What You Need to Know
• Fatou Jarjue, a 34-year-old mother, restores mangroves while harvesting crabs in the Tanbi Wetland, The Gambia.
• Jarjue has planted over 5,000 mangroves since last year to combat coastal erosion and flooding.
• The rainy season in The Gambia halts oyster harvesting, prompting women to shift to crabbing and fishing.
Fatou Jarjue, a 34-year-old mother, actively participates in restoring mangroves while harvesting crabs in the Tanbi Wetland, The Gambia. The mangroves are vital for her family’s livelihood, providing oysters, crabs, and fish, while also protecting the coastline from erosion. Jarjue has committed to environmental restoration, having planted over 5,000 mangroves since last year. With the onset of The Gambia’s rainy season, oyster harvesting is paused, leading many women, including Jarjue, to focus on crabbing and fishing until the shellfish season resumes. Her efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need to preserve and restore the wetland ecosystem that supports her community.
Why It Matters
The Tanbi Wetland is crucial for the livelihoods of local communities in The Gambia, particularly for women who rely on its resources. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion threaten this ecosystem, making restoration efforts essential for sustainability. Jarjue’s work exemplifies a broader movement among local women to balance resource harvesting with environmental stewardship, addressing both economic needs and ecological health. The ongoing changes in weather patterns further underscore the urgency of these restoration initiatives for future generations.
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