The West Africa Biodiversity Conservation Network (WABIONET), The Gambia chapter recently secured funding from the GEF Small Grants programme to: Strengthening Integrated Field and Forest Fire Management and Assisted Natural Regeneration in Kiang West National Park (KWNP), and Promote Green Enterprise Development in peripheral villages of the National Park.
“The core services earmarked are for the KWNP Site Management Committees (SMCs) to have improved access to business, marketing and financial services for the long-term sustainability of their locally controlled enterprises.’’ The WABIONET business development trainer, Mr Demba Sanyang, further stated that the entrepreneurial facility will also focus on supporting Beekeeping and Guinea Fowl farming enterprises to be established by the SMCs of Batelling, Dumbutu, Bajana, Kuli Kunda and Jali villages in the Kiang West District
Thirty (30) participants from KWNP Site Management Committees, Village Development Committees (VDCs), representatives of the village heads and Extension Agents from KWNP received training on Enterprise Development using the Market Analysis and Development (MA&D) approach. The rationale of the capacity development programme is to develop Community- Based Enterprises focusing on Non- Wood Forest Products.
Fifty-three (53) percent of the trainees were women and youth. The training registered high satisfaction level among attendees, and was found to fill a capacity gap, in particular with respect to sustainable enterprise development for improved livelihoods of Park dependent communities.
The training resulted in the development of five (5) draft Enterprise Development Plans (EDPs) focusing on Beekeeping and Guinea Fowl enterprises. The draft plans will be validated in two weeks’ time after the training representatives provides feedback to their entire respective communities.
