## _cr0975 — PRSP II: Annual Progress Report 2007 (excerpt) ## Source details **Canonical URL:** [_cr0975 — PRSP II: Annual Progress Report 2007 (excerpt)](https://www.imf.org/-/media/websites/imf/imported-full-text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/scr/2009/_cr0975.pdf) ## Other formats - [Markdown version](/-/media/websites/imf/imported-full-text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/scr/2009/_cr0975.pdf.md) - [Structured JSON version](/-/media/websites/imf/imported-full-text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/scr/2009/_cr0975.pdf.json) --- ### Foreword — purpose, scope, outreach - Purpose and scope - First progress report covering PRSP II implementation period: January to December 2007. - Provides information and analysis on achievements and shortfalls between January and December 2007 with respect to poverty targets, priority public actions, and monitoring and evaluation systems for PRSP II. - Highlights recommendations on strategy changes and data needs to enhance analysis and measurement of progress in reducing poverty and its dimensions. - Acts as the main government report on national development agenda implementation to inform domestic stakeholders and partners. - Intended impact and outreach - Help government and partners become responsive and focused on PRSP II priority areas. - Rally development partners around PRSP II in line with Paris Declaration principles. - Authoritative signatory - ALIEU NGUM — CHAIRMAN NATIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION ### Macroeconomic performance (Chapter 2.1): growth, fiscal, monetary, poverty-focus - Key macro outcomes (2006–2007) - Real GDP growth: 6.3% in 2007. - Agriculture sector growth: 4%. - Inflation (end May 2007): 5.4% (single digit). - Money supply growth in 2007: 20.7%. - Broad money increased by 14% in 2007 compared to end December 2005. - External current account deficit narrowed in 2007 due to strong exports, tourism and private transfers; financed by FDI and concessional loans. - Fiscal outturns and exchange rate - Fiscal surplus in 2007 driven by higher than expected revenues and lower than expected expenditures; surplus used to reduce domestic arrears and liquidate parastatal loans. - Dalasi appreciated by 32% in late third quarter of 2007, creating revenue risk particularly in Q4 2007. - PRSP II macro targets vs outturns (selected entries) - Real GDP growth (%) — 2006 Target/Outturn: 4.5 / 6.5 ; 2007 Target/Outturn: 4.5 / 6.3 - Inflation (period average) — 2006: 4.0 / 2.1 ; 2007: 5.0 / 5.4 - Fiscal deficit (including grants) as % of GDP — 2006: -3.2 / -7.8 ; 2007: -2.5 / 0.5 - Domestic Debt stock (% of GDP) — 2006: 30.5 / 32.2 ; 2007: 28.5 / 28.4 - Current Account deficit (excluding grants) as % of GDP — 2006: -17.9 / -14.7 ; 2007: -18.4 / -11.2 - Gross Official reserves as months of imports C.I.F — 2006: 4.5 / 5.5 ; 2007: 4.6 / 5.5 - Poverty focus of public expenditure - PRSP II target: 25% of Government’s own generated resources (GLF) to poverty-reducing activities. - External debt ratio: declined from 52% in 2005 to 45.9% in 2007. - Overall poverty reducing expenditure ratio improved from 17.4% to 20.8% (still below 25% target). - Grand Total resource allocations by PRSP initiatives: - Grand Total: 1,282,805 (2005) ; 1,855,436 (2006) ; 2,392,351 (2007) - Discretionary: 718,592 (56.0%) ; 1,175,810 (63.4%) ; 1,305,692 (54.6%) - Poverty Program: 564,213 (44.0%) ; 679,626 (36.6%) ; 1,086,659 (45.4%) - Implementation & Monitoring of PRSP II: 55,213 (9.8%) ; 53,342 (7.8%) ; 261,800 (24.1%) - Education: 218,537 (38.7%) ; 231,081 (34.0%) ; 265,567 (24.4%) - Health: 96,340 (17.1%) ; 124,670 (18.3%) ; 153,875 (14.2%) - Infrastructure Program: 31,947 (5.7%) ; 56,582 (8.3%) ; 100,921 (9.3%) - Support to Cross-Cutting Programs: 1,632 (0.3%) ; 4,691 (0.7%) ; 48,685 (4.5%) - Observations: share of priority sectors (Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, Health) to total poverty allocations declined between 2006–2007 largely due to large investments in infrastructure in 2007. - Wage share of expenditure: 49% (2005), 48.4% (2006), 37.7% (2007). - Personnel under Department of State for Basic Education constitute about 60% of the civil service (most are basic education teachers). ### Financial governance and public sector reforms (Chapter 2.2) - Structural reforms and new institutions established - Creation of Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS), National Road Authority (NRA), National Agricultural Development Agency (NADA), Central Project Management and the Aid Coordination Directorate (CPM&ACD). - Public Financial Management (IFMIS) - IFMIS operational from January 2007; objectives include reshaping PFM, improving expenditure management, enforcing discipline, preventing arrears, and monthly aggregation/categorization of public expenditures. - Preparation and audit of fiscal accounts - Backlog reduced: accounts for 2000–2004 submitted to National Audit Office by end December 2007. - Audit finalization expectations: 2000–2004 accounts expected fully finalized by end July 2008; 2005 and 2006 audit scheduled to be completed by July 2009. - Implication: Government is no longer in arrears given expected finalisation of 2007 figures before end third quarter of 2008; improved donor confidence. - National Statistical System reform - Reform period 2005–2011 under CBEMP; CSD restructured into autonomous GBoS; revised Statistics Act of 1972 endorsed. - Achievements: new office complex completed; seven-member Statistics Council established; Statistician General and senior posts appointed; comprehensive 5 year strategic plan for NSS developed. - Sector regulation and privatization issues - PURA strengthened; telecommunications competition increased with COMIUM entry to create three mobile operators. - Interconnection agreements signed since May 2007 among GAMTEL, GAMCEL, AFRICELL and COMIUM. - Technical Audit (with ITU) addressed network congestion; emergency numbers harmonized in Greater Banjul areas; nationwide frequency database being set up. - Electricity/water: tariff model study underway; NAWEC interim license expired July 2007; draft license under study. - Legal, judicial and civil service reforms - Legal sector strategy (2005–2010) development started in 2007; implementation faced setbacks. - Civil Service reform drafts produced including pension reform; two pay reform proposals (one proposes salary increases of 68 to 83% for lower grades; the other proposes larger increases for Grades 7 and above). Recommendations expected to feed into reforms starting in 2008. ### Productive sectors — agriculture, fisheries, energy, tourism (Chapters 3.1–3.4) - Agriculture (Chapter 3.1) - Sector statistics and role - Agriculture employs 68 percent of the labour force and accounts for 33.0 percent of GDP. - Sector employs 75 percent of the labour force in rural households below the poverty line. - About 91 percent of the extremely poor and 72 percent of the poor are in agriculture. - Constraints preventing commercialization - Absence of appropriate sector policy framework; limited extension services, weak research and farmer-extension linkages; poor practices and declining soil fertility; low productivity; inefficient marketing systems; lack of access to finance; inappropriate land tenure limiting women's rights. - Policy objectives and strategies (selected) - Rehabilitation of groundnut sector with privatization; revisit public sector role; increase extension reach and quality; develop improved seeds; strengthen pest and disease surveillance; introduce SWAp; improve data collection; facilitate access to land for commercial farms; promote private sector input supply and marketing. - Crop production facts and trends - Total arable land: 558,000 ha; average cultivated annually: 300,000 ha (about 54%). - Cereals constitute about 56% of cultivated area; groundnuts largest area under production. - Increases in output largely due to area expansion rather than yield gains; adoption of animal traction and diversification into sesame observed. - Fisheries (Chapter 3.2) - Strategic objectives - Increase productivity through improved equipment and methods; increase Gambian participation with youth training; develop community fisheries centres; promote aquaculture in tidal rice fields. - Achievements - Community projects for processing and storage; youth training; fish ponds constructed in CRD; microfinance credit facilities for fisher-folk; improved processing techniques reduced post-harvest losses. - Energy (Chapter 3.3) - Electricity - Kotu Power Station generation capacity: 28MW; independent producer in Brikama: 22MW; total GBA capacity: 50MW (below demand). - Six rural stand-alone systems commissioned in 2007 with total capacity 4MW. - Installation of Bijilo sub-station nearing completion to enhance supply. - Solar and renewable energy - In 2007, 37.255kw of solar energy installed: lighting 9.545kw; Pumping 15.690kw; cooling 10.320 Kw; Heating 1.7kw. - More than 50% of solar panels installed in 2007 were privately sponsored. - AfDB-supported feasibility study proposed project capacities: - 54 Schools — 259.2 Kilo Watts (KW) - 30 Health Posts — 30 Kilo Watts (KW) - 18 ICT Centres — 50.4 Kilo Watts (KW) - 10200 Households — 40.6 Kilo Watts (KW) - Bio-fuels and domestic fuels - Bio-fuel initial stage; in 2007 only 80 litres of bio-fuel consumed. - Improved cooking stoves: 1000 units produced in 2007. - LPG imports: 2760 Metric tons in 2007. - Petroleum products (excluding LPG): 140,451.81 metric tons imported in 2007. - Constraints - Electricity losses estimated at "30%"; potential to free up "15MW" by loss reduction; need private investment; lack of renewable energy legislation; high solar costs; theft and poor product quality. - Tourism (Chapter 3.4) - Economic contribution and indicators - Tourism contributes 16 % of GDP; supports over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs; earns $39 million in foreign exchange. - Survey (25% response rate from 410 businesses) found 8591 directly employed; anticipated over 15,000 if full returns completed. - 2007 priorities and developments - Destination marketing (advertisement slot on CNN Sights and Sounds). - Product development: hotel refurbishments, new hotels (OMAKAN Hotel entered February 2007; Sheraton Gambia Resort and Spa entered May 2007). - Pre-classification hotel inspections started October 2007; hotel classification criteria developed. - Ecotourism/community projects launched (Kartong) with UNWTO Step Foundation; replication planned with PRO-INVEST and European Union support. - Training: over twelve (12) training programs conducted by GTA in 2007 on Customer Care, Health and Hygiene; Tourist Security Unit trained with Gambia/Netherlands Foundation. ### Basic social services — education, higher education, health (Chapter 4 excerpts) - Education (Chapter 4.1) - Institutional changes - New Department of State for Tertiary & Higher Education, Research and Scientific Technology; Department of State for Basic & Secondary Education (DoSBSE) renamed. - Basic education enrolment (selected figures) - Lower basic enrolment: - 2005/2006: Male 88,616; Female 94,011; Total 182,627 - 2006/2007: Male 108,540; Female 111,883; Total 220,423 - Upper basic enrolments increased from 42,094 to 66,025 (2002–2006); GER grew from 43% to 65% (average annual growth rate 15%, target 12.7%), then fell from 65% to 61% during review period. - Quality challenges and interventions - Only 10% of Grades 3 and 5 students reached mastery level of 73% in Mathematics, English and Science. - Teacher training: Gambia Teacher Training College increased intake; distance education and PTC extension programmes funded by DFID and FTI; 3,000 teachers Grades 1–3 trained for six days on early reading strategies. - Classroom construction: 38 blocks of three classrooms under BADEA; 100 blocks under ADB in progress. - School feeding: 118,000 