REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA

NATIONAL DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

2024 -2033

National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA)
November 2023

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Table of Contents
Abbreviations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Operational Definitions ………………………………………………………………………………………..5
1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………..8
1.1. The National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2024-2033……………………..8
1.2. Rationale for the Policy…………………………………………………………………………….8
1.3. Coherence with Development Frameworks and other Sector Policies…….9
2. BACKGROUND …………………………………………………………………………………………..10
2.1. Disaster and Vulnerability Context………………………………………………………..10
2.2. Hazard trends; nature, scope & frequency of Disasters in the Gambia …11
2.3. Impact of Hazards and Key Challenges………………………………………………….11
3. GAMBIA DISASTER RISK MANAGEMET POLICY FRAMEWORK ………….13
3.1. Vision………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………..13
3.2. Mission……………………………………………………………………………………………………13
3.3. Objectives of the Policy ………………………………………………………………………………..13
3.4 Policy Guiding Principles ………………………………………………………………………….13
3.5 Scope and Structure of the Policy Document………………………………………………….15
4. POLICY PRIORITY AREAS …………………………………………………………………………16
Component 1: Prevent and Reduce Risk Exposure and Vulnerability to
Disaster………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………….16
4.1 Strengthen the Early Warning Systems…………………………………………………..16
4.2 Strengthening Disaster Preparedness Capacity including Contingency
Planning ………………………………………………………………………………………………………18
Component 2: Disaster Response and Recovery ……………………………………………..19
4.3 Responding to Disasters………………………………………………………………………….19
4.4 Recovery from Disasters………………………………………………………………………….20
5.1 Legal and Regulatory Framework …………………………………………………………..21
5.2 Governance Framework…………………………………………………………………………..22
5.3 Institutional Framework………………………………………………………………………….23
5.4 Implementation Planning ……………………………………………………………………….23
5.5 Monitoring and Evaluation……………………………………………………………………..24
5.6 Financing Framework ……………………………………………………………………………..24
5.7 Communication……………………………………………………………………………………….25
Annex 1: Disaster Hotspots in The Gambia …………………………………………………….26
Annex 2: Methodology and process for the development of the policy ………….27
Annex 3: Synopsis of the Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and Strategy 2008….28
Annex 4:Analysis of Relevant Policies and Regulations relevant to DRM……32
Annex 5:Outcome of Stakeholder consultations- August 2023………………………………46

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Abbreviations
ARC Africa Risk Capacity
BCC Banjul City Council
CRR Central River Region
DoA Department of Agriculture
DLS Department of Livestock Services
DRM Disaster Risk Management
DWR Department of Water Resources
EWS Early Warning Strategy
EWEA Early Warning, Early Action
KMC Kanifing Municipal Council
MFDT Multi-Disciplinary Facilitation Team
NaNA National Nutrition Agency
NARI National Agricultural Research Institute
NBR North Bank Region
NDMA National Disaster Management Agency
NDMC National Disaster Management Council
NDP National Development Plan
NEA National Environment Agency
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NRA National Roads Authority
NSPS National Social Protection Programme
OVP Office of the Vice President
SDGs Sustainable Development Goals
UNDP United Nations Development Program
UNEP United Nations Environment Program
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
URR Upper River region
WFP World Food Program
WR Western Region

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FOREWORD
As the frequency and severity of disasters continue to escalate, disaster management
must be prioritized more than ever. In response to the complex challenges associated
with transitioning from rescue and relief operations to disaster prevention and
preparedness, this policy document outlines practical and achievable development
objectives.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) is a critical concern that cannot
be addressed by the government alone; it requires the collaborative efforts of all
stakeholders to manage various tasks across different stages of the disaster
management cycle.
This policy draws upon key recommendations from international frameworks on
Disaster Risk Reduction, adapting them to the specific context of the Gambia. It aims
to create a coordinated, harmonized disaster management approach that aligns
national, regional, and international strategies. The Government of the Gambia
acknowledges the importance of this integrated approach, recognising that any
national policy not aligned with international standards and best practices will face
significant challenges in achieving intended policy goals.
The document outlines a clear vision and strategic focus for disaster risk reduction
and management in the Gambia, providing a roadmap for achieving sustainable
outcomes for communities. It also sets forth strategic priorities and targets to guide
implementation and an investment plan that details out financial resource needs for
the first five years of the policy. The policy emphasises the necessity of incorporating
disaster risk reduction into national development planning. With the formulation of
this policy, we hope that our development partners will use its insights to effectively
contribute to disaster risk reduction and management efforts in the Gambia.

His Excellency Mohammed BS Jallow
Vice-President of the Republic of the Gambia and Chairperson of the National
Disaster Management Council

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Operational Definitions
Climate Change: Refers to a change of climate which is attributed directly or
indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and
which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable periods.
Community: Community represents a network of social interactions that may be
exposed to multiple social and/or physical impacts from one or more hazards/
threats, often, but not exclusively, related by place (i.e., village, neighbourhood,
watershed, etc.)

Degradation: The reduction of the capacity of the environment to meet socio-
economic, and ecological objectives and needs. Examples are land degradation;

deforestation; desertification; loss of biodiversity; water and air pollution; climate
change; sea level rise; bushfires; ozone layer depletion; illegal mining and quarrying;
indiscriminate throwing of garbage; and drilling boreholes close to sewer systems.
Disaster: It is an event that is associated with the impact of a human-induced or
natural hazard which causes serious disruption in the functioning of a community
or society, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses which
exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope with the hazard using
its resources.
Disaster Contingency Plan: A means to address a disaster or impending disaster
within a fairly finite time, such as from early warning to response and recovery,
including mechanisms for the generation of disaster-specific operational plans.
Disaster Management: Refers to a continuous and integrated multi-sectoral and
multi-disciplinary process of planning and implementation of measures aimed at (a)
preventing or reducing the risk of disasters, (b) mitigating the severity or
consequences of disasters, (c) emergency preparedness, (d) a rapid and effective
response to disasters and (e) post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation.
Disaster Preparedness: Refers to activities and measures taken in advance to ensure
effective response to the impact of hazards, including the issuance of timely and
effective early warnings and evacuation of people and economic assets from a
threatened location.
Disaster Prevention: Refers to measures or actions taken to avoid, eliminate or
prevent harmful natural or human adverse phenomena or hazards from causing or
resulting in a disaster. This includes the process of informing the general population,
increasing levels of consciousness about risks and how people can act to prevent their
exposure to risk of hazards.
Disaster Risk Management: This is the systematic process of using administrative
directives, organizations and operational skills and capacities to implement
strategies, policies and improved coping capacities in order to lessen the adverse
impact of hazards and the possibility of disaster.

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Drought: This is defined as a period of abnormally dry weather that persists long
enough to produce a serious hydrologic imbalance (for example crop damage, water
supply shortage, etc). The severity of the drought depends upon the degree of
moisture deficiency, the duration and the size of the affected area.
Emergency: An event, actual or imminent, which endangers or threatens to endanger
life, property or the environment and which requires a significant and coordinated
response.
Epidemic: Refers to an unusually large or unexpected increase in the number of cases
of the disease for a given time, place or period.
Early Warning System: An EWS represents the set of capacities needed to generate
and disseminate timely and meaningful warning information that enables at-risk
individuals, communities and organizations to prepare and act appropriately and in
sufficient time to reduce harm or loss. Early signifies before the arrival of a hazard or
threat — while there is still time to reduce potential harm, loss or prevent a disaster.
A warning is a message (using signs, words, sounds or images) that announces an
imminent danger.
Famine: A crisis induced by the breakdown of the accustomed availability of and
accessibility to basic foodstuffs on a scale sufficient to threaten the lives of a
significant number of people.
Floods: A flood is a high flow of water, which overtops either the natural or artificial
banks of a river. Floods induce disasters when human settlements have an overflow
of water beyond the normal confines and humans are unable to cope with the
calamity, or when they result in the destruction of crops, social and economic
infrastructures. Floods are very common disasters in The Gambia.
Gender: Gender refers to the social and economic differences between men and
women that are learned, changeable over time and have wide variation within and
between cultures. This is opposed to sex which refers to the biological differences
between men and women. Gender is used to analyze roles, responsibilities,
constraints and opportunities of men and women in development.
Indigenous Knowledge: This refers to local knowledge of issues and practices that
affect or are related to disasters such as knowledge of waterways, weather-related
signs and symptoms and migratory patterns of certain species of birds.
Hazard: Refers to a potentially damaging physical event such as an earthquake, a
hurricane, flood, drought, fire, epidemic, phenomenon or human activity, which may
cause injury or the loss of life, damage to property, social and economic disruption
or environmental degradation, and includes latent conditions that may represent
future threats and can have different origins, natural and human-induced.

Pandemic: Deadly or virulent disease affecting or threatening serious injury, ill-
health, discomfort or death to a large number or proportion of the human, plant or

animal life.

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Recovery is to help bring about sustainable development by facilitating the necessary
adjustments to the changes caused by the disaster and improving on the status quo,
where possible.
Refugee: A person who is unable or unwilling to return to his or her country of
nationality, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race,
religion, nationality, seriously disturbed public order, gender discriminating
practices, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. Such a person
must enjoy the protection of the country of asylum in line with International
Humanitarian Law governing the status of refugees. A refugee-induced hazard may
arise from cross-border disease outbreaks, security concerns, economic strains, and
climate hazards.
Rehabilitation: Refers to measures to help restore the livelihoods, assets and
production levels of emergency-affected communities.
Resilience: Refers to the ability of human and natural systems, communities or
society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate and recover from the
effect of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner, including through the
preservation and restoration of its essential basic structures and functions.
Response: The provision of emergency services and public assistance during or
immediately after a disaster to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety
and meet the basic subsistence needs of the people affected.
Risk: Refers to the probability of harmful consequences such as deaths or injuries,
expected losses of property or livelihoods, disruption of economic activity or

environmental damage, resulting from interaction between natural or human-
induced hazards and vulnerable conditions.

Vulnerability: Refers to a set of conditions and processes resulting from physical,
social, economic and environmental factors which increase the susceptibility of a
community to the impact of hazards

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2024-2033
The National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2024-2033 is a comprehensive and
forward-looking framework that serves as The Gambia’s strategic response to the
increasing challenges posed by natural disasters and climate-related events. Situated
within the context of The Gambia’s unique eco-climatic conditions, which include
alternating periods of severe droughts and intense storms, this policy aims to address
the pressing issue of disaster risk management. This policy seeks to rectify the
inadequacies of the previous NDMA policy (2008), which lapsed in 2012. The
extreme events of recent years have underscored the necessity of a robust policy
framework that can effectively address the dynamics of changing disaster patterns,
institutional and technical capacity issues, and the shortfall of financial resources.
The methodology for developing this policy was meticulous, incorporating a review
of previous policies and their implementation outcomes and consultations with key
stakeholders at regional, technical, and national levels. These consultations
illuminated the need to expand the conceptual framework of disasters, integrate
gender and social inclusion into disaster risk management, and update legislative
frameworks.
The National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2024-2033 encompasses a broad
spectrum of hazards, including human and animal disease outbreaks, pest
infestations, hydroclimatic events, and emerging concerns like COVID-19 and oil
spills. The policy covers the entire disaster risk management cycle, from prevention
and preparedness to response, recovery, and mitigation. It also outlines guiding
principles and enabling factors to facilitate effective implementation. Moreover, the
policy document is complemented by a costed strategic plan, detailing the activities
for the first five years of its implementation. The plan allows for periodic reviews
and adjustments to address emerging challenges and lessons learned, ensuring its
adaptability and relevance throughout the policy period. In essence, the National
Disaster Risk Management Policy 2024-2033 is a pivotal step towards building
resilience and safeguarding The Gambia’s population and infrastructure against the
increasing threat of natural disasters.

