Young people in the Foni area of Gambia's West Coast Region are calling for urgent government investment in skills training and rural development to address declining livelihoods and fears of outward migration. This plea comes as economic activity remains heavily concentrated in urban areas such as the Greater Banjul area, leaving border communities feeling neglected. The youth are urging authorities to prioritize practical skills training programs, such as carpentry and tailoring, alongside improved rural infrastructure. These initiatives, they contend, are key for creating local opportunities and discouraging young people from seeking livelihoods elsewhere, particularly in the Greater Banjul area or across the Senegal–Gambia border.
Security Operations Disrupt Traditional Livelihoods
Traditional livelihoods in Foni, heavily reliant on forest resources, have seen a sharp decline due to security operations and shifting environmental and economic conditions. Military operations along the Senegal–Gambia border have severely restricted access to these forest-based activities. These military interventions aim to disrupt timber trafficking and cannabis cultivation, which are linked to MFDC separatist activity in Casamance. The presence of military forces and the associated security concerns have made it increasingly difficult for residents to pursue their traditional means of income.
The operations have intensified between 2022 and 2026, making activities such as charcoal burning and firewood collection increasingly dangerous for local communities. As a result, traditional dry-season activities, including firewood collection and harvesting wild fruits like ‘Kaba,’ are no longer considered safe or reliable sources of income for residents in the Foni area. The disruption of these long-standing economic practices has had a profound impact on household incomes and the overall economic stability of the region, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
Impact on Local Communities and Migration Risk
Rising unemployment and limited economic opportunities are pushing communities deeper into poverty and increasing the risk of irregular migration. Locals in villages such as Jifanga, Kampant, and Sitanunku have been caught up in security incidents in recent years. These incidents show the precarious situation faced by residents living in the border areas. One such incident involved the tragic death of a resident, identified as Yankuba Badjie, in 2022 during border-related tensions. This event noted the dangers inherent in the ongoing security situation.
Some families were previously forced to abandon their farms and temporarily flee their villages during periods of heightened military activity, disrupting agricultural cycles and community life. Despite these disruptions and the lingering impact on livelihoods, residents report a gradual return to normal life in early 2026, indicating some stabilization in the affected areas. However, the underlying economic challenges and the risk of further security incidents remain significant concerns for the youth and community leaders.
Calls for Decentralised Development and Skills Training
Economic activity in The Gambia remains heavily concentrated in urban centers, particularly the Greater Banjul area, leaving rural communities like Foni struggling for development. Youth leaders are advocating for decentralised development policies that extend beyond these urban hubs to directly support border communities like Foni. These areas currently experience a lack of essential community infrastructure, including gardens and boreholes, which are vital for agricultural development and basic living conditions. The absence of such infrastructure further hampers economic growth and quality of life.
Concerns have also been raised that current education systems are not adequately preparing young people for the labour market, particularly within rural settings where specific skills are needed. To address these shortcomings, youth leaders are calling for increased vocational training focused on agriculture, construction, and digital skills. They urge the government to prioritise skill development programmes that respond directly to local realities and contribute to creating sustainable livelihoods within border communities. Stakeholders believe Foni possesses the potential to become economically productive if supported with targeted investment and effective decentralised development planning, ensuring that young people have the tools and opportunities to thrive locally.