students in lower basic schools and 72 ECD centres receive daily school lunch. - Hardship allowances (by region and beneficiaries) - Regions 1–4 entries; Total teacher stock 2,947 — Total number of beneficiaries 1,232 — % of teachers benefiting 41.8% - Specific regional rates: Regions 3 & 4: 30% / 30% applied to various regions; detailed table provided in source. - Higher education and TVET - Enrolment increases (2005–2007): Gambia College 69.8%; UTG 61.3%; MDI drop 34.3%; GTTI drop 13%. - Training investments: PTC extension programme funded by DFID and FTI (GMD 15.5 million); Science Laboratory and counselling centre at Gambia College funded by AfDB (GMD 23.7 million); Republic of China committed US$ 4.2 million for Sifoe skill centre. - NSQF/GSQF developed in 2006; implementation began in 2007; 53 training institutions registered and accredited; some institutions closed for non-compliance. - Health (Chapter 4.2) - Health system structure and access - Public health delivery: 4 hospitals, 42 secondary health facilities and 492 primary health posts. - Over 85% and 97% of the population are within 3 km and 5 km respectively of a basic health facility and primary health care post. - Reproductive and Child Health services free of charge; pilot EMNCH project in Brikama Health Centre. - Disease control and service achievements - Tuberculosis treatment success rate: 73% (2004), 75% (2005), 88% (2006); TB case detection rate in 2006: 78%. - EPI Coverage: 90% for childhood immunization; National measles campaign achieved 95% coverage of children 9 to 59 months. - Malaria incidence reduced by 2.8% in 2005; LLIN re-treatment campaigns achieved 85% coverage. - Plans to introduce Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) as substitute for chloroquine. - Drugs procurement - DOSH procures drugs from Egyptian firms under bilateral agreement; normally less than 5% of supplies required come from Egypt and about 95% of drug supplies over sometimes come from Egypt (note in text). - Achievements and policy - Health Policy and Health Master Plan 2008–2020 elevated as sector strategic document; Mental Health policy and Health Research policy developed; National Health Account study (2002–2004) completed. ### Community capacity, governance, NGOs, decentralization (Chapter 5) - Decentralization and Local Government reform (Chapter 5.1) - Strategic objectives include implementing local government and decentralization policy, strengthening institutional capacity, and building planning departments in all LGAs. - Implementation: planning departments being established/strengthened in all LGAs; programme to support community-managed projects started in 2007 across 6 rural local governments with about 600 communities supported. - Civic education and NCCE (Chapter 5.3) - National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) created as independent non-partisan Council; conducted training programmes for MDFTs, Law Enforcement Agencies, Local Government Authorities and others. - Outcomes: increased awareness of constitutional rights and responsibilities; increases in tolerance and women’s public articulation. - NGOs and civil society (Chapter 5.5) - NGO-Affairs membership: 104 members in 2004; 120 in 2007; only 55% complied with Article 13 reporting protocol in 2007. - TANGO membership: 10 International NGOs and 64 National NGOs (representing 81% of total NGOs registered). - NGO achievements in 2007 (selected): support to farmers after crop failure; contribution of 50% resources committed to fighting locusts; agricultural training; managing health clinics; scholarship provision; reforestation of 46.5 hectares. - Constraints: non-compliance with Article 13, limited resources, need for capacity building and adequate funding. ### Cross-cutting issues — gender, environment, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, population, youth (Chapter 6) - Gender (Chapter 6.1) - Principal goal: develop and implement master/strategic plan for women's empowerment based on NPAGW mid-term review (2006) and National Women’s Council plans. - Achievements and support: - Legal aid by FLAG; UNDP training for local governance decision making. - Funding and credit support: GMD1.3 million credit to Gambia Women Self Help Cooperative; Government Revolving Fund for Women GMD100,000.00. - Literacy and capacity projects: TOSTAN–Gambia Government project for 8,000 beneficiaries; CSIP for 80,000 Women in 250 communities. - Drafting and validation of Women’s Bill 2007; CEDAW report drafted and validated. - Forestry and environment (Chapter 6.2) - Community forestry: 28,508.4 ha transferred to 319 communities (average 89.36 ha per CF). - PIWAMP planted over 300,000 plants in Kabafita in 2007; 40 villages supported. - Mangrove changes: high mangroves decreased from 30,000 ha to 15,000 ha; low mangroves increased by 15,000 ha. - NEA activities: EIA provision; public awareness campaigns; three-digit environment complaint hotline (167) established; drafting of second state of Environment Report; waste management bill drafting; divisional environmental offices set up. - HIV/AIDS (Chapter 6.3) - National policy 2007–2011 principles: no HIV test without counseling; no discrimination; no dismissal because of HIV status; no travel restrictions for PLWHA. - Epidemiology and service coverage - Population: about 1.4 million. - Prevalence: 2.8% (HIV-1) and 0.9% (HIV-2). - Estimated PLWHA: about 28,000 people. - Service coverage: 29 health facilities providing free VCT; PPTCT services in 26 health facilities. - Global Fund grant: over $14m (second phase 2006–2009 being implemented). - MICS III indicators (women 15–49): knowledge of HIV increased from 16% to 39%; knowledge of testing locations increased from 20% to 55%; women who have done an HIV test increased from 7% to 14%. - Challenges: human resource constraints; rising new infections and improved survival increasing prevalence. - Nutrition (Chapter 6.4 and excerpt) - Objectives: improve nutritional status, strengthen Nutrition Information System (NIS), and institutional capacity of NaNA and stakeholders. - Achievements in 2007 (selected): - 67 nurses and midwives trained in nutrition. - Baby Friendly Community Initiatives (BFCI) national coverage increased to 283 communities. - Salt iodization: 145 metric tons of salt iodized countrywide in 2007 via mobile plant; iodisation plants installed in 3 extra communities. - Vitamin A interventions: two rounds of national supplementation and de-worming for children 6–59 months: - First round targeted 289,028 children aged 6–59 months — national coverage 82% for Vitamin A and 80% for de-worming. - Second round national coverage: 93% for Vitamin A, 92% for De-worming and 96% for measles. - Anaemia control in 10 pilot communities: UNICEF-supported re-training of 89 people and support for communal gardens provisioned with equipment, seeds and fertilizer. - Population and UNFPA (excerpt) - 2007 first phase of sixth country programme; activities started in third quarter due to delay. - Programme focus: maternal health, reproductive health information and services, population and development, gender. - Achievements: compilation of data for population databank; support to review population/family life instructional materials; support to advocacy against harmful traditional practices; M&E intensification. - Youth and NEDI (excerpt) - NYSS achievements: 160 young people selected for six week Orientation course then deployed for twenty two month skills acquisition; D80,243.00 disbursed in loans to four corps members; five corps members secured employment. - NEDI: training of 100 young people and women in entrepreneurship; loans disbursed to 17 young people for retail business. ### Constraints and lessons (Chapter 7) - Overview - First year of PRSP II implementation faced a big funding gap; programmes mainly funded from government resources and existing partner commitments; donor roundtable expected early 2008. - Creating an enabling policy environment — constraints - Looming world economic slowdown and Dalasi appreciation; backlog of un-audited accounts being cleared; NSS reform delays due to recruitment and funding shortfalls. - Divestiture constraints: insufficient regulatory funding; lack of sector-specific laws; operator non-compliance producing arrears of "tens of millions of Dalasis" and Gamtel/Gamcel amounts "running into several millions" written off by Government. - Civil service and pension reform complexities: proposals include employer and employee contributions possibly "15 percent"; change commutation factors; increase accrual rate for Level 1 employees to "2.0 percent" from "1.5 percent"; remove "400 months" accrual limit; actuarial assessments needed. - Production and productivity constraints (selected sectors) - Agriculture: lack of sector policy, declining budget allocations, high input costs, weak marketing and processing, limited research reach (research budget about "4 per cent" of DOSA total budget). - Energy: electricity losses estimated at "30%"; need to reduce losses to free "15MW"; lack of renewable energy legislation; theft and poor solar quality; LPG supply and cost issues. - Tourism: air access constraints; UK accounts for "41%" of arrivals; "70%" of arrivals in six months (November–April); concentration risk with four market areas accounting for "87%" of arrivals. - Roads: NRA constrained by inadequate funding; proposed road levy not yet operational. - Industry, trade, employment: delays in policy reviews and funding for implementation; lack of baseline data; institutional capacity gaps. - Basic social services constraints - Education: quality issues, teacher distribution, 8% of school-age population out-of-school in lower basic cohort. - Health: sustaining immunization, reducing maternal mortality, human resource shortages, inadequate logistics causing cancelled outreach activities. - Water and sanitation: inadequate DWR capacity, community management, and funding; lack of baseline sanitation data. - Social welfare: high orphanhood, limited rehabilitation capacity and funding; decentralization constrained. - Governance, participation and NGOs constraints - Decentralisation: weak LGA financial management, inadequate IT support, lack of downward accountability, limited resources for training and monitoring. - Civic education: lack of reliable vehicles, low subvention, thin staffing and limited media access. - NGOs: limited policy influence, funding constraints, limited monitoring and MDG indicator capacities. ### Conclusions and recommendations (Chapter 8 — selected actionable recommendations) - Enabling policy environment - Prioritize NSS reform with donor support and advocacy; establish unit for monitoring, measurement and reporting on PRSP II achievements and shortcomings. - Establish full-time taskforce to prepare civil service reform and capacity building strategy; further develop Public Sector Reform Sector Strategy Paper 2007-2011 including medium term pay and pension reform plan. - Donor-recommended actions for pension reform include: reconstitute PSPS Task Force; commission additional diagnostics including actuarial assessment; reconcile PSPS and FPS parameters; review institutional arrangements; sequence reforms and reconcile governing legislation. - Agriculture (priority actions) - Focus areas (numbered list from source): 1. Sustainable outreach on availability of economic resources for all levels, particularly small holders, medium and large investors. 2. Availability of affordable year-round water supplies and decentralized management. 3. Sustainable improved soil fertility and land use management promoting property rights and broad access. 4. Universal and affordable access to essential inputs/resources including credit, agro-chemicals and transfer of skills; make mechanised power affordable and accessible; ensure availability of high quality germ plasm. 5. Greater focus on Research and Extension to meet smallholder requirements. 