1.2. Rationale for the Policy
The country’s only policy on disaster; the NDMA policy (2008) lapsed since 2012.
Following the 2022 food event, it was felt that a policy was needed to be in place. The
Office of the Vice President organized a retreat of stakeholders of the process, a
Review of the National Disaster Management Policy, National Disaster Management Strategy
and Action Plan (NDMPFP) in September 2022. However, the retreat concluded that
there were many gaps and disconnects within the draft policy and this challenge was
also observed in the development of the strategy. As a key recommendation from the
Retreat, it was agreed to form a Technical Working Group (TWG) comprised of The
National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Office of the Vice President (OVP)

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and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources
(MECCNAR) to support the development of a comprehensive DRM Policy to
building on the development of the draft revised policy guided by a review of
implementation of the last policy as well as international frameworks and protocols
adopted since 2008 such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-
2030) and the Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The recent oil spills in June 2022 and July 2022 flood disasters have shown that there
is a dire need for an updated DRM policy to take on board the dynamics of the
changing patterns observed in terms of frequency and types of disasters that The
Gambia is facing including the need to address challenges related to weak
institutional and technical capacity to prepare and respond to such disasters and the
inadequacy of financial resources.

1.3. Coherence with Development Frameworks and Other Sector Policies
Disaster risk management (DRM) has been an integral part of the national
development planning process throughout the past decade. In the 2018-2021
National Development Plan, one of the seven cross-cutting themes which were also
considered critical enablers for the success of the plan was ‘promoting environmental
sustainability climate resilience and land use. This aspect of the NDP heavily focused
on building resilience as well as mitigating the effects of disasters on affected
populations. Strategies and activities undertaken by NDMA to ensure adequate
inclusion of disaster risk management in the NDP included advocacy to the highest
level as well as the active participation of NDMA staff in national development
planning processes.
In the Recovery Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP: 2023-2027), the first
pillar of the current National Development Plan is on building community resilience
to shocks and crises whilst pillar 5 is on agriculture, fisheries, natural resources
environment and climate change also has components of disaster risk reduction.
NDMA actively participated in the sector working groups for the two pillars during
the plan formulation.
The NDP also demonstrates the continued commitment The Gambia has toward
addressing gender disparities and improving gender equality outcomes in the
country as a means to achieving equitable outcomes that benefit all sectors, and
overall country development. For example, the 2010 Gender and Women
Empowerment Policy. Additionally, The Gambia’s commitment is aligned with the
World Bank Group’s Gender Strategy.1

1 Specifically, Pillar 2. Removing Constraints for More and Better Jobs; Pillar 3. Removing Barriers to
Women’s Ownership of and Control over Assets; and Pillar 4. Enhancing Voice and Agency, including
addressing GBV.

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2. BACKGROUND

2.1. Disaster and Vulnerability Context
The Gambia lies within the tropical sub-humid eco-climatic zone characterized by a
long dry season from October to early June and a short rainy season from mid-June
to early October. Average annual rainfall ranges from 850 mm to 1,200 mm. During
the dry season, the climate is dominated by dry and dust-laden winds blowing from
the Sahara Desert to the northeast. During the rainy season, south-westerly monsoon
winds, combined with heat on the continent, give rise to the formation of
thunderstorms, usually accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain, and severe
lightning. Usually, the majority of rainfall occurs between June and October. August
is the rainiest month. Higher rainfall is in the southwest of the country. The lowest
annual rainfall is in the northeast of the country. Annual rainfall in The Gambia, like
the rest of the Sahel region, has considerable spatial and temporal variation.
In the last few decades, the country has registered a decrease in annual rainfall. It has
been subjected to a greater climatic fluctuation alternating periods of severe droughts
(2011, 2014) and heavier storms more spatial-temporally concentrated, resulting in
serious flooding events (1948, 1988, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2010, 2020, 2021, 2022). Due to
these geophysical conditions, accelerating climate change, and high degrees of
vulnerability, The Gambia is at high risk for natural disasters.
A range of hazards including floods and windstorms, droughts, fire outbreaks, and
epidemics pose risks to the Gambian society and have impacted the lives, properties,
and livelihoods of people across the country. The impact of disasters is more serious
for the most vulnerable members of the population including, women, children, the
disabled and the elderly. The number of people affected by these hazards from
January to August 2021, was 111,361 people from 6,720 households. Compared to the
previous years, The Gambia has never recorded a disaster of this magnitude within
a year; thus, this has led the Government, through the National Disaster
Management Agency (NDMA) to launch an appeal in support of the victims of
disasters. (NDMA SITREP August 2022).

“The extreme rainfall on July, 30 and 31 2022 registered the highest precipitation
recorded in The Gambia in more than 30 years with parts of the West Coast Region
receiving 276 mm within the 20hr rainfall period. An estimated 80,000 people were
affected by this single extreme event in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA) resulting in a
total estimated economic damage and loss of US$124.2 million [5]. (Ref. World Bank,
“The Gambia: Greater Banjul Areas Flood Risk Remote Assessment,” 2022
The 2022 flood is the most severe disaster the country has recorded in decades,
affecting the entire country and causing damages to critical infrastructures such as
health facilities, homes and schools as well as the obstruction of traffic. Windstorm
surge in 2021 significantly affected the entire country with North Bank Region (NBR)
and West Coast Region (WCR) being the hardest hit.

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The current state of infrastructure is insufficient to cope with these stresses and is
further compounded by other issues such as settlements in flood-prone areas and
indiscriminate waste dumping leading to the clogging of waterways. Addressing the
impact of disasters requires huge investments to strengthen and maintain
infrastructure as well as formulation, implementation, and enforcement of relevant
regulations, policies and programmes.
2.2. Hazard trends; nature, scope & frequency of Disasters in the Gambia
The Gambia is a disaster-prone country due to its geophysical conditions, climatic
extremes, and high degrees of exposure and vulnerability. The range of potential
hazards in the country includes windstorms, droughts, floods, coastal oil spills, ferry
disasters, extensive bushfires and urban fires especially common in urban markets,
building collapses, industrial explosions, and road accidents. Others include disease
outbreaks (both human and animal, pest infestation, contamination of water supplies
and of late, due to the insecurity situation in the subregion, there has been a major
influx of refugees. All these make the Gambia disaster-prone.
Though these potential hazards pose threats to lives and sustainable and
transformative livelihoods, the most common threats and highest impact on
populations between 2018 and 2020 have been climate-related threats such as floods
and windstorms. As a result, in 2021, the country identified and designated 16 areas
as disaster hot spots due to the high risk of flooding that these areas face.
2.3. Impact of Hazards and Key Challenges
The Gambia is highly prone to disasters, particularly floods due to the relatively flat
topography of the land. Climate change driven by global warming is increasing sea
and river levels. Desertification and drought in peripheral regions are driving
displacement towards the low-lying urban areas of the country. As a result,
unregulated settlement is taking place in flood-prone areas and encroachment on
main waterways, canals, and drainage systems, thus increasing the size of the urban
populations in vulnerable areas.
Insufficient stormwater drainage structures render both urban and rural populations
vulnerable to floods when intensive downpours of rain occur. The situation is
aggravated by poor waste management practices as people dump household waste
into the drains which eventually causes blockages to drainage systems and
waterways. Insufficient maintenance results in sedimentation, vegetation growth,
and piling of waste thus reducing the capacity of the system to allow flood waters to
flow.
Most of the drainage infrastructure is unable to cope with the rise in urban flooding
due to inadequate and inappropriate maintenance as most of the drains are
completely clogged with debris. During the rainy season from June to October, the
roads get flooded with surface water causing havoc to traffic and serious

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interruptions to commercial and management services. The inadequate sewage
systems also result in contamination of water.
Flooding in populated areas leads to loss of household property and agricultural
produce, injuries, disease outbreaks, and sometimes deaths. Water from roads and
sewage may seep and back up into buildings, making them uninhabitable.
Contaminated runoff water pollutes parks and surrounding areas, causing
substantial interruptions to economic activity and can be fatal, especially among
children and pregnant women.
Flooding, windstorms, and coastal erosion compromise the natural capital on which
local livelihoods depend in The Gambia. Economic activities such as such as
agriculture and tourism are now threatened by seasonal flooding as considerable
areas of agricultural land get inundated with surface water for long periods,
preventing farmers from cultivating their crops, rearing livestock, and poultry, as
well as accessing the urban areas to sell their agricultural products due to disruptions
to the transport service.
Deforestation due mainly to bushfires as well as clandestine human activity and

mangrove degradation leading to loss of flora and fauna negatively affects eco-
tourism as well as livelihoods for communities living within forest areas. Wind

storms are increasingly becoming a huge disaster risk factor, especially in the
northern part of the country where the forest cover is constantly declining. The 2021
windstorm led to huge property damage as well as loss of lives in URR and NBR.

It is therefore imperative that disaster management policies ensure that the
population measures are in place to mitigate the effects of disasters on their ability to
access economic opportunities that strengthen their resilience by diversifying their
livelihoods.

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3. GAMBIA DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
FRAMEWORK

3.1. Vision
The vision of the policy is that the Gambia becomes resilient to shocks resulting from
disasters
3.2. Mission
The mission of the policy is to have in place systems and structures that ensure the
nation’s resilience to disasters
3.3. Objectives of the Policy
The overarching goal of the policy is to build a resilient nation capable of minimizing the
negative effects of disasters.
The Specific Objectives of the Policy are to:
1. To establish adequate, efficient and effective mechanisms to prevent new and
reduce existing disaster risks that prevent and reduce hazard exposure and
vulnerability to disaster.
2. To establish integrated and socially inclusive mitigation measures that reduce
the negative impact of disasters on lives and livelihoods, with a particular
emphasis on vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the disabled.

3.4 Policy Guiding Principles
Policy implementation shall be guided by the following principles that all
stakeholders shall subscribe to and be guided by:
3.4.1 Synergy and Complementarity
Disaster risk management shall be an integral part of the national development
planning process and effectively mainstreamed and integrated into sector policies
and regulations, especially for key sectors such as environment, agriculture, forestry,
land and infrastructure.
Where such sector policies and regulations conflict with disaster management
policies and principles, they shall be revised and aligned with the principles and
practices for effective disaster risk reduction

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3.4.2 Adaptability and Inclusivity
Disaster risk reduction shall be broadened beyond the existing framework; mainly
climate-related, to include a much broader range of potential hazards including
disease outbreaks (both human and animal), sanitation including waste
management, transportation, and infrastructure, especially river transport and other
potential hazards such as oil spill and dumping of toxic waste.
Provisions will be made through the formulation and implementation of appropriate
strategies and regulations to adapt and respond to emerging and re-emerging risk
factors such as COVID-19, AKI, and any other potential hazard that the country may
be faced with in the future.
3.4.3 Innovation
Disaster risk reduction activities shall make use of innovative approaches and
emerging digital technologies such as drone usage, aerial mapping, modern weather
forecasting technologies etc. Disaster preparedness can be greatly enhanced by
accurate weather forecasts on timing, scale and scope of potential risks. Response
and recovery will benefit from the use of drone technologies and aerial mapping
especially where disasters result in affected areas being difficult and or hard to reach.
The capacity of key institutions such as NDMA, NEA, DWR, DoA, MECCNAR and
DoF to make use of such technologies shall be enhanced through training and
provision of the appropriate equipment needed.
3.4.4 Targeting
a. Disaster Hot Spots:
Disaster risk management shall focus attention on all areas of the country, but
specific attention will be given to areas designated as disaster-prone. These disaster
hotspots though may change over time thus assessments are continuously being
done; in collaboration with NRA to determine new and emerging areas that require
attention.
A database of disaster-prone areas shall be kept, and the risk assessments will be the
basis to update the database twice annually; lean season i.e. during the dry season,
and rainy season.
Land areas designated as disaster risk or hotspots shall be marked for easy physical
identification and shall not be allocated for either housing or commercial purposes.

