In a concerted effort to address social issues and provide targeted assistance to vulnerable families, the National Social Protection Secretariat in The Gambia has implemented a comprehensive social registry system. This innovative approach harnesses the power of data to identify and support those in need, ensuring that assistance is directed where it is needed most.
The National Social Protection Secretariate is the custodian of the Registry under the authority of the National Coordinator, it serves as a dynamic database containing valuable information about households across the country. Its primary goal is to identify vulnerable families and individuals, allowing for more precise and effective social interventions.
The Gambia Bureau of Statistics handles the data collection, it is responsible for garnering data and supervising the process, this meticulous approach aims to create a reliable and up-to-date Social Registry, serving as a valuable resource for social service providers and policymakers.
‘The data collection for The Gambia Social Registry follows a census approach – covers all households in the areas we have covered. The exercise is led by The Gambia Bureau of Statistics. The First phase covered 30 districts initially and then 6 additional districts (36 in total). The second phase covered 4 districts All Regions (URR, CRR, NBR, LRR, and WCR) are covered now; only KM and Banjul are left.’ Momodou Dibba, National Coordinator, National Social Protection Secretariat
The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) employs advanced technology in data collection through Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) for the GamSR project. This data is then seamlessly migrated into the Social Registry Information System (SRIS), a purpose-built platform designed for secure storage, updates, and efficient querying.
Ensuring a robust shield of data protection, SRIS incorporates sophisticated user privilege management and comprehensive access control mechanisms. Committed to upholding the highest standards, these security features safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of the data, aligning with leading practices in data management and security.
Collaboration is also a cornerstone of the initiative, with the National Protection Secretariat working closely with other government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders. This collaborative effort enhances the overall effectiveness of social interventions, creating a holistic approach to addressing the diverse challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
The social registry under the social safety net project, funded by the World Bank, is a vital component of the government’s commitment to providing effective social protection for the most vulnerable populations in The Gambia. By collecting precise data on extremely poor households, stakeholders can design targeted interventions such as the Nafa cash transfer to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions. One of the key strengths of the social registry lies in its ability to collect and analyse data on various socio-economic indicators. By understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by different households, the National Protection Secretariat can tailor its support programs to address those issues directly.
“The Nafa Cash transfer has really helped ease my financial challenges, my family benefited significantly from the program. -Ebrima Gibba, Nafa Program beneficiary. The utilization of data in the social registry has already yielded positive outcomes according to officials. Targeted interventions, such as financial aid, healthcare support, and disaster support, have been deployed to families identified as particularly vulnerable. This approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, maximizing the impact on the lives of those facing socio-economic hardships.
According to the National Social Protection Secretariat, it is committed to upholding the privacy and security of the data collected. Stringent measures are in place to safeguard the information, ensuring that individuals' personal details are treated with the utmost confidentiality.
‘The data that we collect is based on the informed consent of the people. Following the field data collection and cleaning by the Gambia Bureau of Statistics, the data is submitted in an encrypted format to the National Coordinator of NSPS. At the Secretariat, it is only the Social Registry Manager and Data Analyst who has access to the dataset because they work on it to make it available to programs.’
‘These officials operate based on prescribed rules and guidelines stipulated in a Data Sharing Protocol we developed with technical support from WFP which is based on the Data Protection and Privacy Policy of 2019. Anytime, we share data with programs, we sign an MoU that places certain obligations on the receiving agencies/programs in terms of protecting the data from misuse, unauthorized third-party access, or anything incompatible with the purposes for which the data was given. Momodou Dibba, National Coordinator, National Social Protection Secretariat.’
By seamlessly integrating digital solutions, such as cloud-based storage and secure data transmission protocols, the social registry system can unlock new levels of efficiency, accessibility, and security. This strategic leap will not only safeguard the privacy of collected data but also streamline the process of sharing valuable insights with stakeholders.
As The Gambia continues its commitment to social protection, the incorporation of Digital Public Infrastructure is poised to catalyse a more impactful and technologically advanced era in targeted social interventions, underscoring the government's dedication to the well-being of its citizens.
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AUB 2nd Media Summit on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Summit in Dakar As the world gears up to celebrate Radio Day, the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Senegalese Radio Television (RTS), is organizing a summit on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction 13th -14th February in Dakar Senegal. The forum under the theme "Reaching the last mile: Radio for Climate Action" seeks to explore the important role of radio in the fight against climate change. The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, is scheduled to lead a high-powered Gambian delegation to the summit comprising The Director General of GRTS, Abdoulie Sey, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Information Amie Njie, the Director of Admin and Human Resources GRTS Yankuba Jatta and the Director of Radio Programmes GRTS Haddy Badji.A press release from the AUB states that radio remains an essential tool to disseminate vital information on climate change and encourage prevention given its resilience, portability and ability to reach a wide audience, especially in rural areas and isolated communities.