6. Emphasize value chain approaches to improve competitiveness and agro-processing. 7. Improve demand side for agricultural products, create and expand markets and strengthen linkages with tourism and exporters. 8. Establish critical mass of skilled service providers for increased productivity. 9. Strengthen institutions for policy analysis, monitoring, coordination and resource mobilization. 10. Strengthen CBOs, farmers groups and apex bodies for sustainable investment activities and participation. 11. Strengthen selected inputs/outputs market enterprises for availability and distribution to SMEs. - Fisheries, energy, tourism, roads, trade, industry, employment (selected recommendations) - Fisheries: forge partnerships with MFIs and NGOs; strengthen marketing organisations; stimulate women’s participation; include non-fisheries income-generating activities. - Energy: pilot solarization with pre-finance and installment payments; enhance GTTI and Energy Division training; formulate renewable energy legislation; pilot Jatropha; train in improved cooking stoves; continue petroleum downstream legislation and construct LPG bulk storage facility; consider LPG subsidy for at least five years. - Tourism: source new markets and extend season; leverage Ghana–Gambia MOU for market access; ensure infrastructure (water, sewage, electricity, roads) in tourist areas. - Roads: raise funds through road levy; institute strict contract monitoring. - Trade: finalise National Trade Policy; carry out baseline survey; include Integrated Framework priorities in PRSP; develop export strategy; provide financial support to GCCI. - Industry: seek funding for industrial policy review and master plan; settle UNIDO contributions; review SDF project with ADB; institutionalize public-private dialogue. - Employment: secure funding for GAMJOBS; conduct baseline unemployment study; develop LMIS; build DOSTIE and Labour Department capacity. - Basic social services recommendations (selected) - Education: revitalize Gambia College access programme; improve scholarship packages; expand ODL; raise funds for UTG Faraba Banta Campus; improve quality/quantity of trainee teachers; establish quality assurance and monitoring frameworks; register and accredit TVET trainers and providers; provide mobility support for LMIS data collection. - Health: achieve Vision 2020 objectives; improve administration and infrastructure; ensure adequate, trained and motivated personnel; establish efficient supply/logistics and HMIS; plan for ACT introduction and supply sustainability; intensify malaria prevention; provide vehicles, fuel and logistics for RCH outreach. - Water: develop water strategy; provide IWRM instruments and hydrometeorological/hydrogeological data; place people at centre of consultation; establish long-term humanitarian vision for water resources. - Sanitation: address increased latrine construction costs; promote best hygiene practices; undertake studies on appropriate sanitation technologies; promote recycling and local environment organisations. - Social Welfare: provide prosthetic production equipment; improve access to care in rural areas; operationalise child protection database; ensure implementation of national plan for OVC; increase transport and logistics; expand coverage beyond pilot basis. - Governance, civil society, decentralization recommendations (selected) - Decentralisation: increase budgetary allocation to Local Government and Lands; require LGAs to allocate budget percentage to training and support; conduct baseline studies on decentralized structures; implement Community Driven Development programme. - Civic Education: provide reliable vehicles; secure sustainable funding; increase NCCE subvention; allocate radio/TV airtime for civic education; provide adequate office space and technical staff. - NGOs: build capacity of NGOs and TANGO; expedite promulgation of Decree 81 into law; develop strategy to track NGO income and expenditure; institutional strengthening of TANGO. ### Results matrix and indicators (Appendix 1) — selected quantitative targets and achievements - Macro-economic management (selected indicators) - Annual GDP growth (real): Baseline 2005: 6.3 ; Target: 7.2 ; Achievement: 6.3 - International reserves (months import cover): Baseline (2006): 5.0 ; Target: 5.5 ; Achievement: 5.5 - Domestic debt stock as % of GDP: Baseline: 32.1 ; Target: 30.2 ; Achievement: 28.4 - Poverty Head Count Index: Baseline (2003): 58% ; Target (Phase 1): 50% ; Achievement: Updated poverty data not available (last update 2003) - Energy targets - Electricity generation capacity (in MW): 25 (indicator entry) - Transmission/distribution losses (baseline 2003): 27.8 - Percentage of households with access to electricity: 30 - Tourism targets (selected) - Tourism sector revenue (D bn.): Baseline 1.8 ; Target 1.89 - Tourism share of GDP: Baseline 16% ; Target 16% - Number of jobs in Tourism Industry: Baseline 10,000 ; Target 10,155 - Accommodation beds: Baseline 6093 ; Target 8284 - Agriculture production targets (selected) - Rice production (mt): Baseline 21,376 ; Target 137,275 - Groundnut production (mt): Baseline 184,197 ; Target 224,598 - Livestock carcass weights (targets): Cattle 136kg ; Sheep 26kg ; Goats 21kg ; Poultry 1kg ; Pigs 16kg - Health indicators (selected) - Public expenditure on health as percentage of total budget: Baseline 9.9% ; Target 9.79% ; Achievement 9.79% - DPT3 immunisation: 89.2% (2005) → Target 94% - Measles immunisation (2005): 83.4% → Target 85% - Education indicators (selected) - Public Expenditure on Education as % of GDP: Baseline 2.2 ; Target 2.4 - Lower Basic GER: Baseline 81 ; Target 92 - Upper Basic GER: Baseline 59 ; Target 63 - Percentage of trained teachers in basic schools: Baseline 71 ; Target 73 - NGOs compliance - Annual number of NGOs complying with Article 13: Baseline (2004): 55% ; Target: 100% ; Achievement: 70% ### GDP at current prices (Appendix 2 — selected time series, Thousand Dalasi) - Agriculture, hunting and forestry - Total Agriculture, hunting and forestry: 2004 4,364,988 ; 2005 4,577,091 ; 2006 4,665,327 ; 2007 4,986,988 - Crops: 2004 2,820,497 ; 2005 2,957,549 ; 2006 3,014,565 ; 2007 3,222,369 - Livestock: 2004 1,439,041 ; 2005 1,508,967 ; 2006 1,538,056 ; 2007 1,644,145 - Fishing: 2004 301,585 ; 2005 306,350 ; 2006 313,326 ; 2007 334,925 - Production industries (totals) - Total production industries: 2004 7,023,538 ; 2005 7,463,753 ; 2006 8,105,792 ; 2007 8,473,835 - Service industries (totals) - Total service industries: 2004 9,247,234 ; 2005 9,687,391 ; 2006 10,041,279 ; 2007 10,733,421 - GDP aggregates and growth - GDP at market prices: 2004 15,817,705 ; 2005 17,986,864 ; 2006 19,384,325 ; 2007 20,460,347 - Annual growth rate: 2005 13.8 ; 2006 13.7 ; 2007 7.8 ; 2008 5.6 - Per capita GDP and population - Per Capita GDP: 2004 11,228 ; 2005 12,332 ; 2006 12,838 ; 2007 13,091 - Population: 2004 1,408,763 ; 2005 1,458,542 ; 2006 1,509,928 ; 2007 1,562,894 *Italic: Source — National Planning Commission: PRSP II APR 2007 (document _cr0975)* ### Foreword 5 ### Foreword ### Purpose and scope - This is the first progress report covering the period of PRSP II implementation; January to December 2007. - The report provides information and analysis regarding the achievements and shortfalls experienced between January and December 2007 with respect to the poverty targets, priority public actions, and the monitoring and evaluation systems put in place for the PRSP II. - The report further highlights recommendations on important changes necessary in the strategy as appropriate in light of implementation experience to date, and data needs to enhance analysis and measurement of progress made in reducing poverty and its dimensions. - As the main government report on the status of implementation of the national development agenda, the progress report informed and involved domestic stakeholders and partners on all issues regarding implementation in order to build support for smooth implementation of PRSP II. ### Key findings and observations - The report brought to the fore the daunting task of transforming policy ideas in PRSP II into action. - A number of constraints were encountered during implementation; despite these constraints significant progress was registered. - The information in the report will further contribute to focusing budgetary allocations and pro-poor policies on key issues in fighting poverty and making PRSP II a reality. ### Intended impact and outreach - The report is intended to help both government and partners to become responsive and focused on promises and anticipated actions evident in the PRSP II priority areas. - It aims to rally all development partners around PRSP II in the spirit of the Paris Declaration principles. ### Authoritative signatory - ALIEU NGUM - CHAIRMAN NATIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION *National Planning Commission: PRSP II APR 2007 — Foreword* ### CHAPTER 2: ### CHAPTER 2: CREATING AN ENABLING POLICY ENVIRONMENT FOR RAPID AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POVERTY REDUCTION ### 2.1 Macroeconomic Performance Review: 2007 - Economy-wide growth and sectoral performance - Real GDP growth: 6.3% in 2007. - Growth was broad based, led by the Construction, telecommunication, and Tourism Sectors. - Agriculture sector growth: 4%. - Inflation (end May 2007): single digit at 5.4%. - Fiscal policy performance (a) - Fiscal outturns driven by higher than expected revenues and lower than expected expenditures; the country registered a fiscal surplus for the first time after many years. - Government used the surplus to substantially reduce stock of domestic arrears to contractors, consultants and suppliers and to liquidate loans owed to Parastatals. - Exchange rate: Dalasi appreciated by 32% in the later part of the third quarter of 2007, reducing dalasi payments against debt service and other international payment obligations but creating revenue risk particularly in Q4 2007. - PRSP II macro-economic targets and outturns 2006-2007 (Table 1) - 2006 Target / Outturn; 2007 Target / Outturn — Macro-economic Indicators - Real GDP growth (%) — 4.5 / 6.5 ; 4.5 / 6.3 - Inflation (period average) — 4.0 / 2.1 ; 5.0 / 5.4 - Fiscal deficit (including grants) as % of GDP — -3.2 / -7.8 ; -2.5 / 0.5 - Domestic Debt stock (% of GDP) — 30.5 / 32.2 ; 28.5 / 28.4 - Current Account deficit (excluding grants) as % of GDP — -17.9 / -14.7 ; -18.4 / -11.2 - Current Account deficit (including grants) as % of GDP — -11.8 / -11.5 ; -6.8 / -10.0 - Gross Official reserves as months of imports C.I.F — 4.5 / 5.5 ; 4.6 / 5.5 - Monetary policy performance (b) - Policy focus: sustaining disinflation, maintaining exchange rate stability, and a viable external position. - Money supply grew by 20.7% in 2007 (contrast to 20.1% in 2005). - Broad money increased by 14% in 2007 compared to end December 2005. - Growth in money driven by increases in net foreign assets and net domestic assets of the banking system. - External current account deficit narrowed significantly in 2007 due to strong exports, tourism and private transfers. - Financing of current account deficit: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and concessional loans. - Poverty focus of public expenditure (c) - PRSP II target: 25% of Government’s own generated resources (GLF) should be allocated to poverty reducing activities; debt service obligations remain a constraint. - External debt ratio: declined from 52% in 2005 to 45.9% in 2007. - Overall poverty reducing expenditure ratio: improved from 17.4% to 20.8% (still below the 25% target). - Resource allocation by PRSP initiatives (Table 2) — amounts and shares for 2005, 2006, 2007 (grand totals preserved) - Grand Total: 1,282,805 (2005) ; 1,855,436 (2006) ; 2,392,351 (2007) - Discretionary: 718,592 (56.0%) ; 1,175,810 (63.4%) ; 1,305,692 (54.6%) - Poverty Program: 564,213 (44.0%) ; 679,626 (36.6%) ; 1,086,659 (45.4%) - Agriculture and Natural Resources: 74,577 (13.2%) ; 112,792 (16.6%) ; 117,615 (10.8%) - ICT Research and Development: 8,010 (1.4%) ; 9,342 (1.4%) ; 9,548 (0.9%) - Decentralisation and Local Government Capacity Building: 6,384 (1.1%) ; 10,259 (1.5%) ; 21,319 (2.0%) - Governance and Civil service Reform Program: 64,469 (11.4%) ; 62,952 (9.3%) ; 88,330 (8.1%) - Education: 218,537 (38.7%) ; 231,081 (34.0%) ; 265,567 (24.4%) - Health: 96,340 (17.1%) ; 124,670 (18.3%) ; 153,875 (14.2%) - Nutrition, Population & HIV-Aids: 939 (0.2%) ; 2,776 (0.4%) ; 4,097 (0.4%) - Infrastructure Program: 31,947 (5.7%) ; 56,582 (8.3%) ; 100,921 (9.3%) - Social Fund for Poverty Reduction: 6,165 (1.1%) ; 11,139 (1.6%) ; 14,902 (1.4%) - Implementation & Monitoring of PRSP II: 55,213 (9.8%) ; 53,342 (7.8%) ; 261,800 (24.1%) - Support to Cross-Cutting Programs: 1,632 (0.3%) ; 4,691 (0.7%) ; 48,685 (4.5%) - Observations on allocations: - Share of priority sectors (Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, Health) to total poverty allocations declined between 2006-2007, largely due to large investments in infrastructure programs in 2007. - Distribution between wage bill and other expenditures: wage share was 49% (2005), 48.4% (2006), and declined to 37.7% in 2007. - Personnel under the Department of State for Basic Education constitute about 60% of the civil service (most are basic education teachers). ### 2.2 Financial Governance and Public Sector Reforms - Overview - Structural reforms executed including creation of: Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS), National Road Authority (NRA), National Agricultural Development Agency (NADA), Central Project Management and the Aid Coordination Directorate (CPM&ACD) under Department of State for Finance and Economic Affairs to coordinate aid and grants. - Public Financial Management reforms (a) - Implementation of Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) went into operation in January 2007. - IFMIS objectives and effects: - Reshape Public Finance Management (PFM). - Improve public expenditure management, enforce financial discipline and prudence. - Help government reach program targets and ensure wages and charges stayed within budget appropriations. - Prevent accumulation of government arrears. - Enable aggregation and categorization of public expenditures and provide figures on a monthly basis. - Preparation and audit of fiscal accounts (b) - Backlog reduced: accounts for 2000-2004 submitted to National Audit Office by end December 2007. - Expected audit finalization: audit of 2000-2004 accounts expected to be fully finalized by end July 2008 and submitted to the Public Accounts Committee. - Financial accounts for 2005 and 2006 were submitted to the Auditor General before December 2007; audit scheduled to be completed by July of 2009. - Implication: Government is no longer in arrears given that 2007 figures are expected to be finalised and submitted before the end of the third quarter of 2008; improved financial governance and donor confidence. - Reform of the National Statistical System (c) - Reform started in 2005 with World Bank support under the Capacity Building for Economic Management Project (CBEMP); reform period 2005–2011. - Objective: strengthen statistical reporting, timely and reliable statistical information, and establish a modern NSS by end of the reform cycle. - Key actions: - Restructure Central Statistics Department (CSD) into an autonomous agency renamed Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS). - Revise Statistics Act of 1972 to meet autonomy requirements. - World Bank under CBEMP constructed a new office complex with furniture and equipment for the Bureau. - Seven-member Statistics Council established to manage GBoS affairs and oversee recruitment. - Statistician General appointed by the President by July 2006; Deputy Statistician General and six Directors appointed subsequently; other senior posts advertised. - Achievements - Revised Statistics Act endorsed by the head of state. - New office complex completed housing GBoS and the National Planning Commission. - Seven member statistics council established with government and private sector representation. - A comprehensive 5 year strategic plan for NSS developed. - Statistician General, Deputy Statistician General and six Directors appointed. - Privatization and divestiture (d) - Focus on strengthening multi-sector utility regulator PURA and building regulatory capacity in engineering, law, economics and financial management, human resources, policy strategy and consumer affairs. - Telecommunications sector developments: - New entrant COMIUM increased number of mobile operators to three. - Interconnection disputes over rates and lease line provisioning prompted PURA intervention. - Since May 2007 GAMTEL, GAMCEL, AFRICELL and COMIUM have signed interconnection agreements, facilitated by PURA. - Technical Audit (commissioned with ITU) identified causes of network congestion, call drops, interference; implementation of recommendations improved connectivity and quality of service. - Emergency numbers (Police, Fire Brigade, Hospital, Child Helpline) were previously accessible only from GAMTEL and GAMCEL; all operators now assigned same emergency numbers in Greater Banjul areas; routing issues persist in other parts of the country and work is ongoing. - A nationwide frequency database is being set up; all institutions using spectrum instructed to submit frequencies for the database to ensure frequency plan security and reduce interference. - Optimization of the National Numbering Plan is being developed to manage scarcity of numbers and ensure sustainable allocation for new licensees. - Tariff approval guidelines for telecommunications are being developed to ensure transparency, cost recovery and prior consumer notice. - Electricity and water sector: - A study to develop a tariff model for electricity and water services is underway to make tariff setting robust and transparent. - NAWEC interim license expired in July 2007; a draft license prepared and under study by the Department of State for Energy prior to signature by the Secretary of State for Energy. - Recommendation on licence fees for NAWEC and Independent Power Producer Global Electric Group (GEG) approved by Secretary of State. - Consumer protection and quality of service: - National survey of Customer Care Centres for regulated utilities is being undertaken to inform development of consumer codes and Quality of Service Indicators and targets. - Legal and judicial reforms (e) - Government identified creating an enabling legal environment as key to good governance and private sector-led growth. - A 2000 World Bank-commissioned legal sector study found neglect and major deficiencies across judiciary, Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), Department of State for Justice (DOSJ), Law Reform Commission (LRC), National Council for Law Reporting (NCLR), Gambia Law Foundation (GLF), and the Bar Association. - 2007 objectives and identified strategies: - Review and strengthen administrative and management capacity of Department of State for Justice to improve service quality and delivery. - Strategies include: - Develop alternative dispute resolution systems (mediators, adjudicators). - Restructuring/strengthening institutions in the legal sector including curator of interstate Estates operations. - Decentralization of administration and management of AGC; strengthen autonomy and coordination on legal issues. - Improve advocacy and litigation skills of counsel. - Strengthen, upgrade and reinforce criminal justice functions of the AGC for unified criminal justice coordination and supervision. - Restructure, upgrade and improve capacity of the RGD to deliver specialist legal services. - Restructure companies division. - Improve capacity for research and efficient dissemination of legal information. - Revitalisation and strengthening of the Law Reform Commission. - Strengthen institutional capacity of the National Council for Law Reporting. - Improve registration, recording and management of legal instruments. - Develop and implement human resource plans and policies and improve legal profession capacity for self regulation. - Introduce ICT to support decision making, research and service delivery. - Improve capacity for legal research and dissemination (law reports and publications). - Develop and improve infrastructure and facilities (buildings, equipment etc.). - Promote non-adversarial Dispute Resolution processes. - A legal sector strategy (2005–2010) is being developed as an integrated five-year framework to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility of legal sector institutions and services; development started in 2007 but implementation faced setbacks though a consultancy was undertaken to support departmental ownership. - Civil Service reforms (f) - Objectives: strengthen institutional capacity for policy formulation, human resources development, programme coordination and monitoring; improve governance, transparency, accountability and ethical standards. - 2007 activities and outputs: - Personnel Management Office (PMO) with World Bank, DFID, UNDP and AfDB collected information through workshops, focus groups, civil service survey and interviews with Heads of Department. - Two draft reports produced: civil service reform and pension reform. - Civil Service Reform draft provides recommendations for a civil service reform strategy and will support development of the “Public Sector Reform Sector Strategy Paper 2007-2011.” - Pension reform draft proposes parametric adjustments to the Public Service Pension Scheme (PSPS) using actuarial modeling to project financial impact of reform options; proposes combined reforms to improve predictability, fairness and sustainability of pension benefits and support labor mobility between PSPS and the Federated Pension Scheme (FPS). - Salary reform context: - Salaries outside the Civil Service are 6 to 20 times salaries of civil servants, the difference larger for higher grades. - Two pay reform proposals: - One proposes salary increases of 68 to 83%, with larger increases for lower grades. - The other proposes even larger increases for Grades 7 and above to address high attrition among professional staff in government. - Recommendations from the two reports expected to form the body of civil service reforms to start implementation in 2008. *National Planning Commission: PRSP II APR 2007 — CHAPTER 2* ### CHAPTER 3 ### CHAPTER 3 ENHANCING THE CAPACITY AND OUTPUT OF PRODUCTIVE SECTORS ### 3.1 Agriculture — overview and challenges - The agricultural sector employs 68 percent of the labour force, and accounts for 33.0 percent of GDP of The Gambia, the second largest sector in the economy. - The sector employs 75 percent of the labour force and is the sole means of income generation for the majority of rural households below the poverty line. - About 91 percent of the extremely poor and 72 percent of the poor in The Gambia are in the agriculture sector. - Agriculture is identified as the prime sector for investments to raise income, improve food security and reduce poverty, and to help meet Vision 2020 objectives and the MDG “to halve the proportion of poor and those who suffer from hunger.” - Key constraints preventing transformation from subsistence to commercially-oriented agriculture: - Absence of an appropriate sector policy framework. - Insufficient human and social capital development. - Limited capacity and inefficiency of extension services; weak research; weak farmer-extension linkages. - Poor agricultural practices, declining soil fertility and soil erosion. - Low farmer productivity and pressure on natural resources from rising urban populations. - Inefficient agricultural marketing systems, especially for groundnuts and food products. - Lack of access to short and long term financial capital; low