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b. Social Development, Inclusion, and Protection:
Particular attention shall be paid to the social inclusion and protection of the most
vulnerable population, including women, children, the elderly, and people with
disabilities during and after disasters.
Support to the most affected shall involve the following:
i. Assessments and identification of vulnerable populations including
managing data at a decentralized level to fasten response including post-data
collection engagement and verification.
ii. Review and revision of disaster assessment tools in corroboration with the
Gambia social registry data (GamSR) and involve community members in the
assessments to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left out.
iii. Training and preparation of volunteer teams in advance as well as recognition
and or compensation of the volunteers afterwards
iv. Harmonised methods of determining the level and type of support to be
provided based on a calibration of disasters and prioritizing the most
vulnerable (targeting)
v. Provision of health care, Law Enforcement Mechanisms, Legal Aid, Judicial
Proceedings, and Social Support Services, including psycho-social and
Temporary Shelter/Safe Homes
vi. Support in the short-, medium- and long-term: livelihood support which
includes access to emergency cash transfers, green jobs, and access to skills,
training for employment in solid waste management (SWM), tree planting,
mangrove restoration, urban farming, including horticulture production
vii. Support market linkages and access to market information and finance,
education
viii. Provision of healthy and safe sanitation including toilets with a special focus
on the needs of women, children, the elderly, and persons living with
disabilities.
ix. Ensuring the security of the environment where displaced persons are
relocated. Places evacuated need to be sealed off to ensure that properties that
are left behind are safe.
3.5 Scope and Structure of the Policy Document
The policy covers all forms of hazards that occurred in the country in the recent past
and thus widens the conceptual framework and definitions of disasters; which was
mainly limited to damages caused by environment-related issues such as floods and
windstorms and also fire disasters, to include other such as disease outbreaks of

humans and animal, pest infestation, hydroclimatic events and emerging and re-
emerging issues such as COVID-19, oil spills, Emissions, air & industrial pollution.

The policy focus is on the entire phase of the disaster risk management cycle
including disaster preparedness and prevention, mitigation, disaster response and
recovery. In addition, the policy also sets out a framework; detailing the guiding
principles and enabling factors that will enhance policy implementation.

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4. POLICY PRIORITY AREAS
The overarching priority of the policy will be to build the climate resilience of the
country to disasters. This shall be done through the development of effective and
efficient national disaster management systems; not only responding in time to
minimize the damages caused but also to adequately prepare for it. Therefore, the
priorities for this policy will be to have in place an effective disaster preparedness
system including disaster prevention, to ensure adequate preparedness, as well as an
effective response and recovery system that ensures that the effects of disasters on
lives and livelihoods are effectively mitigated.
The policy has four main components or priority areas that it will address. These
priority areas are subdivided into eight policy areas with detailed policy measures.
The first policy priority will ensure the existence of a proper early warning system
that provides up-to-date and timely information on potential hazards, formulation
and implementation of disaster contingency plans at local, regional, and national
levels and enhancing preparedness capacity. The second policy priority will ensure
timely and effective disaster response mechanisms and strategies to support recovery
efforts and build back better for affected populations, including a strategic effort to
have planning instruments in place that support gender-responsive implementation
strategies and women’s decision-making roles and leadership in disaster risk
response management. The response mechanisms will entail the use of rapid
assessment systems that provide real-time information on populations affected and
the nature and scope of response needed, prepositioning of supplies to enhance swift
response and effective coordination of response efforts. Detailed assessments will
identify medium to long-term recovery needs which shall be consolidated into a
national recovery programme.
Component 1a: Prevent and Reduce Risk Exposure and

Vulnerability to Disaster
4.1 Strengthen the Early Warning Systems
There shall be in place an effective people-centred multi-hazards Early Warning
System for disaster risk reduction which will mainly consist of a review, expansion
and update of the existing national Early Warning Strategy and action plan to cater
for the new and emerging risk factors.

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Policy Actions
Risk knowledge
4.1.1 Knowledge of potential disaster risks shall be enhanced for everyone residing in
the country.
4.1.2 Knowledge enhancement will include mass community sensitization to create
awareness, risk communication/information sharing among stakeholders, use of
print, electronic & social media, traditional communication channels, e-alerts, etc.
4.1.3 Community sensitization and awareness creation in DRM will be rolled out in
school/madrassas & tertiary education curricula as part of integrated studies, and
targeting faith-based organizations with risk knowledge to reduce controversies.
Monitoring & Warning Services
4.1.4 Monitoring and warning services including the provision of modern equipment
for accurate science-based warning services as well as use of indigenous
knowledge as appropriate especially weather signs shall be instituted.
Information Dissemination & Communication
4.1.5 Information on pending and or potential risks shall include periodic updates and
reports on Emergencies, preparation of monthly Disaster Situational Reports
throughout the year and use of print, electronic & social media, traditional
communication channels, and e-alerts.
4.1.6 Partnerships shall be established with the scientific and technological community,
academia, communities and the private sector to disseminate information.
Response Capability
4.1.7 The capacity of the country to effectively respond to disasters and promptly will
be developed.
4.1.8 Capacity development will include a strategic shift from preparing and
responding to building resilience by reducing risks and vulnerabilities.
4.1.9 Capacity development shall include the provision of funds at the regional level,
Area Council making allocation for disasters in their budgets, cooperating social
responsibility of business entities, and establishment of permanent regional
evacuation centres and temporary shelters based on need.
4.1.10 The response capacities of communities; especially vulnerable households will be
further enhanced to enable better preparation for, response to and recovery from
shocks; some aspects of adaptative social protection mechanisms.

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4.2 Component 1b: Strengthening Disaster Preparedness Capacity
including Contingency Planning
This policy action will strengthen the nation’s disaster preparedness capacity
including having in place an up-to-date early warning system. Strengthening
preparedness capacity will ensure that the capacity of the country to adequately
prepare for disasters and reduce risks is strengthened at all levels.
Policy Actions
4.2.1 The existing multi-hazard contingency plan which mainly includes flash floods
and windstorms shall be revised and updated to include established disaster risk
factors that affect the roles responsibilities, interests, and capacities of communities,
especially vulnerable populations.
4.2.2 The Contingency plan will be tested and updated on a two-year basis.
4.2.3 The new areas to be included in the revised contingency plan will be the
following:
a. Disease outbreaks (human & animal)
b. Domestic/Bush fires
c. Migration
d. Oil Spills
e. Drought/Erratic Rainfall
f. Pest Infestation/invasion
g. Road Traffic Accidents
h. Contamination of water supplies
4.2.4 The following policy measures shall be used to enhance national disaster
preparedness capacity:
• Training & capacity building for all staff at the regional level especially
Regional Disaster management committees including a gender quota (RDMC)
• Establishment and support for the operations of DDMC/VDMC
• Pre-positioning of stock in all regions for implementation of rescue and relief
activities in real-time
• Establishment of disaster school ambassadors
• Resources availability in the Emergency Fund at all levels
• Carrying out risk and vulnerability assessments on an ongoing basis
• Community mobilization on disaster prevention; including tree planting,
nurturing, and creation of fire belts as well as strengthening and supporting
community-based forests.
• Dissemination of information on Safety Guidelines
• There shall be fire extinguishers, bi-annual fire drills and identification of
assembly points for all public buildings

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4.3 Component 2: Strengthening Disaster Mitigation
The policy will strengthen the implementation and maintenance of mitigation
measures to reduce or eliminate vulnerabilities in communities, improve practices
that will increase resistance to future disasters and finally reduce unacceptable
disaster risk to an acceptable level.
Policy Actions

4.3.1 The mitigation measures will include
a. half-yearly country-wide vulnerability and risk assessment
b. Quarterly action planning and identification of mitigation interventions
c. Create temporary waterways to ease the flow of runoff water
d. Coordinate the implementation of mitigation intervention
e. Chlorination of water sources to reduce risks of diseases

4.4 Component 3: Responding to Disasters
In the pursuit of safeguarding the well-being of our nation and its people, the
National Disaster Management Policy 2024-2033 introduces a set of proactive and
comprehensive policy measures that underscore our unwavering commitment to
swift and efficient disaster response. The foremost objective is to ensure the safety
and resilience of our society in the face of adversity.
Policy Actions
4.4.1. An Emergency Management Response Mechanism shall be put in place for
swift and early response to disasters when they occur.
4.4.2This mechanism shall include defined strategies as well as roles and
responsibilities for search and rescue, initial treatment and transportation of
causalities, communication on site and while moving to hospitals, health facilities
and relocation places., creation and or establishment of evacuation and relocation
centres, and psycho-social support.
4.4.3 For disasters that affect agriculture and livestock, the early response
mechanisms will include vaccination of livestock, spraying of pest-affected areas
and quarantine services. Relevant sectors will take the lead in such situations.

20

4.4.4. Disaster response shall be based on information provided through the
nationally compiled database on victims or people affected by disasters which shall
be compiled and made available to all stakeholders within 72 hours of the onset of
the disaster.
4.4.5 Financial resources mobilized for disaster response shall be managed by
existing government financial management systems.

4.5 Component 4: Recovery from Disasters
In the aftermath of adversity, the National Disaster Management Policy 2024-2033
affirms its commitment to building resilience through a comprehensive set of
measures dedicated to the recovery phase of disasters. We recognize that recovery is
not just about rebuilding what was lost but presents an opportunity to build back
better, more resilient, and sustainable communities including management of
residual risks. With a focus on inclusivity and collaboration, the following policy
measures underscore the Government’s dedication to a swift and holistic recovery
process.
Policy Actions
Post-Disaster Needs Assessment
4.5.1. A post-disaster needs assessment or a similar assessment shall be
undertaken jointly by a diverse group of stakeholders within a month of the
official declaration of the end of the disaster.
4.5.2. The outcomes of the post-disaster assessment along with other relevant data
shall form the basis of a disaster recovery plan which shall be formulated and
validated with the participation of all relevant stakeholders.

