By unlocking the youth’s potential, we build a more prosperous, healthier, and empowering future for them, for the nation, and for generations to come
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This article is part of the series—Raisina Edit 2024
In recent times, the escalating global climate crisis has prompted nations to pursue environmentally-friendly transformations. The shift towards sustainability, however, requires active involvement from everyone, including the youth. This is especially true for the Gambia, a small West African nation particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In this context, unlocking the potential of its 2.8 million young citizens is crucial for steering the country towards a green future. The unique challenge faced by The Gambia lies in finding a harmonious balance between ambitious clean energy objectives on the one hand and economic development on the other. This edit delves into the importance of involving the youth in sustainable development in The Gambia, highlights the challenges they face, and puts forth innovative solutions to ensure their comprehensive participation in shaping a more environmentally-conscious vision for the nation.
The green transition is necessary because, at the moment, we are overconsuming natural resources, both fossil and renewable ones. This overconsumption has further aggravated the climate and ecological crisis. For this reason, a comprehensive change is needed in the way we use our natural resources. The key challenge is to limit consumption within the carrying capacity of our country while at the same time keeping the wheels of the economy turning. Phasing out fossil fuels will turn the climate and environmental challenge into an opportunity: the green transition becomes a driver of new growth and lays the foundation for business and a sustainable economy. By offering a more comprehensive range of products and services, it will also provide better opportunities for the end users to reduce their burden of emissions.
The key challenge is to limit consumption within the carrying capacity of our country while at the same time keeping the wheels of the economy turning.
It is crucial to engage youth in the green transition. One way to do this is through participation in green transition seminars, particularly ones centred around navigating conflicts and deliberating over different pathways, including their potential costs and benefits. Moreover, the sectors that will drive a green future, which currently are relatively small—such as organic farming and activities focused on sustenance—need to be given a voice.
Decarbonisation and digitalisation will reshape the labour market. Strategies to harness this transformation to create more jobs than are lost are essential, for instance in the circular economy and renewable energy. This shift to a climate-neutral economy will however impose new requirements on people and labour demand might not match labour supply. It is important to invest in education, skilling and reskilling and to provide the necessary support for job transitions to young people who want pursue agriculture. Welfare strategies and programmes also need to be rethought to ensure a safety-net is in place for those at risk of being left behind.
Engaging youth to power the green transition in the Gambia presents several challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve sustainable and effective results. These challenges can be classified into three main categories: Social, economic, and political.
Many young people may not fully understand the importance of transitioning to a greener economy or may be unaware of the opportunities it presents.
One of the major social challenges in engaging youth in the Gambian green transition is the lack of knowledge about environmental issues and their potential solutions. Many young people may not fully understand the importance of transitioning to a greener economy or may be unaware of the opportunities it presents. Efforts should therefore be made to raise awareness and educate young people about the urgency as well as the marked benefits of environmental action.
The cultural norms and traditional gender roles prevalent in Gambian society pose another social challenge in engaging youth. Women, in particular, may have limited access to education and employment opportunities, making it difficult for them to actively participate in green initiatives. Addressing these gender disparities and empowering women in environmental decision-making processes will be crucial in engaging youth effectively.
On the economic front, the lack of economic resources and access to finance is another significant challenge for engaging youth in the green transition in the Gambia. Many young people may not have the necessary financial means to start eco-friendly businesses or invest in green technologies. Additionally, the lack of sustainable job opportunities in the green sector may discourage youth from pursuing a career in this field. To address these obstacles, providing financial support and creating green jobs for young people should be prioritised.
Many young people may not have the necessary financial means to start eco-friendly businesses or invest in green technologies.
Political challenges in engaging youth in the Gambia primarily revolve around the lack of youth representation and participation in decision-making processes. Young people are often marginalised, and their voices are not given adequate weight in policy formulation and implementation. As a result, there is an urgent need to establish platforms and mechanisms that allow young people to actively participate in shaping environmental policies and strategies. This can be achieved through youth-led organisations, youth councils, and inclusive dialogues between policymakers and the youth.
Moreover, political instability and weak governance can undermine efforts to engage youth in the green transition. Instability and inconsistency in government policies can deter young people from engaging in long-term environmental initiatives. Therefore, it is essential to ensure political stability, good governance, and policy continuity to create an enabling environment for youth-led green initiatives.
This section highlights innovations, solutions, and recommendations to engage youth in the green transition in The Gambia.
The first innovation that must be harnessed relates to digital platforms and social media campaigns. Online platforms and campaigns must be created to provide youth with information and resources on sustainability, green initiatives, and opportunities to get involved. These platforms can serve as a hub for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking among young people in the Gambia.
Online platforms and campaigns must be created to provide youth with information and resources on sustainability, green initiatives, and opportunities to get involved.
Youth-led green startups are another promising avenue. Encouraging and supporting young entrepreneurs in the Gambia to create green startups that focus on areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and eco-tourism will bear dividends. Structures must be put in place to provide mentorship, funding, and access to the relevant networks to help these startups thrive.
It is difficult to overstate the role of green education and vocational training. Environmental education and vocational training programmes should be introduced in schools and communities to help equip youth with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in and contribute to the green transition. This can include practical training on sustainable farming techniques, renewable energy installation, or waste reduction and recycling. This would foster a culture where sustainability is a fundamental part of the collective youth consciousness.
Youth representation in decision-making is a solution that cannot be ignored. We must ensure that young people have a seat at the table and are actively involved in policy-making processes related to sustainability and environmental protection. Youth advisory committees or councils should be established to provide input, voice concerns, and suggest solutions to government and other relevant stakeholders.
Endeavours to engage youth in the Gambian green transition must be provided easy access to financing. To this end, dedicated financing schemes or funds must be established with the aim of providing financial support to youth-led green projects and initiatives. In addition, the application process must be simplified to make funding more accessible to young innovators and entrepreneurs who may otherwise have limited resources.
Youth advisory committees or councils should be established to provide input, voice concerns, and suggest solutions to government and other relevant stakeholders.
International organisations must be brought into the fold. By fostering partnerships with global organizations and agencies, we can harness their experience and expertise in youth engagement and environmental initiatives. Collaboration could take the form of joint projects, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building programs specifically tailored for young people in the Gambia.
One powerful approach is to acknowledge and reward the efforts of young people who are actively engaged in driving the green transition in the Gambia. Establishing awards or recognition programmes to highlight individual contributions would put in place virtuous cycles of inspiration and action.
Conducting awareness campaigns, targeting both urban as well as rural communities, offer another pathway to engaging the youth of the Gambia. This could take the form of organising community events and workshops to engage local residents in discussions, ideas generation, and collaborative initiatives.
One powerful approach is to acknowledge and reward the efforts of young people who are actively engaged in driving the green transition in the Gambia.
By implementing these innovations, solutions, and recommendations, the Gambia can ensure that young people are active participants in shaping a greener future, leveraging their creativity, energy, and enthusiasm to drive sustainable development in the country.
Imagine The Gambia bathed in sunlight, powered by its own wind and solar energy. Imagine lush mangroves filtering the waters, a haven for vibrant ecosystems. This isn't just a dream; it's the future within reach, powered by the boundless energy and innovative spirit of The Gambia's youth. When we unlock their potential, equipping them with education, opportunity, and a seat at the decision-making table, we don't just build a greener future, we build a more prosperous, healthier, and empowering one for them, for the nation, and for generations to come. The time to act is now. Let's ignite the green revolution together, fuelled by the fire of Gambian youth.
Together, we can create a green, resilient, and inclusive future for all.
Jainaba Sowe is a graduate student at the Department of Computer Science, the University of the Gambia.
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