agricultural investment. - Inappropriate land tenure arrangements that do not give women full rights. ### 3.1.2 Policy objectives and strategies for the agriculture sector - Implement a programme of rehabilitation of the groundnut sector involving privatization and complementary institutional measures. - Revisit the role of the public sector in agriculture. - Increase the quality and reach of agricultural extension services. - Develop and multiply new and improved seeds and planting materials of selected crops. - Strengthen pest and disease surveillance, reporting and control system. - Introduce Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in the agriculture sector. - Improve agricultural data collection and analysis for effective policy formulation and sector planning. - Establish a medium term Master Plan for livestock production. - Review and update legislations (Disease Control Act, Veterinary Practice Act; Livestock Marketing Act; Public Health Act). - Initiate participatory review of livestock delivery services, and public private partnerships. - Improve animal husbandry practices. - Encourage Financial Services groups to allocate a % of VISACA loan products to livestock feed. - Programme of research on improvement of livestock genetic resources through pure breeding and cross breeding. - Establishment of management system. - Facilitate investment & access to land for commercial farms. - Promotion of sustainable diversified food production programs. - Increase overall sector’s output especially of domestic food and export products to facilitate the production of a wide range of food and export crops. - Strengthen cashew nut and sesame producer associations. - Develop rural infrastructure including storage depots and roads. - Promote private sector input supply and marketing. - Transform cotton growers into specialised seed producers. ### Crop production — performance and trends - Out of a total arable land of 558,000 ha, an average of 300,000 ha are cultivated annually, accounting for about 54 percent of total area. - Cereals constitute about 56 percent of total cultivated area, followed by groundnuts; groundnuts command the largest area under production. - Performance (2004/05 to 2006/2007) was mixed: cultivated area, production and productivity (yields) fluctuated. - Given low yields, most increases in output are largely attributed to area expansion, with variable rainfall, changes in crop mix, and rises in cost of production (particularly fertilizers) accounting for fluctuations. - Structural changes observed: - Wider adoption of animal traction. - Diversification into sesame production. - Availability of short-cycled varieties of rice (NERICA), groundnut and millet. - Policy implication: agriculture policy needs to target low yields through improved inputs and extension. - Local government areas (LGAs) show downtrends in area allocated to coarse grain cultivation; example: Brikama cultivated area for coarse grains was 10198 hectares in 2005; 7326 hectares in 2006; 8908 hectares in 2007. ### 3.2 Fisheries and Marine Resources — objectives and achievements - Strategic objectives: 1. Increase productivity through improved and sustainable fishing equipment, methods and techniques for increased domestic supply and export. 2. Increase Gambian participation in the sub-sector, targeting unemployed youths through the Fisherman Training Program. 3. Develop community fisheries centers and provide managerial, financial and technical advice to their management committees. 4. Create opportunities in aquaculture by assisting establishment of fishponds in tidal rice fields. - Achievements and interventions: - Fisheries Department undertook activities aimed at poverty reduction in fisheries communities through identification, planning and implementation of development projects and programs via bilateral and regional cooperation and GLF funds. - Community projects implemented with fisher-folk involvement along marine coast and inland, providing facilities for fish processing and storage. - Youth training in fishing; fish ponds constructed in CRD. - Training workshops held for fishermen, fish processors, fish mongers and Extension staff. - Credit facilities provided to fisher-folk through micro finance institutions. - Impact: - Strengthened management capacities in fisher-folk communities. - Introduction of improved fish processing techniques improved product quality and reduced post-harvest losses. - Stakeholder participation established robust communication and feedback mechanisms between stakeholders and partner institutions. ### 3.3 Energy — supply, capacity, and renewable initiatives - General: In 2006 and 2007 improvements were registered in the electricity sub sector with commissioning of the Brikama Power station and six rural power stations, but energy demand still far outweighs supply and access remains limited; need to increase supply at affordable prices emphasized. a. Electricity - Generation capacity at the Kotu Power Station is 28MW and is concentrated in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA). - An independent power producer in Brikama has a generating capacity of 22MW. - Total generating capacity in GBA is 50MW, which is far below existing demand. - Significant areas in GBA still lack access to electricity. - In 2007, six isolated stand-alone systems at various locations were commissioned following completion of the first phase of the Rural Electrification Project. The total generating electric capacity is 4MW. - Installation of the Bijilo sub-station is at an advanced stage; upon completion the electricity network expansion is expected to enhance electric power from Kotu and Brikama Power Stations and increase electricity supply. b. Renewable Energy — Solar Energy - In 2007, 37.255kw of solar energy was installed, categorized as: - lighting 9.545kw, - Pumping 15.690kw, - cooling 10.320 Kw, - Heating 1.7kw. - More than 50% of all the solar panels installed during the year were privately sponsored. - AfDB-supported renewable energy feasibility study concluded in 2007; projected capacities proposed in the feasibility energy study on the identified four project areas (implementation to commence once required funds available): - 54 Schools — 259.2 Kilo Watts (KW) - 30 Health Posts — 30 Kilo Watts (KW) - 18 ICT Centres — 50.4 Kilo Watts (KW) - 10200 Households — 40.6 Kilo Watts (KW) c. Bio-fuels - Bio-fuel is at its initial stage in The Gambia and used by very few people. - Many local trees can yield bio-fuel (Jatropha cited), but in 2007 only 80 litres of bio-fuel were consumed. - Potential for bio-fuel is described as very high. d. Energy saving and domestic fuels - Over-reliance on fuel wood and charcoal is affecting forest resources and national vegetation cover, causing environmental degradation and low productivity. - To reduce fuel wood consumption and CO2 emissions, the Government introduced improved cooking stoves; during the year under review 1000 units of cooking stove were produced. e. LPG and petroleum products - Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is not commonly used as domestic fuel due to high cost and irregular supply; mainly imported from Senegal and used for cooking, boiling and lighting. - During the year under review 2760 Metric tons of LPG was imported. - During 2007, 140,451.81 metric tons of petroleum products (excluding LPG) were imported into the country. *Source: CHAPTER 3 — ENHANCING THE CAPACITY AND OUTPUT OF PRODUCTIVE SECTORS* ### 3.4 Tourism ### 3.4 Tourism ### Overview and economic contribution - The tourist industry in the Gambia is a major contributor to the national economy, contributing 16 % of GDP. - The sector supports over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. - Tourism earns $39 million in foreign exchange. - The sector uses agricultural produce and generates taxes for the national budget. - Tourism helps provide air cargo infrastructure supporting seafood sector exports (shellfish), horticulture and other international business activities. ### Priority strategic objectives (2007) - Create awareness of the Gambia and build positive brand image (destination market). - Diversify tourism product range. - Put in place regulations governing conduct of all tourism establishments. - Classify all tourism establishments. - Meet the manpower needs of the industry. - Establish a tourism policy and planning unit and implement the Tourism Master Plan. - Increase local entrepreneur’s participation in the tourism industry. - Intensify linkages: tourism, agriculture and fisheries. ### Destination marketing and promotion - Destination marketing and promotion continue to occupy centre stage to project and showcase tourism endowments globally. - An advertisement slot was placed in CNN; Sights and Sounds as part of efforts to put The Gambia on the world map. - The Gambia Tourism Authority’s primary mandate is to promote The Gambia and regulate the tourism industry. ### Product development and quality upgrading - Product development is central to remaining competitive; more hotels were refurbished and/or upgraded to internationally acceptable standards. - New facilities have added bed capacity and quality of service; new policy direction is to attract high spending tourists. - A number of new hotels and tourist attractions including amusement parks started operations. - The OMAKAN Hotel entered in February, 2007. - Sheraton Gambia Resort and Spa entered in May, 2007, raising standards, increasing market access and creating more employment opportunities. ### Hotel classification and standards - In collaboration with the Gambia/Netherlands Foundation, hotel classification criteria have been developed. - The classification programme was planned to start in earnest before the beginning of the next winter season. - Pre-classification inspections started in October 2007. - Efforts accelerated to mainstream quality into the heart of the hospitality industry. ### Ecotourism and community-driven projects - Ecotourism development is key to creating a people-centered tourism sector and improving the range of tourism products and attractions. - Major community driven projects launched in Kartong in conjunction with the UNWTO Step Foundation (Sustainable Tourism for Eliminating Poverty). - Expected outcomes: poverty reduction, empowerment and awareness creation, capacity building and self-confidence, and involvement of youth and women in decision making. - These projects will be replicated in other parts of the country with donor support such as PRO-INVEST and the European Union. ### Employment, surveys and training - Despite increases in arrival figures for 2007, tourism’s share of GDP remains at 16%; this may reflect growth in other areas of the economy. - The GIG farm is a supplier to hotels and horticultural enterprises and needs encouragement to improve quality of produce for the industry. - A survey conducted in 2007 to ascertain number of jobs: out of 410 tourism businesses, only 102 (about 25%) responded. - From the survey results (25% response rate), a total of 8591 are directly employed by the tourism sector. - It is anticipated that the number of jobs created in the industry will be over 15,000 if all businesses filled in their returns. - Over twelve (12) training programs were conducted by the GTA in 2007 for both the formal and informal sector workers; courses based on Customer Care, and Health and Hygiene. - Training was provided for the Tourist Security Unit with the help of The Gambia/Netherlands Foundation. ### Sectoral expansion indicators - The sector has seen an increase in the number of International Tour Operators and number of beds with two new hotels, bars and restaurants, ground tour operators and number of employees. - Creating awareness is an on-going process led by the Gambia Tourism Authority. *National Planning Commission: PRSP II APR 2007 — 3.4 Tourism* ### CHAPTER 4: ### CHAPTER 4: