Revitalizing Indigenous Pottery Industries in The Gambia: Challenges, Opportunities and Sustainable Solutions

This study examines the challenges confronting traditional pottery-making in the Upper and Central River Regions of The Gambia and explores the prospects for revitalizing the industry through sustainable strategies. For generations, pottery production has served not only as a source of livelihood for rural families but also as a means of preserving cultural identity and transmitting indigenous knowledge across generations. However, the industry is increasingly threatened by modernization, imported ceramics, and changing socio-economic realities. A qualitative research method involving field observations, interviews, and interactions with potters, traders, artisans, government officials, and cultural stakeholders in pottery-producing communities. Secondary materials on indigenous technology, cultural heritage, and pottery production were also consulted to support the analysis. Findings reveal that the pottery industry is experiencing rapid decline due to competition from cheap factory-made imports, poor infrastructure, limited market access, inadequate modern tools and glazing materials, weak institutional support, and declining youth participation. These challenges have reduced production levels and weakened the socio-economic relevance of pottery within local communities. Despite these difficulties, the study identifies significant opportunities for revitalization through technological innovation, skills training, cultural tourism, market expansion, and the formation of cooperative associations among potters. The study recommends increased government intervention in training, infrastructure development, and access to modern production facilities. It also emphasizes the promotion of indigenous pottery through tourism events, trade fairs, and cultural heritage programmes aimed at preserving traditional knowledge for future generations. The study concludes that revitalizing indigenous pottery industries is essential not only for safeguarding cultural heritage but also for creating rural employment opportunities and promoting sustainable local economic development in The Gambia.