The Tumana Agency for Development (TAD) at the weekend successfully organised a one-day training on climate change and renewable energy at its headquarters in Tinkinjo Village, Tumana District, Upper River Region (URR).
The training, held under the Renewable Energy Potentials in The Gambia (REPGam) Project, aimed to educate community members and project beneficiaries from both URR and Central River Region (CRR) on the urgent challenges of climate change, the role of renewable energy, and strategies for adaptation.
Professor Sidat Yaffa, TAD’s Goodwill Ambassador and Director of the REPGam Project, led the session, engaging participants in insightful discussions and interactive activities focused on sustainable energy solutions. The training emphasised the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to combat climate change and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
The Gambia, like many other developing nations, faces increasing threats from climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, coastal erosion, and desertification. These environmental challenges directly impact agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods, making climate adaptation a pressing concern.
According to climate experts, shifting to renewable energy is a crucial step in mitigating these effects while also providing clean and affordable electricity to underserved communities.
The REPGam Project, implemented under the University of The Gambia and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, is committed to addressing these challenges through research-driven solutions. By promoting the use of renewable energy technologies, the project seeks to improve access to electricity, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance community resilience against climate change.
Muhammed Saidy, the communications officer for TAD, underscored the significance of the day-long training, saying it will significantly enhance the capacities of the participants and broaden their understanding of climate change.
“This training is important because it provides participants with knowledge and practical measures to combat climate change effectively. By bringing together participants from different communities in URR and CRR, we are optimistic that they will share the knowledge gained with their people,” he noted.
TAD officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting local communities through similar capacity-building initiatives. They called on stakeholders, policymakers, and development partners to invest in renewable energy projects that empower rural populations and contribute to national climate goals.
As climate change continues to pose significant risks, initiatives like the REPGam Project and TAD’s training programs play a vital role in equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed to adapt and thrive in a changing environment.
This is a timely training especially on Energy aspect as Gambia has being battling with erratic power supply !