IMPROVE COVERAGE OF THE BASIC SOCIAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL PROTECTION NEEDS OF THE POOR AND VULNERABLE ### 4.1 Education — institutional changes and strategic objectives - Until 2007, the Department of State for Education (DoSE) provided general education from early childhood to higher education; during the period under review a new Department of State was created for Tertiary & Higher Education, Research and Scientific Technology, and Basic and Secondary Education portfolio renamed Department of State for Basic & Secondary Education (DoSBSE). - Strategic objectives for Basic education sub-sector: - Effective financial planning and management of the sector. - Improving school infrastructures (Quality and Quantity). - Improving quality of teaching and learning, and the school environment. - Strategies include scholarships for girls, provision of teaching and learning materials, curriculum development, effective school management, support for literacy providers, improved access to secondary education, improved teacher conditions, education information and knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation framework, comprehensive policy agenda and human resources planning and management. - Strategic objectives for Higher education sub-sector: - Effective and improved financial planning and management of Higher Education. - Infrastructural development in Tertiary institutions. - Access to relevant and quality tertiary Education. - Strategies include: integration of tertiary education (MDI GTTI, GC, UTG), infrastructure development for UTG campus and Kanifing Campus, PTC extension programme at Gambia College, academic facilities development (laboratories and counseling centre at Gambia College), functional quality assurance framework for integrated Tertiary system, scholarship schemes for the needy (in particular girls), increased TVET coverage in rural areas, improving quantity and quality of teachers at HTC level, communication and information management, and reducing the Gender Gap in access to Tertiary Education. ### 4.1.1 Basic and Secondary Education — structure and enrolment - Basic education programme comprises Early Childhood Development, Basic Education (Grades 1-9), and Adult and Non-Formal Education. - The National Education Policy (2004 – 2015) provides a unified basic education system covering years 1-9 through automatic transition with no transition examination at end of the lower basic cycle. Key enrolment figures: - Lower basic enrolment (Table 4.1): - 2005/2006: Male 88,616; Female 94,011; Total 182,627 - 2006/2007: Male 108,540; Female 111,883; Total 220,423 - Upper basic (2002 to 2006): enrolments increased from 42,094 to 66,025; GER grew from 43% to 65% (average annual growth rate 15%, target 12.7%). During the period under review GER fell from 65% to 61%; girls' enrolment fell from 32,592 in 2005/06 to 32,047 in 2006/07; boys' enrolment rose from 33,433 to 34,442. ### Early Childhood Education (ECD) - ECD is part of the basic education cycle; Education Policy (2004 – 2015) emphasizes enhancing access to ECD services, particularly in deprived communities. - DoSBSE coordinates ECD through a Multi-Sectoral Working Group (MSWG) interfacing with government departments, NGOs, local authorities, CSOs, and international agencies. - Challenges: ECD largely provided by private sector → affordability issues for poorer households; more acute in rural areas where traditional childcare practices persist. - Strategic interventions implemented with UNICEF support: - Provision of facilities and services for ECD - Articulation of guidelines for training polyvalent ECD teachers - Design of strategies for mobilisation of resources - Monitoring, assessment and development of early childhood education programmes - Provision of guidelines for establishment and management of ECD services - Building and strengthening partnerships for integrated services - Mobilisation, sensitisation and motivation of communities to participate in ECD - Enhancement of access through a parenting education program - Review of community based ECD ### Basic Education (Grades 1–9) — programmatic responses - Rapid expansion at upper basic level; policy of integrating basic education facilities where possible. - Interventions affecting enrolment include school feeding and classroom construction. Madrassa Education: - Madrassa: formal education with Arabic instruction and Islamic orientation; offers instruction at different levels. - Current memorandum of understanding: General Secretariat of Arabic and Islamic Education benefits D70,000 per month from DoSBSE as subvention to facilitate recruitment and retention of competent English teachers implementing harmonised syllabus in Madrassas. - Qualified Madrassas also provided food by WFP through school feeding. - 2007 activities: orientation meetings with Madrassa proprietors and teachers on synchronised materials; consultative meeting with WAEC and CREDIT on unifying Madrassa examinations; review of curriculum materials for Grades 1-9 in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Special Needs Education: - Two-pronged approach: support special schools (blind, deaf, learning difficulties) for severe cases; mainstreaming of less severe cases. - Activities during the period: - Identification, registration and referral of children with special needs in mainstream schools - Training of cluster monitors on management of children with hearing and visual impairment - Launching of the Hearing Assessment Research Centre (HARK) - Training of ECD teachers at Gambia College on Special Needs - Monitoring of IEP programmes and special schools - Validation of advocacy strategy for special needs children - Integrated Education Programme (IEP) supported by Sight Savers International: mainstreaming of blind and low-vision children piloted in Region 3, expanded to Regions 1 & 2 in 2007. - Ten (10) qualified teachers trained at Gambia College as itinerant teachers; best eight recruited and posted. - Screening in Regions 1 & 2 identified 227 children referred to Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre; 55 children had refractive errors and were provided with spectacles; 62 (28 males & 34 females) diagnosed with low vision were registered with IEP for support. Classroom Construction: - Construction intensified under EFA/FTI via Framework Agreement with Future In Our Hands (FIOH); rehabilitation works executed through decentralized procurement. - Thirty-eight blocks of three classrooms each provided under BADEA in Regions 1 and 2 plus fencing of twenty schools. - Construction of one hundred blocks of three classrooms each under ADB distributed nationwide is in progress. School Feeding: - Food for Education (FFE) programme aims to increase enrolment, maintain regular attendance, reduce drop-out rates by gender, increase lower basic completion rates, and promote ECD in deprived communities. - Beneficiaries: One hundred and eighteen thousand (118,000) students in lower basic schools, eighteen (18) Madrassas with harmonised curricula and seventy-two ECD centres annexed to existing lower basic schools from Regions 2 to 6 receive daily school lunch. ### Quality Interventions in Basic Education — learning outcomes and inputs - Learning outcomes lag access: only 10% of Grades 3 and 5 students reached the mastery level of 73% in Mathematics, English and Science. - UNESCO’s Monitoring Learning Achievements (MLA, 2000) showed 46% of students reached minimum pass mark (40%) in same core subjects. - Quality inputs provided to enhance teaching and learning. Teacher Training: - Gambia Teacher Training College increased intake: 1,024 qualified PTC teachers and 1,034 HTC in the system over past five years. - Concern: poor academic standing of new PTC recruits (many in 30-40 percent achievement range in entrance exam testing English, Mathematics and General Knowledge). - School for Education, Gambia College received support from EFA/FTI. - Distance education programme: each PTC teacher trainee received 5 modules in each of four core subjects (Science, Maths, English and SES) within a two-year period while on teaching practice; FTI funding used to print and distribute modules and provide stipends. - PTC extension programme to upgrade four hundred (400) unqualified teachers in Region 5 (pedagogic and academic) with mentoring initiated by BESPOR; jointly funded by BESPOR and FTI. Pilot in Region 5 with plans to phase-in nationwide. - Provision of laboratory equipment under first phase of Third Education Sector programme to improve science teaching at School of Education. - French Technical Cooperation support to strengthen training of French teachers to HTC level. In-Service Training: - Major activity to curb early grade reading disabilities: training of trainers and all teachers in Grades 1–3, head teachers, senior teachers and cluster monitors. - Survey with World Bank and Research Triangle Institute sampled 1,200 students in Grades 1–3 from forty (40) schools (10% of total lower basic and basic cycle schools) and found reading is a significant challenge. - Following Curriculum Directorate training of trainers, three thousand (3000) teachers of Grades 1–3 from all regions were trained for six days on recommended early reading strategies. Curriculum Improvement: - New core textbooks for Grades 1–4 reached pupil-textbook ratio 1:1 for English, Mathematics & Integrated Studies. - Materials for Grades 5 & 6 in English, Mathematics, Science and Social & Environmental Studies reviewed, revised, validated, piloted, and fully edited copies submitted for procurement in 2006; during the review period materials for Grades 5 and 6 were procured with contract awarded to Macmillan who delivered materials in timely manner. Girl/Child Friendly School Initiative (GFSI): - Funded by UNICEF and EFA/FTI; reduced cost burden on parents via purchase of uniforms, shoes, schoolbags, pencils, exercise books and teaching and learning materials. - Mothers’ clubs set up with seed money; proceeds reinvested to support children’s education, particularly girls (engage in communal farming/gardening; labour-saving milling machines purchased under EFA/FTI for ten mothers’ clubs in Regions 2 and 3). - Enrolment for boys and girls in these schools continues to increase; sustaining gains requires capacity strengthening of mothers’ clubs and literacy support. Teaching & Learning Materials: - Essential Learning Package (ELP) elements integrated into EFA/FTI proposal for 2007, purchased and distributed to schools. Scholarship Schemes: - Scholarship Trust Fund instituted to provide support for girls in Regions 3–6 at upper basic and senior secondary levels for tuition, textbooks and examinations; administered by a Trust Fund Administrator and supported by Government and NGOs such as Action Aid International The Gambia (AAITG). - Angel Trust Fund established to provide boys with similar fees through replenishment arrangement. - President’s Empowerment for Girls’ Education Project (PEGEP) provides tuition and textbook rental fees to girls in UBS and SSS. Teachers’ Quarters: - Provision of teachers’ quarters in deprived communities, especially for female teachers, continues; change of design anticipated under EFA/FTI from 7-unit design to more appropriate models. - BADEA and ADB constructing quarters in 10 and 20 schools respectively; change due to multi-grade teaching and communities having more than five teachers. Hardship Allowances: - Incentive package for teachers in difficult areas (Regions 3, 4, 5 & 6): - Regions 3 & 4: 30% of their salaries - Region 5: 35% - Region 6: 40% - Table 4.2: Hardship allowance by region and number of teachers benefiting - Region 1: % of basic salary 30% — Total teacher stock 1,032 — Total number of beneficiaries 372 — % of teachers benefiting 36% - Region 2: 30% — 397 — 122 — 30.7% - Region 3: 35% — 1,063 — 429 — 40.3% - Region 4: 40% — 455 — 309 — 