In July 2019, LoCAL and Centre de Suivi Ecologique (CSE) conclude an agreement to support local government authorities and communities in The Gambia in targeting and planning for climate change activities under the Jobs, Skills and Finance (JSF) for Women and Youth Programme implementing by UNCDF and funded by 11th European Development Fund.

Based in Senegal, the CSE is specialized in environmental monitoring and sustainable management of natural resources based on relevant and reliable spatial information. The purpose of this agreement is to undertake the design and the pilot of a Local Climate Information System (LCIS) and Climate-Risk Vulnerability Assessment methodology (CRVA). This assignment also includes developing and delivering related training, communication and outreach activities.

LoCAL is one of three components of the Jobs, Skills and Finance for Women and Youth in The Gambia programme funded by the 11th European Development Fund. The programme aims to help stabilize the country’s economic, social and security situation during its democratic transition by facilitating the social inclusion and employment of youth and women, with a specific emphasis on promoting gender equality and addressing climate change.

In 2018, a memorandum of understanding was signed between UNCDF and the Ministry of Lands and Regional Governments (MoLRG) and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for deployment of the LoCAL mechanism and associated Performance -Based Climate Resilience Grants (PBCRGs) in The Gambia.

Supported by UNCDF, the ward development committees have identified investment plans to be financed with PBCRGs. The investments range from sectors such as water, sanitation and health, to climate-smart agriculture, agro-processing and climate proofing of infrastructure; these will benefit around 5,000 people and create about 600 temporary jobs, mainly for women and youth.

The programme builds on lessons learned - and the need for capacity building at all levels : local governments, villagers and line agencies - in the implementation of a national system to increase employment, the Gambia Priority Employment Programme (GAMJOBS) and on the World Bank’s Community Driven Development Project, which supported rural communities in planning, implementing and maintaining social and economic investments in partnership with local government authorities.