The Effects of Global Policy on Climate Change on Environmental Degradation in the Gambia

Introduction: The Gambia, a country in West Africa, is at high risk of environmental degradation due to its low-lying coastal regions, deforestation, limited resources, weak institutional capacity, and heavy reliance on agriculture. This research aimed to examine the effects of global climate change policies on environmental degradation in The Gambia from 2020 to 2023. Challenges in implementing international policy frameworks, including issues of political will, coordination difficulties, limited public awareness, and institutional constraints, were highlighted. Reforestation and waste management initiatives were explored as potential strategies to combat deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. Methods: Qualitative research methods, including focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, were used to collect data for this study. Content and thematic analyses were employed to analyse the data. The research objectives included analysing the effects of international policy frameworks on environmental degradation, evaluating national climate change policies, and monitoring changes in environmental degradation over time in response to global interventions. The study emphasised the importance of community and stakeholder engagement in climate change policy development and implementation. Results: The findings of the research emphasised the need for enhanced public education, the incorporation of indigenous knowledge into adaptation plans, and the development of local expertise for sustainable environmental management in The Gambia. Recommendations put forward included strengthening community involvement, enhancing governance structures, and leveraging local resources to promote more sustainable environmental practices in the country. The study highlighted the challenges of implementing global climate change policies in The Gambia, including political will, coordination issues, limited public awareness, and weak enforcement mechanisms. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a need for the government to partner with all stakeholders in The Gambia, from the community level to civil society organisations and international bodies, to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance resilience to environmental challenges. Strengthening community involvement, enhancing governance structures, and leveraging local resources are crucial steps for promoting more sustainable environmental practices in the country. By addressing these issues and incorporating indigenous knowledge into adaptation plans, The Gambia can work towards mitigating the effects of climate change and improving its environmental resilience.