for London Corner Ward, described it as a vital opportunity. 

“I advise you to work with the WACA project for the continued success of this development. Take ownership of this programme and also help stop dumping along the stream,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Muhammed Faye called it a life-changing opportunity and pledged to use the support effectively.

The onboarding marks the start of implementation. Beneficiaries will now receive training, advisory support and grants to establish or expand income-generating activities.

Officials said the initiative is expected to deliver higher incomes, stronger businesses and greater resilience for vulnerable households along the Kotu Stream.