Disaster Recovery and Building Back Better
4.4.1 4.5.12. Following the incidence or occurrence of a disaster, a disaster response
programme to mitigate the medium and long term of the disaster; national
and or sub-national as the case may be, shall be formulated and presented to
the Disaster Management Council for approval.
4.5.3. The National Disaster Management Agency shall coordinate the
formulation of disaster response programme(s)

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5. IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK

Policy implementation will require an environment that is both conducive and
supportive to disaster risk management. Therefore, the following enablers are
needed for effective implementation:

• Review and revision of the Disaster management and accompanying
regulations to ensure that the challenges to livelihoods posed by the
new and emerging disaster risks
• Legal frameworks and mechanisms including regulations and policy
guidelines on evictions, demolitions, resettlements, compensations,
and liabilities of government for people living in disaster-prone areas.
• Effective Governance framework and oversight arrangements for
policy implementation
• Robust institutional framework where various stakeholder institutions
understand and fulfil their roles in policy implementation.
• Development and implementation of strategic and action plans to
operationalize the policy.
• Regular monitoring and evaluation of policy implementation.
• Availability of funding and effective communication of the policy.
In addition, the development and implementation of robust land allocation policies,
as well as a clear definition of roles and responsibilities of local authorities, and
activities and actions of Real Estate agencies as it relates to disaster-prone areas is an
important enabler for policy implementation. The development of road and building
construction policies and guidelines to ensure disaster risk reduction as well as
improvements in road security, population health and sanitation are also important
enablers in the implementation of the DRM Policy.
5.1 Legal and Regulatory Framework
The National Disaster Management Act 2008 is the main legal instrument regulating
disaster management in the Gambia. The Act addresses the lack of preparedness in
disaster response by requiring the government and key stakeholders to develop and
implement disaster management plans. The Act also establishes the National
Disaster Management Agency and provides a comprehensive disaster management
framework under the coordination of the Agency. The Act provides for the allocation
of funds for disaster management, including preparedness, response, recovery, and
risk reduction activities. However, inadequate funding and capacity at the
institutional level have limited the effective implementation of the Act. The success
of national disaster management will to a large extent depend on the existence and
effective implementation of legal frameworks that address issues related to and in
certain instances are contributing factors to the occurrences of disasters. These
include unresolved legal issues regarding evictions, relocations and compensations
for people residing in areas prone to flooding and other forms of disaster. There are

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also legal gaps in the sustainable management of fresh water which is a finite and
vulnerable resource arising from the lack of enabling legal frameworks for water
management. The lack of a modern legal framework on road safety is also an issue
and this comprises major deficiencies identified in speeding and drunk driving
legislation which impede effective road safety enforcement.
Policy Actions
Policies
5.1.1. Review and revision of the of the 2008 NDMA Act
5.1.2. Development of regulations for the NDMA Act

5.2 Governance Framework
The establishment of effective governance arrangements, coordination mechanisms,
and oversight frameworks is paramount. These structures serve as the backbone of
the Disaster Risk Management Policy, ensuring its strategic implementation,
effective coordination, and oversight. A robust governance framework provides the
necessary structure for decision-making, guiding the myriads of stakeholders
involved in disaster response and recovery. Coordinated efforts, facilitated by clear
mechanisms, are essential to achieving a harmonized and efficient response to the
multifaceted challenges posed by disasters. Oversight arrangements not only ensure
accountability but also act as a safeguard, assuring that the policy’s objectives are
met, and resources are allocated judiciously. In essence, the importance of these
governance, coordination, and oversight mechanisms cannot be overstated, as they
lay the foundation for a resilient and adaptive approach to disaster risk management.
Policy Actions
5.2.1. The National Disaster Management Council shall:
a) approve disaster management programmes
b) monitor and evaluate policy implementation
c) undertake resource mobilization of disaster risk management
5.2.2 The National Disaster Management Agency will be the central coordinating
agency at the national level for all disasters that happen in the country.
5.2.3 The National Disaster Management Agency shall be responsible for the overall
coordination of formulation and implementation of disaster response programs and
disaster recovery plans.
5.2.4 At the regional and lower levels, the staff of NDMA shall lead coordination
efforts in close collaboration with members of the Regional Disaster Management
Committees.

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5.3 Institutional Framework
The policy will be implemented by key stakeholder institutions involved in disaster
risk management. The development of strong institutional capacity is key to
successful disaster mitigation, management and response. This will entail
strengthening the capacity within key government agencies such as the National
Disaster Management Agency, The National Environment Agency, the Department
of Water Resources and the Ministry of Environment to strengthen climate resilience
and social inclusion in their development plans with concrete strategies and
interventions for women, men, and children to prepare and respond to emergency
disasters.
The Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Welfare as well as the National Social
Protection Secretariat will be key partners in this endeavour to ensure that relevant
aspects of their mandates and functions and integrated and mainstreamed into
disaster risk management.
Policy Actions
5.3.1 Sectors and stakeholders with relevant mandates and responsibilities will take
the lead in the implementation of respective components of the disaster response
and recovery programme as it relates to their sectors.
5.3.2 The role of the security services in disaster response is crucial and therefore
relevant regulations that clearly define their roles and responsibilities during
disasters will be activated as and when necessary.
5.3.3 Civil-military relations during disasters shall be clearly defined and adhered to
during emergency response.

5.4 Implementation Plan
The overarching goal of the policy is to build a resilient nation capable of minimizing
the negative effects of disasters realized through the transformation of measures in
the priority areas of the policy into operational plans and strategies to guide
implementation.
Policy Actions
5.4.1 The policy document shall be accompanied by a strategic plan and a 5-year
medium-term plan that details out implementation of activities for the first five years
of the policy period.
5.4.2 At the end of the medium term, a review of the policy and strategic plan will
be undertaken, and a revised strategic plan developed for the remaining half of the
policy period based on success, challenges and lessons learnt during the first half of
the policy implementation period.

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5.4.3 The revised strategic plan will address new and emerging issues that were
adequately not taken care of in the original plan.

5.5 Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation within the context of the DRM Policy will play a pivotal
role in bolstering policy outcomes by offering a structured and data-driven
framework for disaster resilience. M&E ensures accountability among policymakers
and implementing agencies, fostering efficient resource allocation and data-driven
decision-making while identifying challenges and gaps in disaster management. This
proactive approach allows for adaptive policy implementation, optimizing strategies
to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of The Gambia. By engaging
stakeholders, promoting transparency, and sharing knowledge, M&E aligns policies
with changing environmental conditions and ultimately results in more effective,
responsive, and resilient disaster management outcomes, safeguarding lives,
infrastructure, and livelihoods from the ever-evolving challenges posed by natural
disasters.
Policy Actions
5.5.1 A Monitoring and Evaluation Framework will be developed to monitor the
implementation of the Policy regularly.
5.5.2 The National Disaster Management Council shall commission an evaluation
of the Policy midway during implementation.
5.5.3 Monitoring and Evaluation Plans shall be developed for all disaster response
programmes.
5.5.4 Monitoring and reporting on the progress of implementation of disaster
response programmes as well as evaluations will be undertaken as per the
guidelines in the M & E component of the strategy plan.
5.5.5 The National Disaster Management Agency will be the lead institution for
monitoring the policy and shall provide periodic reports to the Disaster
Management Council.
5.5.6 An evaluation of the policy to be undertaken by an independent body, will be
commissioned after the first five years of implementation and at the end of the
implementation period.

5.6 Financing Framework
The provision of clear and comprehensive information on financial resource
management stands as a cornerstone for success. The National Disaster Management
Policy recognizes the paramount importance of transparency in articulating how
financial resources will be obtained, allocated, and managed for policy

25

implementation. This transparency not only cultivates trust among stakeholders but
also provides a clear direction for the mobilization and utilization of resources in
support of policy execution. A well-defined financial framework serves as a
roadmap, guiding decision-makers in acquiring necessary funds, allocating them
strategically, and fostering accountability throughout the policy’s lifecycle.
Policy Actions
5.6.1 The Disaster Management Council will take the lead in resource mobilization
and management of financial resources designated for disaster response.
5.6.1 The primary funding source for disaster risk management in the Gambia is the
Emergency Fund
5.6.3 Funds shall be provided at the regional level and by Area Councils through
budgetary allocation for disasters to enhance response capacity
5.6.4. Provision of financial resources shall mainly be for disaster risk reduction and
disaster preparedness programmes but will also include disaster response and
recovery
5.6.5 Schemes such as the Africa Risk Capacity (ARC), National Social Protection
programmes and others will complement the financing of disasters.

5.7 Communication
It is important and relevant to articulate a comprehensive communication strategy
for disseminating information about policy implementation to relevant parties,
including stakeholders and the public. Clear and effective communication serves as
the lifeblood of policy success, fostering transparency, understanding, and
engagement among diverse stakeholders. It is through a well-crafted communication
strategy that the broader public becomes informed, stakeholders are engaged, and a
collective understanding of the policy’s goals and progress is cultivated.
Policy Actions
5.7.1. A communications strategy shall be developed during implementation and
shall be managed by a communications unit to be established at NDMA
5.7.2. An emergency can only be declared by the President upon receipt of advise
from the National Disaster Management Council
5.7.3 All communication products and messages on disasters must be approved by
the National Disaster Management Council beforehand

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ANNEXES
Annex 1: Disaster Hotspots in The Gambia

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Annex 2: Methodology and process for the development of the policy
The policy formulation process started with a review of the implementation and
outcomes of the 2003-2008 NDMA Policy but as this policy elapsed some 10 years
ago, this review was not limited to the time frame of the policy but extended to cover
the period until the end of 2022. This review was mainly a desk review of reports of
implementation of Disaster Risk management (DRM) related activities, interviews
with key staff of NDMA and 13 institutions with mandates that have a bearing on
disasters, as well as a review of institutional policies and frameworks that have a
relevant to disasters. Institutions covered in this exercise included the following
• NDMA including its decentralized entities
• Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Natural Resources
• National Roads Authority
• Department of Water Resources
• Department of Community Development
• National Water and Electricity Company
• Fire and Rescue Services
• Ministry of Works and Infrastructure
• National Petroleum Company (GNPC)
• Area Councils (8)
The policy development process was a comprehensive and elaborate process that
included consultations in July 2023 with relevant stakeholders at Regional, technical
and national levels. Stakeholder consultations were held in Banjul/Kanifing
Municipal Council (KMC) combined, Brikama, Mansakonko, Basse, Janjangbureh
and Kerewan. In addition, consultations were held with a technical committee
comprising NDMA, MECCNAR, NEA, NRA, Community Development,
Department of Lands and Surveys and the Ministry of Local Governments, Lands,
and Religious Affairs. These consultations provided insights into issues such as the
need to review and align legislative frameworks such as housing and road policies,
the need to expand the conceptual definition and understanding of disasters and
widen the scope for contingency planning and well as the crucial need for gender
and social inclusion in disaster risk management. A national consultation to validate
the draft was conducted and feedback from it was incorporated into the final draft.

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Annex 3: Synopsis of the Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and Strategy 2008
The Gambia established a National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in 2008;

the agency became operational in November 2009 and the country developed its first-
ever National DRR policy and Strategy in 2008. Before the establishment of the

NDMA, DRR was managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) under the
National Environment Act of 1994 (part 8 section 40).
The overall objective of the policy was to build safe and resilient communities by
enhancing the use of and access to knowledge and information in disaster prevention
and management at all levels of society. To this end, the Policy sought to:
i. Promote the incorporation of disaster prevention and management
education in both the formal and non-formal educational systems. This
entailed a two-pronged approach that stressed, on the one hand, broad
opportunities for knowledge and information that enhance public
awareness of disaster risk reduction, and on the other hand, sound disaster
risk reduction judgment at all levels.
ii. Pay particular attention to the gender dimension of disaster management
as there was great preventive value in initiatives that focus on women, not
only are they the main victims of disasters, but also contribute immensely
to community stability and vitality in all aspects of disaster risk
management.
iii. Make a case for a culture of prevention or disaster risk reduction to be
taught in schools, emphasized by the media and vigorously pursued by
disaster management agencies.
iv. Promote the incorporation of indigenous knowledge into early warning
systems and disaster response initiatives.

