Mongabay · Climate & nature

Gambian Farmers Battle Saltwater Intrusion

Villagers in Gambia's Kiang Jifarong face rising sea levels and changing rainfall, causing saltwater to damage rice farms. Traditional earthen dikes are insufficient against advancing salinity.

Generations farmed rice on fertile lowlands. Saltwater stress now turns fields barren, forcing farmers inland and increasing reliance on imported rice.

Saltwater stress causes yellowing leaves and light, hollow grains. Farmers have abandoned fields after crop failures, moving to higher ground.

Lost farmland pressures forests as communities clear higher ground. In Tendaba, concrete dikes reportedly improved rice production by reducing saltwater intrusion.

However, experts caution concrete dikes can worsen salinity by impeding natural water circulation and tidal exchange.

Historical estuary interventions and poorly designed dikes are linked to increased salt concentrations.

Experts advocate for traditional seasonal dikes allowing natural water movement. Newer 'gated dikes' are also a promising alternative.

Despite challenges, rice is key to food security. Salt-tolerant varieties are distributed, and farmers adapt, but their future remains uncertain.

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