Following the successful conclusion of the Inter-regional African Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sports, held at the International Conference Centre, representatives from the sub-region visited President Barrow on Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on the meeting's agenda.The primary objective of the anti-doping meeting was to establish a collaborative network aimed at enhancing sports governance, thereby promoting clean sports and upholding the ethics and integrity of athletes against the use of prohibited substances.On behalf of the government and the people of The Gambia, President Barrow expressed his deep appreciation to the delegates for selecting The Gambia as the host for this significant event. He emphasized the crucial role of sports in fostering economic growth and national development, noting its capacity to promote unity and strengthen national cohesion.As a signatory to the anti-doping convention, alongside 191 other countries, President Barrow assured the delegates of his unwavering commitment to supporting efforts that safeguard the integrity of sports. He underscored that achieving success in this field necessitates the implementation of robust safeguarding policies.The Minister for Youth and Sport, Honourable Bakary Y. Badjie, expressed gratitude for the support extended by the President and the government towards initiatives that advance sports development. He advocated for the implementation of drug testing across all sporting levels to eliminate the use of performance-enhancing substances, highlighting the detrimental impact that substance abuse has on athletes and national achievements.The meeting also featured ministers from various sub-regions, who conveyed their gratitude to the President for his supportive role during the event and his visionary approach to this important agenda.
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During his inaugural visit to Kenya to attend the 61st Independence Anniversary celebration of the Republic of Kenya, President Adama Barrow participated in Jumu’ah prayers at a Nairobi Mosque on Friday. He was accompanied by his delegation and the Kenyan Minister of Mines, Ali Hassan Joho E.G.H. President Barrow received a warm welcome from the Imam and congregation, expressing his gratitude for being honored as a member of their community. As a practicing Muslim, he emphasized the importance of attending Friday prayers wherever he travels. He also thanked President William Ruto for inviting him as the Guest of Honour for Kenya's Jamhuri Day celebration. Following the prayers, President Barrow enjoyed a traditional Kenyan Nyama Choma lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, the Gambian leader visited the Ken-Gen Geothermal Power Plant, recognised as the second largest in the world, located approximately a twenty-minute flight from Nairobi. The plant has a production capacity of 800 megawatts. Later that day, President Barrow met with Honourable Julius Migos Ogamba, the Kenyan Minister for Education, and his team at the hotel. Their discussions focused on potential collaborations in the education sector. With the necessary political will, President Barrow directed his team to engage in further discussions with experts to advance this partnership. The Gambia's Honorary Consul in Kenya, Ambassador Dr. John O. Kakonge, was present and assigned to follow up on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding. Additionally, the Consul accompanied representatives of the Gambian student body in Kenya for a courtesy call on President Barrow. This group was led by Abdou Rahim Jallow, a PhD student in Civil Engineering, along with Muhammed Lamin Kebbeh and Nyima Touray, who are studying in various fields. President Barrow commended the students for representing The Gambia positively. Currently, an average of thirty Gambian students are enrolled in Kenyan institutions. Before his departure on Saturday, President Barrow visited a model affordable housing scheme designed for low-income earners and residents of slums. He was led on a tour by Honourable Alice Wahome, the Minister for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, to observe the ongoing construction of high-rise buildings initiated by President Ruto. The construction site employs approximately 3,000 people each day. Reflecting on the visit, President Barrow expressed appreciation for the project’s potential to improve the lives of disadvantaged citizens, considering it a source of inspiration. President Barrow's official delegation to Kenya included Honourable Mod K. Ceesay, Minister and Chief of Staff; H.E. Jainaba Jagne, the outgoing Gambian Ambassador to the African Union; and Ousman Sowe, Director General of the State Intelligence Services of The Gambia.
State House, Banjul, 18th November 2024: The general public is hereby informed that His Excellency the President, acting under Section 71(1) of the Constitution, has created a new Ministerial portfolio within the office of the President. Alongside this role, the new Minister will also serve as the Chief of Staff to the President, a position now removed from the public service framework.As Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency, the office holder will serve as a key adviser and administrator to the President, ensuring efficient coordination of presidential priorities, engagements, and functions. The Chief of Staff will ensure the President's decisions are effectively implemented across all relevant ministries and departments. Additionally, the Minister will oversee the daily operations of the Office of the President and coordinate the work of presidential advisors, ensuring their recommendations align with the President’s agenda.Accordingly, and acting under section 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Mod K. Ceesay as Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency, effective from 18th of November 2024.Additionally, in accordance with Section 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency the President has appointed Dr. Habibatou Drammeh as the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education and Mr. Lamin Jabbi as the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.Merging the Roles of Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil ServiceIn a similar vein, His Excellency the President, acting under Section 80 of the Constitution, has decided to merge the roles of Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service with the Secretary to Cabinet.This merger aims to enhance efficiency in fulfilling these traditionally separate roles. The Secretary to Cabinet guides policy development in Cabinet meetings, while the Head of the Civil Service ensures these policies are implemented across ministries and departments. Consolidating these roles with a single individual helps bridge gaps in understanding and ensures a smooth transition from policy to action. Furthermore, the decision is supported by the belief that having one person oversee both policy formulation at the Cabinet level and its execution in the civil service reduces bureaucracy and reinforces a stronger chain of accountability for delivering results.Accordingly, and acting under Section 168(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Alieu Njie as Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service, effective from 15th of November 2024.