Progress in DRM implementation since the adoption of the NDMA Policy
As highlighted earlier, the policy period elapsed about 10 years ago and so the review
was not restricted to the policy period but instead extended the review period to
include implementation of DRM-related activities until the end of last year; i.e. up to
2022
Synthesis of outcomes
The establishment of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in 2008 is
a clear demonstration of the government’s political will and commitment to disaster
risk reduction. Furthermore, the mainstreaming of DRR into the national blueprints
is evidence of the country’s drive to mainstream disaster risk management into
development and achieve the priorities and targets agreed in internationally agreed
development agendas such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
(2015-2030).
The first pillar of the current National Development Plan is on building community
resilience to shocks and crises whilst pillar five on agriculture, fisheries, natural

29

resources environment and climate change also has components of disaster risk
reduction. NDMA actively participated in the sector working groups for the two
pillars.

Under Pillar 6 (‘Leaving No One Behind’) of the NDP, the NDP has an outcome-
oriented theory of change specifically on women’s economic empowerment, coupled

with women’s social and political empowerment.
In addition to mainstreaming DRR into the national development planning process,
structures were established at national, regional and community levels to enhance
active participation in DRR activities.
• Regional Disaster Management Committees were established in all 8 regions
of the country, District Disaster Management Committees were also
established in the 56 districts but are only partially functional and
Community Disaster Management Committees remain a challenge.
• District structures – established but are only partially functional.
• Community structures – remains a challenge.
Disaster Risk Management activities were decentralized, training and technical
support provided, local disaster management structures established, and community
elders, youths and women were involved in disaster risk management activities. All
these structures were engaged in DRM-related activities.
The national coordination mechanism was strengthened through the establishment
of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction which is a stakeholder
committee comprised of government institutions, civil society organizations,
I/NGOs, women and youth groups, vulnerable groups, and the differently able
persons to look into the operations of DRM in the country. This stakeholder platform
is part of the ECOWAS recommendation to Member States for an effective and
efficient DRR2
Several achievements have been realized by NDMA and its partners in implementing
disaster risk reduction activities during the strategy period. These include the
successful integration of disaster management within the development planning
processes, the decentralization of disaster management to the local level, capacity
building, and awareness creation at the local and community level, and coordination
of disaster response—beginning with joint assessments which ensure that even
though different stakeholders are involved in response and recovery support, they
all have and utilize a common database to assist.
Disaster management committees at the regional level ensure that disaster
preparedness and response efforts are effectively coordinated by NDMA at that level
and that all stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities and perform
them effectively.

2 Report on the Midterm Review of the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015-2030; October 2022).

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Compliance with policy guidelines
There was generally compliance with the guidelines of the 2008 policy, the guidelines
on implementation including the setting up of implementation structures such as the
National Disaster Management Council, the National Disaster Management Agency
and the Technical Advisory groups were all implemented. In addition, coordination
structures were set up at regional, district and community levels. However, these
implementation structures were not as effective as they should be due to a variety of
reasons. The National Disaster Management Council had not met during the last 5
years but the Technical advisory groups had been meeting regularly. The Regional
coordination structures also could not be met as regularly as planned due to financial
constraints.
Institutional performances in recent disaster events
Over the years, NDMA coordinated DRM in the country, both at the national and
regional levels. With the support of partners, it developed and instituted an
Information management system and constituted a working group which ensured
that all stakeholders used the same database for interventions. This to a large extent
helped minimize duplications.
However, NDMA faced numerous challenges in its work; the main challenge being
funding limitations. As a result, the coordination structures; especially at the regional
level did not function effectively as they could not meet as required and had to
piggyback on TAC meetings most of the time. The other challenge faced by the
institution is inadequate response capacity; both in terms of mobility as well as
storage capacity at the regional level. Supplies cannot be pre-positioned due to
funding constraints as well as a lack of adequate storage space at that level.
Another capacity challenge faced by the institution is inadequate human capacity;
both technical capacity as well as quantity of people available; there are limited staff
at the decentralized level; two people in almost all cases.
Though a national database ensures that all stakeholders use the same information
as the basis for their intervention, there remains the challenge of harmonizing the
interventions, especially cash transfers. Different institutions give out different
amounts of cash to beneficiaries and this tends to create tension and at times
suspicion especially when different institutions intervene in the same community
with different cash transfer values. There is therefore the need to have a policy that
harmonises cash transfers.
Enabling conditions and stakeholders’ constraints
Gaps/ Challenges
There were quite several challenges faced in policy implementation. In implementing
DRM-related activities, the country continues to encounter challenges such as
inadequate human, material, and financial resources. This is further compounded by
the inadequate mainstreaming of DRM into sectoral plans and strategies.

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Many stakeholders are not directly participating in DRM activities due to a lack of
DRM capacity, inadequate funding, and a lack of strategic focus on the gender
dimension of Disaster Management as emphasized in the National Disaster
Management Policy. The specific needs of women for displaced populations
continue to be a challenge as well as issues of discrimination and gender-based
violence. Additionally, the Policy implementation did not adequately leverage the
use of indigenous knowledge promoted in the policy. The concept and
understanding of disasters were limited to flooding, fires, and windstorms whilst
others such as disease outbreaks, drought were not part of the plan.
Regarding gender mainstreaming, national development policies including the
disaster management policy and local development plans do not have planning
instruments in place that support women’s decision-making roles and leadership in
disaster risk response management. Local disaster management committees are
limited in effective planning and gender-responsive implementation strategies due
to a lack of capacity. Also, data is generally adequately gender-disaggregated to
allow interventions to adequately address gender issues. Other gender-related
challenges include inadequate skills training for women; women’s limited access to
land, capital and market opportunities; and gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual
abuse.
On operational aspects, inadequate capacity to implement the strategic plan, weak
staffing capacity, inadequate funding to translate the strategy into concrete and
tangible actions, and the lack of functionality of the National Disaster Management
Council posed challenges.
Emerging issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic crisis brought
about by the war in Russia and Ukraine which can erode the gains registered over
the years posed challenges as the policy had no provision to deal with new and
emerging challenges.

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Annex 4:
Synopsis of Analysis of Relevant Policies and Regulations relevant to DRM
Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

National Disaster
Management Act, 2008
Lack of preparedness: The
Act requires the government
and other stakeholders to
develop and implement disaster
management plans, including
measures for preparedness,
response, recovery, and risk
reduction.
Inadequate response
capabilities: The Act establishes
a National Disaster
Management Agency (NDMA)
to coordinate the response to
disasters, and provides for the
mobilization of resources and
personnel in the event of a
disaster.
Fragmented disaster
management system: The Act
establishes a comprehensive
disaster management
framework, which brings
together various government
agencies, non-government

organizations, and community-
based organizations to work

together in a coordinated
manner to respond to disasters.
Lack of community
involvement: The Act
recognizes the importance of
community engagement in
disaster management and
provides for the involvement of
communities in the disaster
management process, including
preparedness, response, and
recovery activities.
Inadequate funding: The Act
provides for the allocation of
funds for disaster management,
including preparedness,
response, recovery, and risk
reduction activities.

The Act provides the legal
framework for disaster
management in The Gambia,
while the NDMA Policy
provides the operational
guidance for implementing
the Act.

The NDMA Policy builds on
the provisions of the Act and
provides more detail on the
roles and responsibilities of
the NDMA and other
stakeholders, as well as the
operational procedures for
disaster management
activities.
By providing a clear legal
framework and operational
guidance, these two
documents help to ensure that
disaster management
activities in The Gambia are
well-aligned and working
towards common goals.

The existing gaps of the Act
include:
1. Lack of enforcement
2. Inadequate funding
3. Limited community
involvement
4. Inadequate risk assessment
5. Limited integration with other
sectoral policies
6. Lack of capacity
7. Limited technology and
infrastructure
Recommendation to improve the
Act:
Strengthen enforcement
mechanisms: There should be
mechanisms in place to ensure that
the provisions of the Act are
effectively enforced.
Increase funding: Adequate
funding should be allocated for
disaster management activities to
ensure that the disaster

management system is well-
funded.

Enhance community involvement:
There should be increased
community involvement in
disaster management activities to
ensure that communities are better
prepared and resilient to disasters.
Improve risk assessment: The
quality and scope of risk
assessments should be improved to
ensure that disaster risks are better
understood and managed.
Integrate with other sectoral
policies: Disaster management
activities should be integrated with
other sectoral policies, such as
health, education, and
environment, to ensure a

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Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations
comprehensive and integrated
approach to disaster management.
Build capacity: The capacity of the
National Disaster Management
Agency (NDMA) and other
stakeholders should be
strengthened to ensure that they
are able to implement the
provisions of the Act effectively.
Upgrade technology and
infrastructure: The technology and
infrastructure used for disaster
management activities should be
upgraded to ensure that they are
effective and efficient.
National Disaster Management Programme- Strategic Action Plan, 2008-2011
Lack of Coordination: The
Plan involves the establishment
of a National Office and
related technical committees at
national, regional and local
levels, and the strengthening
of capacities of all actors:
Lack of Awareness: The plan
outlines measures to increase
awareness of disaster risks and
disaster management activities
among communities and
stakeholders.
Disease Outbreaks: The
plan outlines measures to
reduce the impact of disease
outbreaks on communities,
such as improving surveillance
and response systems and
increasing access to healthcare.

The plan and the policy share
a common goal of reducing
the impact of disasters on
communities and improving
the effectiveness of disaster
management activities in The
Gambia.
The plan is designed to
complement the NDMA
Policy by providing a more
detailed and action-oriented
approach to disaster
management.
The plan and the NDMA
Policy also promote synergy
by ensuring that disaster
management activities are
integrated with other sectoral
policies, such as health,
education, and environment.

The Plan did not pursue the gender
dimension to Disaster Management
as emphasized in the Disaster
Management Policy.
The Plan did not adequately
leverage the use of indigenous
knowledge promoted in the policy.
The plan’s focus to specific disaster
risk factors was limited to disease
outbreaks, these include the
development of national
programmes to prevent diseases
such as Avian Influenza. The
development of programmes to
prevent other disaster risk factors
such as flooding, fires and drought
were not part of the plan.
Inadequate capacity to implement
the strategic plan owing to the
weak
agency staffing.
Inadequate funding to translate the
strategy into concrete actions.
Lack of familiarity of National
Authorities with the Plan.

Environmental Action Plan (GEAP)- 2008-2018
Coastal erosion: The GEAP
aimed to reduce the risk of
coastal erosion by promoting
the conservation and
management of coastal

The GEAP provides a useful
framework for implementing
the strategies and actions
outlined in the NDMA Policy,
as it addresses a number of
environmental issues that can

The GEAP addressed various
environmental risk factors,
including those related to natural
disasters however, it is not a
comprehensive disaster risk
management plan.

34

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

ecosystems, such as mangroves
and sand dunes.
Floods: The GEAP aimed to
reduce the risk of flooding by
promoting sustainable land use
practices, such as improving
drainage systems, and by
protecting floodplain areas
from development.
Drought: The GEAP aimed to
reduce the risk of drought by
promoting water conservation
and management, including the
development of new water
sources and the protection of
existing ones.

contribute to the development
of disaster risk.
By addressing both the
environmental factors that
contribute to the development
of disaster risk and the actions
needed to reduce that risk, the
two documents work together
to provide a comprehensive
approach to disaster risk
management in the country.
The GEAP’s focus on
environmental protection and
management can help to
reduce the risk of
environmental disasters, such
as flooding, that are addressed
by the NDMA Policy.
The NDMA Policy’s focus on
disaster risk reduction can
help to ensure that the GEAP’s
environmental protection
efforts are resilient to the
impacts of natural disasters.

The GEAP’s focus was primarily on
environmental protection and
management, rather than disaster
risk reduction specifically.

National Climate Change Policy, 2016
The policy aims to reduce
vulnerability to climate change
impacts and build the resilience
of communities, which are
important steps in reducing
disaster risk.

The policy also calls for
mainstreaming climate risks
and opportunities into national
and sectoral frameworks, and
integrating community-based

adaptation with ecosystem-
based approaches. These

actions can help address
disaster risk by ensuring that
communities and ecosystems
are better equipped to
withstand the impacts of
extreme weather events and
other climate-related hazards.
The policy calls for the
mobilization of financial
resources to address climate
change, which can help support

The NDMA Policy and the
Climate Change Policy are
complementary in their
objectives as both aim to
enhance the resilience and
preparedness of communities
and the country in the face of
natural and climate-related
hazards.
The NDMA Policy focuses on
disaster risk reduction and
management, while the
Climate Change Policy focuses
on mitigating and adapting to
the impacts of climate change.
Both policies emphasize the
importance of information
dissemination, monitoring,
and contingency planning, as
well as the integration of
gender and youth
perspectives.
Additionally, both policies
aim to enhance institutional

The policy does not explicitly
elaborate on strategies on:
Setting targets for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and
limiting global temperature
increase
Developing and implementing
adaptation strategies for sea level
rise, extreme weather events, and
other impacts of climate change
Ensuring adequate funding and
resources for climate change efforts

35

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

the implementation of measures
that reduce disaster risk and
promote greater resilience in the
country

capacity, community
resilience, and financial
resource mobilization, thereby
working together to address
the risks and vulnerabilities

posed by natural and climate-
related hazards in The

Gambia.

The Gambia National Community Development Policy 2021 – 2030
Vulnerability of rural
communities: The policy aims
to empower decentralized
structures and systems in rural
communities to develop
alternative livelihood means
and build their institutional
human capabilities to reduce
their vulnerabilities.
Deprivations: The policy will
focus on efforts to fight all forms
of deprivations and provide
strategic support to achieve an
equitable society free from these
vices.
Ecological degradation: The
policy emphasizes the
preservation of degraded
ecological systems and
promotes sustainable use and
management of natural
resources.
Food and nutritional security:
The policy aims to promote
increased food and nutritional
security and household
incomes, especially for
vulnerable households.
Environmental goods and
services: The policy prioritizes
community access to
environmental goods and
services and promoting the
Green Economy agenda.
Natural resource utilization:
The policy focuses on ensuring
that community access to
natural resources is
environmentally sound, socially
acceptable, economically viable,
and development-friendly.

The two policies have a shared
goal of improving community
resilience to disasters and
reducing disaster risk in the
country.
The community development
policy aims to empower
communities and enhance
their capacity to participate in
development initiatives, while
the NDMA policy focuses on
incorporating disaster risk
reduction principles into
development programs and
strengthening disaster risk
reduction institutions and
capacities.
By working together, these
policies can help ensure that
community development
initiatives take into account
potential disaster risks, and
that disaster risk reduction
efforts are informed by and
benefit communities.
The NDMA policy also aims to
mainstream gender and youth
policies and integrate disaster
risk reduction into poverty
reduction strategies, which
align with the community
development policy’s goal of
promoting inclusive and
sustainable development.

Lack of clear specific objectives and
outcomes
Insufficient resources
The policy does not provide clear
guidelines on the roles, mandates
and limitations of VDCs and
Alkalos.
Limited capacity to implement the
policy
Component of the policy
implementation strategy are not
costed to facilitate resource
mobilization.

36

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

Electricity Act 2005
Enforcement of regulations and
standards set by the Electricity
Act 2005 can help address
disaster risk factors in the
Gambia’s electricity sector by
promoting safe and reliable
electricity generation,
transmission, and distribution.
By requiring licensing, setting
guidelines for tariff principles
and service conditions, and
providing dispute resolution
mechanisms, the act can
encourage responsible practices
that minimize potential risks
such as fire hazards and
electrical infrastructure failures.
Additionally, the regulations
and standards set by the act can
help ensure the safety and
quality of electricity equipment
and systems, reducing the
likelihood of accidents or
malfunctions that could lead to
disaster.

The NDMA policy outlines the
strategies and measures for
disaster risk reduction and
management in The Gambia,
and the Electricity Act, 2005
aims to regulate the electricity
sub-sector and ensure the
development of a competitive
and market-oriented economy
in the country.
To address disaster risk
factors, the NDMA policy
could complement the
Electricity Act, 2005 by
highlighting the importance of
electrical safety regulations
and emergency response
plans in the event of power
outages or electrical
malfunctions.
The act could also reinforce
the NDMA policy by
requiring licensees to comply
with all relevant electrical
safety regulations and
emergency response plans as a
condition for the issuance and
maintenance of their licenses.

The Electricity Act, 2005 does not
mention any provisions specifically
related to renewable energy. With
renewable energy and private
sector participation being a key
component in the electricity
roadmap. It is important to have
provisions for promoting
renewable energy sources,
reducing carbon emissions and
improving energy efficiency.
With more private sector
participation in the provision of
mini-grids, distributions, etc. it is
important to have provisions for
addressing the risk factors in the
sector, such as safety, security and
reliability of the electricity supply.
Provisions for safeguarding the
rights of consumers, such as access
to electricity services, protection
from exploitation and improved
customer service are also
important.

PURA Act, 2001
The Public Utilities Regulatory
Authority (PURA) Act, 2001 in
The Gambia does not
specifically address disaster risk
factors. However, PURA’s role
as a regulatory body for the
electricity, water, and
telecommunications sectors in
the country may indirectly
contribute to reducing disaster
risk by ensuring the provision
of reliable and sustainable
utility services.
By regulating tariffs, quality of
service, and industry practices,
PURA aims to ensure that these
essential services are available
to the public, even during
emergencies or disasters.
Additionally, PURA may also
play a role in facilitating the

Coordination of emergency
response: PURA Act requires
public utilities to have
emergency response plans in
place and to coordinate with
relevant agencies, including
the NDMA, in case of
emergencies. The NDMA
Policy sets out the
responsibilities of various
agencies and stakeholders in
emergency response and
disaster risk reduction.
Ensuring reliability of public
utilities: PURA Act empowers
PURA to enforce standards of
performance and service
quality for public utilities, and
to ensure their reliability in the
provision of services to the
public. The NDMA Policy
recognizes the importance of

Low enforcement of the Act
Inadequate capacity to regulate
public utility companies as per the
provisions of the Act.

37

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

development of disaster risk
management plans and
strategies within the regulated
sectors, which could help
mitigate the impacts of future
disasters.

ensuring the continuity of
essential services, such as
water and electricity, during
and after disasters.
Protecting public health and
safety: PURA Act requires
public utilities to ensure the
health and safety of the public,
and to provide safe and clean
water and electricity. The
NDMA Policy recognizes the
importance of protecting
public health and safety in
disaster risk reduction and
emergency response.

National Water Policy
The Gambia National Water
Policy addresses several
disaster risk factors related to
water management. These
include:
The policy recognizes that fresh
water is a finite and vulnerable
resource that must be
sustainably managed.
The policy places
environmental protection and
the preservation of the country’s
ecological heritage at the
forefront of development.
The policy promotes the
coordinated development and
management of water, land,
and related resources to
maximize socio-economic
welfare in an equitable manner
without compromising
ecosystems.
The policy seeks to negotiate
and discharge international
responsibilities in a spirit of
good will and cooperation.
The policy subscribes to the
principles of integrated water
resources management (IWRM)
and aims to provide secure
water resources in a sustainable
manner.

The complementarities
between the Water Policy and
the National Disaster
Management Agency
(NDMA) Policy in the Gambia
can be found in their shared
goals and objectives of
promoting sustainable water
management and reducing the
risks posed by water-related
disasters.
The Water Policy aims to
ensure the sustainable and
equitable use of water
resources for economic and
social development, while the
NDMA Policy aims to
promote a comprehensive,
integrated and coordinated
approach to disaster risk
management in the country.
Together, these policies
complement each other by
addressing different aspects of
water management and
disaster risk reduction. For
example, the Water Policy
may focus on improving water
resource management and
access to safe water, while the
NDMA Policy focuses on
improving preparedness and
response mechanisms in the
event of a water-related
disaster.

Although considerable efforts are
being made by the Government
and other entities, there are still
major gaps and challenges in the
context of climate change and
population growth. These include:
Significant challenges remain in
providing adequate water supply
and sanitation in the Gambia.
Reportedly, access to potable water
is a little over 86.1% (NDP, 2018).
There is lack of supportive enabling
legal frameworks and sector
institutions are not structured and
organized to implement the policy.
The implementation of the policy
also requires tools and human
resource capacities with integration
of adaptation considerations.
The policy also fails to provide
adequate guidelines and
implementation strategies on water
resource management in the
Gambia such as the establishment
of a dedicated body to unify water
management under one umbrella
as opposed to the current
fragmented approach.

National Water Resources Management Strategy

38

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

Flooding: Sustainable water
resources management can help
regulate the flow of water,
reducing the risk of flooding in
certain areas. Additionally, the
strategy includes provisions for
the construction and
maintenance of water
infrastructure, which can help
protect against flood damage.
Drought: The strategy
includes provisions for the
development of groundwater
resources, which can help
mitigate the impacts of drought
by providing a reliable source of
water.
Poor infrastructure: The
strategy includes provisions for
the construction and
maintenance of water
infrastructure, which can help
improve access to basic services
such as water supply and
sanitation. This can improve the
ability of communities to
respond to disasters and
recover afterwards.
Climate change: Sustainable
water resources management
can help reduce the impacts of
climate change by promoting
water conservation, efficient use
of water resources, and the
development of renewable
energy sources.

Incorporating disaster risk
principles in the development
agenda and other country
programmes: The Gambia
Water Resources Management
Strategy acknowledges the
need to improve the
management of water
resources to build resilience to
climate change and reduce the
risk of water-related disasters.
This aligns with the NDMA
Policy’s objective of
incorporating disaster risk
principles in the development
agenda and other country
programmes.
Developing national
platforms for disaster risk
reduction: The Strategy
recognizes the need for
institutional coordination and
collaboration to manage water
resources effectively. This is in
line with the NDMA Policy’s
objective of developing
national platforms for disaster
risk reduction, which will
enhance institutional capacity
in disaster risk reduction.
Monitoring continuously the
hazard and vulnerability
threats: The Strategy
emphasizes the importance of
monitoring water resources to
identify potential hazards and
vulnerabilities. This is
consistent with the NDMA
Policy’s objective of
monitoring continuously the
hazard and vulnerability
threats.
Addressing sources of
vulnerability especially
outbreak of diseases and pests:
The Strategy recognizes the
need to address sources of
vulnerability, such as
waterborne diseases. This
aligns with the NDMA
Policy’s objective of
addressing sources of

Limited focus on adaptation and
resilience-building measures:
While the strategy acknowledges
the need to build resilience to
climate change, it is not clear if the
strategy includes specific measures
to adapt to changing conditions or
to build resilience in the face of
potential water-related disasters.
The Gambia’s water resource sector
still is fragmented with several
institutions having overlapping
responsibilities for monitoring
quality and quantity and that there
is a need for improved
collaboration between water sector
governing bodies.
Lack of an integrated water
resources management
(IWRM)policy.
Limited public awareness of the on
the IWRM approach.