The UN Secretary General, António Guterres Friday received President Adama Barrow in his office on the sidelines of the UNGA79. The two discussed the impressive democratic gains and highly successful transitional justice programme in The Gambia. The President updated Secretary-General Guterres on three phases of the TRRC process, seeking to bring about justice, reparation, and reconciliation for victims.SG Guterres commended President Barrow’s leadership in the region and assured him of the UN support for The Gambia’s agenda toward sustainable development. The United Nations Boss encouraged the maintenance of a peaceful co-existence in and around The Gambia, adding “Maintain it that way Mr President”. President Barrow thanked the UN SG for the renewal of its peace-building support programme for The Gambia critical to delivering justice to victims. The President is also committed to working with ECOWAS, AUC and the UN during the processes.
President Barrow Wednesday hosts his Spanish counterpart, His Excellency Mr Pedro Sanchez Perez Castejon President of The Government of Spain, for a State Visit. The visit marks an important occasion as the two States signed two significant memoranda of understanding on Circular Migration and Security Cooperation. The two agreements are crucial for facilitating legal migration and ensuring stability and security.The Circular Migration agreement is expected to enable Gambians to legally migrate to Spain to work in industries to tackle labour shortages in Spain. On the other hand, the Security Cooperation Agreement aims to enhance cooperation in addressing security challenges, through the exchange of information and intelligence to combat organised crime and other security threats.By addressing key areas such as migration and security, both nations aim to unlock new opportunities for mutual benefit, enhancing their partnership.The State visit highlights the strengthening of ties between The Gambia and Spain, focusing on bilateral development.The state visit to The Gambia marks a milestone in the relationship between the two countries. The outcomes of this visit are anticipated to drive further progress in strengthening the partnership between The Gambia and Spain.
President Adama Barrow continues his tour of industrial sites in the Central River Region with a visit to the Hamidou Jah Farm in Baya Bah in Sami District and the Swami Gambia Banana plantation in Lower Fulladu District.The tour accorded President Barrow the opportunity to assess first-hand the impact of these investments on the agricultural sector.Central River Region is steadily becoming the breadbasket of the country as private sector investors are changing The Gambia's agriculture landscape with a renewed focus on commercializationHamidou Jah is a business tycoon known in business circles as one of the most successful oil and general merchandise dealers. After making his fortune in business, Hamidou is now trying his hand at farming.He has just acquired a 120-hectare piece of land in Baya Bah, some 15km from the main Passamas Laminkoto Highway.President Barrow has made agricultural mechanization and commercialization a key pillar of his government's policy, with its potential to lead economic growth, enhance food security and create employmentMr Jah has already put up a team of agricultural experts from the Gambia and Pakistan, who are now working to transform his piece of land into one of the most productive.The President recognized Hamidou Jah's passion and his potential to contribute to the country's national food security, which has now become more urgent, given the current global dynamics.H.E. Adama Barrow tasked all the relevant government agencies to provide the private sector with the necessary support to help them realize their goals.The President and delegation also visited the Swami Gambia banana plantation in CRR South where he was briefed on the operations by the General Manager Mansukh Bhudiya.President Barrow was taken on a conducted tour of the farm; visiting the nursery shed where the right varieties are nursed under the suitable conditions and the water treatment and supply system which sources water from the River Gambia.The innovative, cost-effective and sustainable farming system has made the Swami banana plantation a model for farmers. It currently has 450 thousand plants, also making it the largest plantation in the country.The President said he is highly impressed with this model, and thanked the Swami Gambia management and staff for the work. The farm employs over 200 workers, mostly women, from Buruko and the neighbouring villages. The farm is expected to reach full capacity with an annual production of 8000 tons.
African Commission on Human and People’s Rights convened the opening of the 79th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. The convention in Banjul, brought dignitaries and stakeholders across the African continent to discuss thematic matters for the sustainability of human rights advocacy.The 79th session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights unveils a crucial theme anchored on ‘Educating an African fit for human rights.’The speech of Remy Ngoy Lumbu, chairperson of ACHPR, centred on the unrest and conflicts facing the African continent. He cited challenges affecting women, such as sexual violence and discrimination, as he urged the Gambia government to scale up efforts to repeal FGM laws.Addressing the convention, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Gambia’s Foreign Affairs MinisterSaid the Gambia government is committed to promoting human rights to boost reforms that include the implementation of plans presented by the Truth Commission - TRRC.For over two decades of dictatorship, the Gambia under former President Yahya Jammeh witnessed a pervasive system of forceful disappearances and extrajudicial executions that required effective transitional justice and reforms to reshape the country’s emerging democracy.As enshrined in the Charter of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, the commission is moving to strengthen human rights structure and mechanisms alongside the promotion of friendly settlement of disputes grappling the African continent.ACHPR is a charter established by the African Union to advocate for human rights, democracy and good governance on the continent. The commission has built a robust legacy of transformative impact, empowering individuals and organizations.
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