39

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

vulnerability, especially
outbreak of diseases and pests.
Ensuring alignment of
national, local, and district
disaster management plans:
The Strategy emphasizes the
need for integrated water
resources management at all
levels of government,
including national, local, and
district. This is in line with the
NDMA Policy’s objective of
promoting contingency
planning in all government
departments and all other
sectors to ensure alignment of
national, local, and district
disaster management plans.

Water Resources Council Act, 1979
By establishing a water
resources council, the Water
Resources Council Act
addresses the disaster risk of
inadequate water supply to
some extent. The council can
play a role in managing water
resources and ensuring their
availability, especially during

times of drought or other water-
related disasters. The council

can also develop plans and
policies to address water
shortages and promote water
conservation, which can help to
mitigate the risk of water
scarcity during times of crisis.

Promoting Water Efficiency
and Conservation: The Water
Resources Council Act aims to
promote water efficiency and
conservation to ensure that
water resources are used in an
equitable and sustainable
manner. The NDMA Policy
also recognizes the
importance of water
conservation and efficiency in

reducing the risk of water-
related disasters.

Emergency Preparedness: The
NDMA Policy recognizes the
importance of emergency
preparedness in reducing the
risk of water-related disasters,
while the Water Resources
Council Act provides the
framework for effective
emergency preparedness and

response in the event of water-
related emergencies.

Integrated Water
Management: Both the Water
Resources Council Act and the
NDMA Policy promote
integrated water management
that considers the needs of all
stakeholders, including
communities, the
environment, and the

Drought is a major aspect of
disasters in the country but it
occurrence is less than other forms
of disaster such as flooding.
However inadequate water or
scarcity of water for human
consumption is not really an
important of the existing issues
considered as causes or triggers of
disaster. Availability of water is
often look at in terms of fire rescue
efforts where access is also
important. This is an issue that the
next policy needs to looked into.

40

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

economy. This helps to reduce
the risk of water-related
disasters by ensuring that
water resources are managed
in a way that is sustainable
and equitable.
The Gambia Roads and Technical Services Act, 2003
The Act establishing “The
Gambia Roads and Technical
Services Authority and the
Roads Fund shall, among other
things, be responsible for the
administration, control and
maintenance of all roads in The
Gambia and for financing the
operations of the Authority, and
for matters connected
therewith”. The Authority
established is presently known
as the National Roads Authority
and chairs the Road Reserve
Committee which NAWEC is
represented to avoid
disturbance to road clearance by
service facilities

The Act makes in mandatory
for roads within residential to
have gutters or water ways for
easy passage of rain water and
other waste water. This
complements the efforts of
NDMA is ensuring that water
ways for free flow of water
exists

Maintenance of clean drainage
systems is a huge challenge
especially in densely populated
areas where community members
use gutters for waste dumping. The
new policy needs to address the
following: Adequate design of
water ways to prevent this as well
as constant cleaning is needed to
avoid clogging of drains,
community sensitization, and
ensuring adherence to existing
policies and guidelines on waste
dumping (enforcement
mechanisms)

National Transport Policy 2018 – 2027
The Gambia Transport Policy
addresses several disaster risk
factors related to transportation
infrastructure and services.
Some of these are:
Maintaining road
infrastructure network to
prevent damage during natural
disasters.
Strengthening road safety
measures to reduce road traffic
fatalities and injuries.
Regulating urban transport
services to ensure safe and
efficient transportation.

Improving facilities for non-
motorized transport to promote

sustainable transportation
options.
Ensuring safety of life and
property at sea and preventing
marine pollution.
Developing cruise ship
facilities to support tourism and
economic growth.
Revitalizing river and inland
water transport to complement
road and coastal shipping.

Both policies prioritize the

development of a well-
planned, efficient and safe

transportation system to
promote economic growth,
reduce poverty, and enhance
social services.
The transport policy
emphasizes the importance of
road safety measures and
management systems, while
the NDMA Policy addresses
disaster risk reduction
through preparedness,
mitigation, and response. This
alignment of objectives can be
leveraged to ensure that
transport infrastructure is
designed and maintained with
disaster risk considerations in
mind.
Both policies highlight the
need for private sector
participation and capacity
building for local contractors
and service providers. This
can enhance the sustainability

Lack of a modern legal framework
for road safety. This includes
institutional issues such as its
financing but extends through to
major deficiencies identified in
speeding and drink driving
legislation which impede effective
road safety enforcement.
Systematic upgrades in regulatory
frameworks and systems are
needed and would produce
significant benefits in driver
licensing, transport operator safety,
and vehicle safety. The new policy
should include road safety as an
integral component of disaster
prevention
Limited capacity of the MOTWI
and other identified institutions,
including the private sector and
civil society, to effectively
implement their identified roles.
Inadequate funding and lack of
resource mobilization strategy to
finance policy implementation.

41

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

Encouraging air transport
links and maintaining
minimum infrastructure and
equipment standards.
Regulating the civil aviation
sector within a well-defined
regulatory framework.

and resilience of the
transportation system in the
face of potential disasters.
The transport policy
mentions the importance of
international cooperation and
standards for maritime and air
transport, while the NDMA
Policy emphasizes the need
for regional coordination in
disaster risk management.
These complementary
objectives can help ensure that
transportation systems are not
only efficient and safe but also
resilient in the face of regional
and global disaster risks.
The transport policy aims to
provide adequate rural roads

and support for non-
motorized transport, which

can improve access to essential
services and reduce
vulnerability to disaster risks
in rural areas. The NDMA
Policy addresses the need for
inclusive and equitable
disaster risk reduction, which
aligns with this objective of the
transport policy.

NDMA-EWS, “National Early Warning Strategy for The Gambia (2021 to 2026),” 2020
The purpose of the Early
Warning Strategy is primarily
to prompt and guide
preparedness and capacity to
respond to hazards and
vulnerability.
It is intended to be generic,
qualitative and relevant giving
enough detail and easily
adapted to any disaster event at
different scales in the country.
It sets out operational guidance
for various categories of early
waning. The strategy is
developed on a multi hazards
basis and maps the roles and
responsibilities for all actors
Focuses on 4 main aspects:
-Risk Knowledge
-Monitoring & Warning
services

NDMA is the coordinator of
the Early Warning Strategy for
The Gambia based on the
Agency’s Act 2008 which
provides it the legal basis for
disaster coordination. A
Disaster Management
Framework exists within the
setup of the Agency and the
Agency has suitable facilities
such facilities as Drones,
Telemetric Equipment, Call
Center, Situation Room and a
GIS Laboratory, to enhance
the coordination role.

The strategy identifies a number of
weaknesses in the early warning
system and there is no evidence
that these have been addressed
therefore the new policy needs to
address them. Also, the
establishment of a National Early
Warning Centre for Coordination
and Response Mechanism
(NCCRM) pose the risk of
duplication and this needs to be
addressed
Weaknesses identified include the
following:
-No national EWS but standalones
operated independently of each
other.
– No systematic way of sharing data
and information and experience
related to disaster. Overall benefits
are low.

42

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

-Dissemination &
communication
-Building response capability

-Limited specialized personnel in
DRR making EWS trial and error
increasing unreliability and
unacceptability.
-No outline to the strategic
direction to guide the development
of disaster management policies,
governance and accountability
-No mechanism to monitor and
know if achievements of disaster
management priorities are made
-No disaster risk reduction process
turned into sustainable
development policies and
planning.
-No systematic incorporation of
national, regional, and local
disaster risk reduction strategies
and approaches into the
implementation of emergency
preparedness, response and
recovery.
-No multi-stakeholder
participatory approach including
community participation & no
ownership of the process
None existence of a developed
database and information exchange
system at national and other levels
-There is no continuous monitoring
of hazard parameters and
precursors to generate accurate
warnings on time.
-No system to monitor warning
services for different hazards &
timely institutional sharing.
No systematic way of getting
timely warnings to those at -No

national, regional, and community-
level communication systems to

ensure those at risk are warned on
time

“The Gambia National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS-GAM) And Implementation Action
plan (2020-2024),” 2020
Limited availability of
climate information: aims to
improve the availability of
climate information by
strengthening the
production and

dissemination of hydro-
meteorological data and

climate services.

Incorporation of disaster
risk principles: aims to
incorporate climate risk
considerations in
development agendas and
programs.
Enhancing institutional
capacity: focuses on
strengthening
institutional capacity for

The implementation plan in
NFCS action plan does not
clearly define the responsible
institutions or stakeholder that
are to implement the actions
identified.
While the NFCS recognizes the
importance of monitoring and
evaluation, it may benefit from
more explicit guidelines on

43

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

Weak coordination and
communication: focuses on
improving institutional
coordination &
communication among
service provider
institutions.
Inadequate weather &
climate monitoring
infrastructure: activities
include enhancing the
infrastructure for weather
and climate monitoring.
Low capacity and skills:
aims to address the low
levels of capacity, skills, and
human resources for the
provision of climate
services.
Limited public awareness
and participation:
emphasizes the importance
of public awareness and
participation in climate
services.

climate services similar to
the NDMA Policy.
Both frameworks focus on
the development of
national platforms for risk
reduction
Both frameworks also aim
to improve monitoring of
hazard and vulnerability
threats.
Emphasizes the
development of standard
risk assessment and
monitoring instruments.
This will complement
NDMA policy objective of
hazard mapping.
Both policies recognize
the importance of
disseminating climate
information and
promoting public
awareness.
Both frameworks
emphasize community
resilience and contingency
planning

how to measure the
effectiveness and impact of
climate services. Establishing
clear indicators, data collection
methodologies, and evaluation
mechanisms would help assess
the progress and identify areas
for improvement.
Gender has not been
significantly main-streamed
into the framework. These
would include strategies to
ensure equal access to
information, participation, and
decision-making processes for
women, marginalized groups,
and vulnerable communities.
The strengthening of the
linkages between climate
information, adaptation
planning, and risk reduction
strategies could enhance the
framework’s effectiveness in
building resilience to climate
change impacts.
There are many areas of
complementarity between the
NFCS and the NDMA policy
and these need to be
strengthened in the new policy

“The Gambia Strategic Programme for Climate Resilience, 2017
Inadequate coordination of
climate change planning
and responses.
Designed to help secure
catalytic financing from
international and national
climate financing sources to
reduce vulnerabilities to
climate change. By helping
to make funds available, the
Programme is expected to
contribute to the reduction
of most disaster risk factors
in the Gambia.
Also designed to address
incomplete and/or
outdated enabling
environment for climate
resilience.

Integrated Risk
Management: The NDMA
Policy and the SPCR both
emphasize the importance
of integrated risk
management approaches.
Comprehensive
Approach to Disaster Risk
Reduction: the SPCR
provide a more holistic
approach to disaster risk
reduction for both
climate-related risks and
other hazards.
Coordinated
Implementation: The
SPCR’s implementation
arrangements, such as the
establishment of

Both Policies outline the need
for collection and analysis of
relevant data and information
to inform decision-making. By
collaborating and sharing
knowledge, stakeholders can
enhance their understanding of
disaster risks and climate
change impacts.
Both policies require adequate
financial resources for their
implementation. Aligning their
financing strategies, can
leverage funding opportunities
by jointly mobilizing resources
more effectively, and avoid
duplication.
The SPCR lacks comprehensive
cost-benefit analyses for each

44

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

Addresses the outdated
land use planning, and
inadequate mapping and
information systems to
support national and
coastal climate resilient
land use planning and
management.
Also address the lack of
climate resilient
infrastructure, and solid
waste management.
Specific disaster risk factors
address in the SPCR are
captured in the investment
Programme concept notes.

institutional mechanisms,
can be aligned with the
existing structures and
processes outlined in the
NDMA Policy.

project, which could hinder the
program’s ability to assess
economic viability and
prioritize interventions
effectively.
The SPCR could benefit from a
stronger emphasis on explicit
measures for reducing and
managing disaster risks to
complement its focus on
climate resilience.
Further integration of the SPCR
with recent national policies,
such as the Recovery Focused
National Development Plan,
could enhance its impact and
sustainability by mainstream
climate resilience and disaster
risk reduction efforts across
sectors.

Gambia Forestry Policy, 2010
Degradation of forest
resources: The policy
acknowledges the alarming
rate of degradation of forest
resources and emphasizes
the need for measures to
sustain a sound forest
resource base.
Increasing population
pressure on land resources:
The policy identifies
increasing population
pressure as a critical
constraint to forest resource
management.
Inadequate institutional
framework: The policy
acknowledges the
inadequacy of the
institutional framework to
advance the forestry sector.
Inadequate private sector
response to investment
possibilities in forestry: The
policy identifies the limited
private sector participation
in harvesting and
marketing of forest
products.

Environmental Protection:
Both policies share a
common goal of
protecting the
environment.
Hazard and Vulnerability
Mapping: The NDMA
policy mentions the need
for continuous monitoring
of hazard and
vulnerability threats, as
well as risk and hazard
mapping. This
information can be
valuable for the forestry
policy as it will help
identify areas prone to
specific disasters or
vulnerabilities.
Community Resilience:
Both policies emphasize
enhancing community
resilience.
Ecosystem Services: The
forestry policy can
contribute to disaster risk
reduction by recognizing
and preserving the

The Policy is outdated.
A monitoring and results
framework as well as
institutional framework for the
implementation of the policy is
non-existent in the policy
document.
The policy does not explicitly
address the issues of climate
change and biodiversity
conservation, which are critical
considerations for sustainable
forest management.
The regional perspective in the
NDMA policy can be extended
to the forestry policy, where
cooperation between countries
can support transboundary
conservation efforts and
harmonize strategies for
sustainable forest
management, including
disaster risk reduction.
While the policy mentions the
involvement of local
communities in forest resource
management, it does not
provide specific strategies or

45

Disaster Risk Factors
addressed

Alignment, Synergy &
Complementarity with
NDMA Policy

Existing Gaps &
Recommendations

ecosystem provided by
forests

mechanisms to empower and
engage indigenous and local
communities effectively.
The policy does not provide a
comprehensive funding
strategy or outline mechanisms
for resource mobilization for
natural resource management
programming.

National Forest Action Plan (NFAP) 2019 – 2028
Flooding and drought: The
plan addresses the risk of
drought and seasonal
flooding through the
implementation of
agroforestry practices such
as windbreaks and forest
buffers.
Coastal erosion: The
National Forestry Action
Plan can address coastal
erosion by promoting the
establishment of forests in
degraded coastal areas.
Climate change: Successful
implementation of the plan
will contribute to climate
change adaptation efforts
by promoting sustainable
forest management
practices.

Incorporation of disaster
risk principles: Both aim
to incorporate disaster
risk reduction principles
into the development
agenda and other country
programs.
Information flow and data
sharing: The NDMA
Policy aims to improve the
flow of information and
data on risk among
government departments
and key partners. The
NFAP can contribute to
this by providing relevant
data and information
related to forestry and its
role in disaster risk
reduction.
Community resilience and
contingency planning:
Both the NDMA Policy
and the NFAP recognize
the importance of
enhancing community
resilience and promoting
contingency planning.

The National Forestry Action
Plan could benefit from a more
explicit integration of gender
and social inclusion
While the plan mentions the
importance of partnerships
and cooperation, there is room
for further community
participation and stakeholder
engagement in the
implementation process.

46
Annex 5:

DRM Policy 2024-2033 Outcome of Stakeholder Consultations- August 2023
Goal: Build a resilient nation capable of minimizing the negative effects of

disasters

Policy Objective: The country shall have in place adequate, efficient and effective
mechanisms to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks through the implementation
of integrated and inclusive measures that prevent and reduce hazard exposure and
vulnerability to disaster
1. Prevent and Reduce Risk Exposure and Vulnerability to Disaster
• Build an effective Early Warning System
o Risk knowledge
▪ Mass community sensitization to create awareness
▪ Risk communication/information sharing among stakeholders
▪ Use of print, electronic & social media, traditional communication channels,
e-alerts
▪ Include DRM in the school/madrassas curriculum as part of integrated studies
▪ Include DRR in the curriculum of tertiary education
▪ Target faith-based organisations
o Monitoring & warning Services

• Modern equipment for accurate warning services
• Use of Indigenous knowledge
o Information Dissemination & Communication
▪ Periodic updates and report on Emergencies
▪ Situational Report
▪ Use of print, electronic & social media, traditional communication
channels, e-alerts
o Response capability
▪ Availability of funds at the regional level
▪ Area Council allocation for disasters
▪ Cooperate Social responsibility of business entities
▪ Establishment of regional evacuation centres
▪ Establish temporary shelters based on need
• Contingency Planning
o Flash floods
o Windstorms
o Disease outbreaks (human & animal)
o Domestic/Bush fires
o Poor planning (urban & rural)
o Migration
o Oil Spills
o Drought/Erratic Rainfall
o Pest Infestation/invasion
o Road traffic Accidents
o Contamination of water supplies

47
• Strengthening preparedness capacity
▪ Training & capacity building for regional staff & RDMC
▪ Establish and support DDMC/VDMC
▪ Resource mobilization
▪ Pre-positioning of stock
▪ Establishment of disaster school ambassadors
▪ Operationalise Emergency Fund at all level
▪ Risk & vulnerability Assessments
▪ Community mobilization on prevention; tree planting, creation of fire belt etc.
▪ Strengthen and support community-based forest.
▪ Dissemination of information on Safety Guidelines

Setting up of national early warning secretariat
National DRR platform
2. Disaster Response and Recovery
• Responding to disasters
o Emergency Management
▪ Response
▪ Search & Rescue
▪ Initial treatment and transportation of causalities
▪ Communication on site and while moving to relevant stakeholders
▪ Create/establish Evacuation & Relocation centers
▪ Psycho-social support
▪ Vaccination of livestock
▪ Spraying of pest-affected areas
▪ Quarantine services
▪ Security services (Civil-Military Relations)
o Resource mobilization
o Response monitoring & Information Sharing
o Coordination of activities
o Policy Guidance
• Recovery from Disasters
o Post-disaster Needs Assessments
o Programme formulation-recovery framework
o Resource mobilization
o Activity implementation
▪ Material/equipment required in place
o Monitoring, Evaluation and reporting
Policy Framework: Key Issues for the Policy
1. Disaster Management
a. Coordination of DRM at all levels

i. Half-yearly meetings of all sectors with a mandate related to Disasters-
national level

ii. Quarterly meetings of RDMCs/DDMCs/VDMCs
iii. Ad-hoc emergency meetings of RDMC as and when the need arises
iv. Provide Decentralised committees with resources (human, material &
financial) to implement activities identified

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b. DRM information management and sharing
i. Innovative ways to disseminate weather information media channels &
community radios, TV, traditional communication channels, Opinion
leaders etc.
1. Data storage & management systems- update and strengthen
database at the regional and national level
2. One-stop call centre for information on emergencies
3. Strengthen early warning listening groups
ii. Use of relevant databases on social protection
c. DRM resource mobilization and management
i. Resource allocation from GLF
ii. Strengthen government financial management and accountability of
disaster funds
iii. Operationalize a national Disaster management fund (Basket Fund)
iv. Mobilise resources through project proposals

2. Mainstreaming & integration of DRM
a. National planning processes-NDP
b. Sector policies and strategies
i. Define DRM roles and responsibilities of all sectors
3. Housing: settlements/residencies on waterways/ within disaster hotspots
a. Mapping/identification of disaster hotspots
b. Relocation of people and structures within disaster-prone areas
c. Awareness creation/community sensitization

d. Mechanisms and enforcement strategies to prevent settlements or re-
settlements in disaster-prone areas.

4. Legal Instruments & frameworks for disaster-prone areas:
a. Evictions
b. Demolitions
c. Resettlements
d. Compensations
e. Legal actions and liabilities of government
5. Land allocation policies and practices
a. Land in disaster-prone areas shall not be allocated for housing and
commercial purposes
b. Clear demarcation and visible identification of such areas
c. Database of disaster-prone areas and compensations made
d. Land use planning
6. Local Authorities and Real Estate agents- roles & responsibilities
a. Review and harmonize of Land tenure and ownership system
b. Mainstream disaster management in Council bye-laws
7. Road Infrastructure development
a. Mapping of waterways in consultation with communities
b. Identification, and location of public utilities and services nationwide
c. Involvement of communities & other stakeholders (use of local knowledge)
d. Enforcement of regulations on household waste (Solid and Liquid
management
e. Stiff penalties for offences
f. Proper road usage to minimize accidents

49
g. Road engineering and auditing
8. Support for people affected by disasters;
a. Assessments and identification,
i. Manage data at a decentralized level to fasten response including
post-data collection engagement and verification
ii. Review and revise tools for rapid assessment
iii. Involvement of community members in response activities
iv. Train and prepare volunteers in advance
v. Recognition and or compensation for volunteers
b. Level and type of support
i. Calibration of disasters
ii. Prioritise the most vulnerable (targeting)
iii. Diversify resource mobilization
iv. Psycho-social support
v. Provision of minimum initial service packages
vi. Security of the environment
c. Duration of support etc.
i. Immediate, medium and long term
d. Social protection
i. Cash transfers
ii. Shelter
iii. Training
iv. Protection against Gender-based violence
v. Support for recovery
9. Health and Sanitation issues
a. waste management,
b. clogging of waterways,
c. cleaning of drains/waterways,
d. community sensitization & capacity building
e. Provision of mobile toilets (Sanitation)
f. Provision of water supply
10. DRM Decentralisation in the context of the Local Government Act 2002
a. Empower regional disaster management structures; provide funding and
other resources
b. Regions to have power and authority to develop and embark on innovative
financing mechanisms for DRM programmes specific to their needs

11. New and re-emerging issues:
a. covid-19,
b. oil spills,
c. AKI,
d. Climate change
e. Others ………………
12. Other issues
a. Poor location of petrol station
b. Poor electrical infrastructure
c. Emerging urban industries (fish milling factories, discharge of toxic waste
etc.)
d. River transportation-Boats and ferry services
e. Road transportation/usage

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