67.9% - Total: 2,947 — 1,232 — 41.8% - Monitoring results: - 13% of teachers in non-hardship zones in Region 3 opted to move to designated hardship areas. - Regions 4, 5 and 6 reported 20%, 34% and 26% of teachers opting to move to hardship zones respectively. - All regions but Region 4 recorded no cases of teachers serving in hardship zones opting to move to non-hardship zones; Region 4 recorded 2% wishing to move from hardship to non-hardship areas. Adult and Non-Formal Education - Sub-sector works within National Education Policy (2004-2015), ESSP (2006-2015), EFA and MDG goals; aims to reduce adult illiteracy levels by 50% by 2015 and eradicate adult illiteracy through integrated approach promoting technical skills and functional knowledge. - Achievements: - 13,450 women and out-of-school youth in 309 communities literate in local languages (Mandinka, Pular, Wolof, Jola and Sarahulleh). - 21,928 women and youths trained on various skills (Tie & Dye, soap making, weaving, pottery, press brick making, pomade making, food processing and preservation skills and macramé). - 318 skills trainers trained. - 21 Multi-Purpose Centres constructed and equipped with solar and IEC gadgets. ### 2.1.2 Higher Education — access, relevance, and TVET Improved Access to Tertiary Education: - Enrolment increases between 2005 and 2007: - The Gambia College: 69.8% increase - University of The Gambia (UTG): 61.3% increase - Contributing factors: Remedial Initiatives for Female Teachers (RIFT) (discontinued due to lack of donor funding at project end) and access programmes favouring girls; Open and Distance Learning Programme (ODL) contributed to Gambia College improvement. - MDI and GTTI experienced enrolment drops: - MDI: drop by 34.3% - GTTI: drop by 13% - Causes: competition from newly established institutions offering cheaper or better programmes (e.g., International Commercial Management (ICM) course). - Gender gap improvements in 2007: - MDI: improved by 61.5% - Gambia College: improved by 41.3% - UTG: improved by 41.3% - GTTI: setback of 32.5% in gender gap - Integration of tertiary education anticipated to improve opportunities for students, efficiency and effectiveness of resource use, increase enrolment and improve programme delivery. Improved Relevant and Quality Tertiary Education — achievements and investments: - Revision and broadening of PTC and HTC programmes at The Gambia College to meet needs of students and DoSBSE. - Achievements listed: - Training of PTC teachers to qualified status through PTC extension programme funded by DFID and FTI to the tune of GMD 15.5 million. - Ongoing construction of a computer laboratory at the University of The Gambia through philanthropic funding from Norway. - Construction and infrastructural development of a Science Laboratory and counselling centre at the Gambia College funded by the African Development Bank to the tune of GMD 23.7 million. Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET): - Enrolment increased by 15% from 2005 to 2007. - Republic of China committed US$ 4.2 million to build a skill centre at Sifoe to enhance TVET access. - A quality part-time mode of training for employees established to support lifelong learning and productivity. - National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) or Gambia Skills Qualification Framework (GSQF) developed in 2006; implementation began in 2007. - NSQF emphasises qualifications and standards delivered by registered and accredited training providers to enhance TVET quality; in 2007 some training institutions were closed for failure to meet standards; 53 training institutions have been registered and accredited. - A lead body established in 2007 responsible for registration and accreditation of training providers, trainers and assessors based on set standards and benchmarks. - A training levy forms the main financial base of the National Training Authority and is being collected. - Registered training institutions participated in a validation workshop to set quality assurance standards and benchmarks including an HIV/AIDS programme as part of their curriculum. - Government provided institutional management capacity to the NTA to support TVET policy implementation and TVET reform was effected in 2007. *National Planning Commission: PRSP II APR 2007 — CHAPTER 4* ### 4.2 Health ### 4.2 Health ### Health system structure and capacity - The Gambia public health service delivery system is composed of three tiers: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels. - Services are provided by 4 hospitals, 42 health facilities at the secondary level and 492 health posts at the primary level. - Construction of an additional hospital has been completed and a Regional Eye Care Centre opened. - 65 private, Non-Governmental Organization, complement the public health system and community managed clinics. - Training capacity: health training institutions have increased their annual intake to 40 students per year. - The University of The Gambia, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences has started producing medical graduates; the first batch of Medical Doctors graduated and are near completing their practical training at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital. ### Policy objectives - Goal: reduce morbidity and mortality in the population thereby significantly improving quality of life. - Government commitment: attainment of objectives as a pathway to the MDGs and Vision 2020 goals. - Key objectives: - Enhance commitment to reduction of disease burden in the population - Reduce childhood morbidity and mortality attributed to vaccine preventable diseases - Increase immunization coverage to at least 80% for all districts and 90% at the national level for all antigens. - Improve surveillance mechanism for early detection and response to vaccine preventable disease outbreaks - Improvement in the quality of reproductive life of all persons living in The Gambia - Ensure access to quality basic clinical care package for all Gambians and putting in place a mechanism that would assure the quality of service - Ensuring appropriate and adequate human resources for the health sector - Ensuring drugs, vaccines, other medical supplies security and their safety ### Access to health services and cost - Upgrading of two major health centres (Kuntaur and Basse) into district hospitals is near completion. - Four new health centres (Sarakunda, Albreda, Foday kunda and Kafuta) have been opened and are fully operational. - About thirty eight village clinics exist and are being staffed with expatriate medical personnel and Gambian nurses. - Geographic access: recommendation that all communities should be within 5km to the nearest health facility. - Out-patient departments charge D5.00 for consultation and treatment; diagnostic investigations (lab, x–ray, ultra sound) are charged separately. - Reproductive and Child Health Services including family planning are free of charge. - RCH services are being delivered through Major Health Centres, Minor Health Centres, RCH Clinics, RCH Outreach/Trekking Stations and Primary Health Care (PHC) Villages in the 6 Health Regions. - A pilot Emergency Maternal and Newborn Child Health (EMNCH) project is being implemented in Brikama Health Centre with plans for possible expansion pending evaluation. - Transport: service delivery is highly dependent on a reliable and well-maintained transport fleet; ambulances prioritized with fuel allocations and maintenance; donors provided second hand vehicles. - Staff retention: incentive packages such as hardship allowances and risk allowances have been created. ### Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) and integration - RCH is expanding services to include men and adolescents/youths in addition to women and children under five. - RCH services incorporated postpartum care, STI management, PPTCT, IPT, birth registration of under-fives and the IMNCI strategy. - RCH forms an integral part of essential Health Care Package designed on a cost-effective basis. ### Tuberculosis control - DOTs has been expanded to 22 centres. - Tuberculosis treatment success rate: 73% in 2004, 75% in 2005 and 88% in 2006. - No reported stock out of TB drugs in 2007. - Failure and multi-drug resistance have been maintained below 1%. - Tuberculosis case detection rate in 2006 was 78%. - Village Health Workers trained to supervise TB treatment at the community level. - Free treatment for Tuberculosis continues to be offered. ### Malaria control - Malaria remains a major disease in The Gambia. - Aim of malaria control: reduce human malaria vector contact, preventing malaria especially among children under five and pregnant women. - The incidence of malaria was reduced by 2.8% in 2005. - Contributing interventions: distribution of Long Lasting Nets (LLINs), mass treatment/re-treatment of nets with insecticide, improved environmental sanitation. - In 2007, implementation of the GFATM round 6 to the rest of the 5 health regions started and LLINs were distributed to children under five years, pregnant women and the most vulnerable. - Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) implemented in Western Region: Over 50% of the pregnant women targeted in the above region were given sulphadoxine Pyremethamine (SP) or Fansidar as preventive treatment for malaria during Pregnancy. - IPT has started in the rest of the regions; all public Health facilities and some private facilities are implementing this strategy. - Nurses and Doctors were trained on malaria case management. - Antimalarial drugs were provided for effective case management for Banjul, KMC and Brikama administrative areas courtesy of Global Fund Round Three Grant. - Plans underway to introduce Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) as a substitute for chloroquine. ### Availability and procurement of drugs - Most essential drugs are available, especially anti-malarial. - However availability of drugs and other medical supplies remains a major challenge; Global Fund provided anti-malarial drugs for Banjul, Kanifing Municipal Council and Brikama administrative areas only. - Procurement arrangement: DOSH procures all drugs from Egyptian firms under a bilateral agreement between the government of The Gambia and Egypt unless they are unable to supply. - Normally this is less than 5% of supplies required and so about 95% of drug supplies over sometimes come from Egypt. ### Achievements - The Health Policy and Health Master Plan 2008- 2020 has been elevated to the status of the strategic document of the health sector. - Relevant policy documents developed include Mental Health policy and Health Research policy. - Considerable achievements in control of communicable diseases like poliomyelitis, Guinea worm, measles, lymphatic filariasis and leprosy, some eliminated or in final stage of elimination. - Considerable progress in EPI Coverage with 90% for childhood immunization. - Physical access improved: Over 85% and 97% of the Population are within 3 km and 5 km of a basic health facility and primary health care post respectively. - Leprosy elimination achieved since 1998 through proper use of Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) and other measures. - Mass bed nets re-treatment campaigns achieved coverage of 85%, contributing to reduction of malaria prevalence. - Government agreed to change from chloroquine-based malaria treatment to an Artinisium combination therapy (ACT) with the support of the Global Fund. - Harmonized and integrated data collection tools have been developed. - A National measles campaign achieved coverage of 95% of children 9 to 59 months. - The first ever National Health Account study (2002- 2004) has been completed. - A Regional Polio campaign was conducted in western health region with 95% coverage. *National Planning Commission: PRSP II APR 2007 — excerpt on Health* ### CHAPTER 5: ### CHAPTER 5: BUILD CAPACITY OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS TO PLAY A GREATER ROLE IN POVERTY REDUCTION ### 5.1 Decentralization and Reform of Local Governments - Strategic objectives: - Implement provisions in the laws for local government reform and Decentralization. - Adopt and implement the local government and decentralization policy and its related instruments. - Consolidate and reinforce constitutional democracy by strengthening institutional capacity for protecting and implementing constitutional provisions and creating greater public awareness of constitutional rights and responsibilities. - Strengthen capacity for election administration. - Create a conducive working environment (basic infrastructure), including finalizing the service scheme for Local Government Associations (LGAs) and the constitution of Local Government Service Commissions. - Strategies and operational measures: - Establishing/strengthening planning departments in all the LGAs. - Establish a policy for sustenance of VDC/WDC/MDFTs (multidisciplinary Facilitation Teams). - Build capacity for Financial Management and Administration Procedures to enhance fiscal decentralization. - Implementation/Achievements: - Planning departments are being established/strengthened in all the LGAs. - A policy for sustenance of VDC/WDC/MDFTs will be established and capacity for Financial Management and Administration Procedures are being built. ### 5.2 Community Capacity Building/Community Development - Role and approach: - Institutional strengthening and capacity building as a key element of the Department of Community Development. - Provide technical, material and/or financial support to decentralized structures: VDCs, WDCs, TACs, MDTFs, CBOs, Youth groups, Women groups, Local and international NGOs. - Goals / Objectives: - Build Capacity for Local community/LGA structures. - Enable People-centered Development through Decentralized participatory development processes. - Strategies include capacity building training, advocacy and networking, Right Base approaches, Participatory planning, awareness creation and structural reforms. - Implementation: - A programme to support implementation of projects formulated and managed by communities started in 2007 in the 6 rural local governments. - About 600 Communities are being supported to develop programmes to improve their livelihoods. - Capacities of extension workers and local government officials to support community driven development are being built. ### 5.3 Civic Education - Strategic objective for 2007: - Ensure effective implementation of the national civic education programme for the parliamentary and local government elections held in 2007. - Objectives of the civic education strategic plan: - Consistent with the Good Governance Programme and Vision 2020. - Create and sustain awareness of the principles and objectives of the constitution as a fundamental law. - Institutional arrangements: - The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) created as an independent non-partisan Council under the Constitution to design, implement and coordinate Civic Education programmes and serve as an advocacy component of the National Good Governance Programme. - The Act places special responsibility on the Council for sensitization, information and education of the citizenry especially at grassroots levels. - Achievements and activities: - NCCE conducted training programmes for key stakeholder groups and institutions: MDFTs, Law Enforcement Agencies, Local Government Authorities, Folklore Drama Groups, Non-Governmental Organisations. - In September 2006, training organised for members of the Law Enforcement Agencies on their roles in the 2006 Presidential and 2007 Parliamentary elections; media and political parties invited. - MDFTs trained to reinforce NCCE efforts to deliver Civic Education messages to all Gambians. - From November 28th – December 7th 2005, with UNDP assistance, a total of 144 councilors including nominated members, chairpersons and mayors were trained on distribution of power, responsibility and resources to local councils and organizations. - Sensitization campaigns and itineraries/work plans developed for staff, Facilitators and communities for the January 2007 parliamentary elections. - Approval obtained from Department of State for Education to introduce Human Rights Education in schools and develop curriculum materials for civic and human rights education in upper and Lower basic schools; syllabus development for grades 1 to 9 and teaching modules for grades 7 to 9; materials validated and head teachers/senior teachers from 12 schools (2 from each of the six regions) oriented for piloting. - Radio and television programmes on civic education carried out via panel discussions on public, private and community radio stations; programmes with community radios, State Radio and Television, folklore and drama groups. - Outcomes and assessments: - Increased awareness among Gambians of their Rights and Responsibilities and roles of various arms of Government. - Indications that provisions of the Constitution, the Local Government Reform Act, the Principles of Democracy and the Decentralisation process are being internalized. - Observed increases in tolerance, acceptance of diversity, patriotism, and women’s assertiveness in public articulation. - Since 2000, at every governance review meeting, the NCCE gets the highest rating in terms of performance. - NCCE concludes the programme is creating awareness, enabling people to interpret issues, and strengthening institutional and individual capacities for broader, more transparent participation. ### 5.4 The National Assembly - Strategic objective for 2007: - Strengthen capacities of the National Assembly in scrutinizing laws and the functioning of the public accounts committee to ensure accountability in public financial management. - Composition and structure: - The National Assembly is currently composed of fifty-three members, forty-eight elected and five nominated by the President of the Republic. - Currently it comprises of five female members (two of whom are elected) and forty-eight male members, including two nominated members. - The term of Parliament is five years and the current term expires in January 2011. - Party composition: forty-two elected members of the majority party (APRC), five nominated members, and six Opposition members (UDP4, NADD1 and Independent 1). - Committees and associations: ten Standing Committees, fifteen Select Committees and three Parliamentary Friendship Associations. - Memberships: Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), ECOWAS Parliament, Pan-African Parliament (PAP), and soon ACP – EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. - Operations and support: - Assembly meets at least once every quarter in ordinary session; provision for emergency/extraordinary sessions as required by the President. - Assembly Service of forty-eight staff members headed by the Clerk supports work of the National Assembly. - The National Assembly Service is part of the Public Service but autonomous from the Public Service Commission and Personnel Management Office; supervised by the National Assembly Authority Board of Directors. - Implementation and capacity building: - National Assembly prioritizes capacity building; staff trained in management and IT; two staff undergoing courses at the University of The Gambia and the Management Development Institute. - With UNDP (Good Governance) support, implementing a capacity building project for National Assembly Members and staff to address capacity gaps and formulate a long-term assistance project. - Project components: partnership and resource mobilization strategy development; recruitment, sensitization and training in socio-economic issues and IT computer literacy for Members and Office of the Clerk staff; establishment and training of press corps of parliamentary journalists; support for Web-casting and telecasting of proceedings. - In partnership with Pro-PAG, conducted workshops to sensitize Members on Budget analysis, expenditure tracking and MDGs to ensure a pro-poor national budget. - In 2007, 28 old National Assembly Members, (34% of the 53) were trained and can now perform budget tracking for public resources protection; remaining NAMs expected to undergo training in 2008. ### 5.5 NGOs in Poverty Reduction - Institutional landscape and membership: - The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), established in 1996 under the umbrella of NGO-Affairs Agency, comprises local and international members and is the national coordinating body ensuring NGO registration. - NGO-Affairs had 104 members in 2004 and in 2007 it increased to 120. - NGO-Affairs adopted Article 13 of the NGO protocol to monitor and coordinate all NGOs in the country. - Membership requirements: submission of Annual Progress Report (APR) with an Audited Financial Accounts; in 2007 only 55% of the members complied with the protocol. - TANGO has a registered membership of 10 International NGOs and 64 National NGOs, out of a total of 104 local and international NGOs registered with the NGO Affairs Agency. This represents 81% of total NGOs operating in The Gambia. - TANGO has all its members complying with Article 13 of the NGO protocol from inception to date. - Roles and contributions: - NGOs/CSOs entrenched in the economic and social fabric, integral to the development landscape, driving forces in rural areas. - Work focuses on poverty reduction and promoting social development targeting the poor, the sick, the vulnerable and the marginalized. - Achievements in 2007 (selected): - Support to a large number of farmers who experienced crop failure with early maturing and less labour intensive cereals. - Contribution of 50% of resources committed to fighting locust by Agriculture. - Partnership on Appropriate Technologies in garden schemes for vegetable production (Smile technology) with mechanization in Agricultural production. - Provision of agricultural training to farmers and communities. - Provision of scholarships and skill centers to students in the Education sector. - Managing health clinics including medical facilities under the Health sector. - Supporting child support centers (Kaur village has 250 children). - Supporting reforestation in twenty six communities covering 46.5 hectares. - Constraints and needs: - Non-compliance to Article 13 of the NGO Policy by some members. - Limited resources (mobility and human) and inadequate funds to implement programme plans. - Recommended remedy: capacity building with adequate funding required for NGOs to exist as viable institutions. *Source: CHAPTER 5 (content as provided).* ### CHAPTER 6: ### CHAPTER 6: CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES ### 6.1. Gender - Principal goal: development and implementation of master/strategic plan for women's empowerment based on National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women, mid-term review (2006), and National Women’s Council and Bureau plans for 2006/2007. - Strategies: - Production of gender-disaggregated data in the national and institutional budgets. - Expansion of gender analysis in policy formulation and gender-sensitive policy management systems. - Strengthening monitoring and evaluation of gender issues. - Promoting awareness of and compliance with laws on women’s rights; enactment and popularization of the Women’s Bill. - Strengthening institutions and civil society organizations dealing with women and children, increased advocacy on women’s rights, and increased awareness on gender based violence. - Mainstreaming gender across sectors: promote increased enrolment, quality and survival at primary, secondary, tertiary levels; boost adult literacy campaigns; strengthen capacity for entrepreneurial skills; develop community infrastructure to facilitate women's agricultural activity and improved female access to credit & land ownership. - Achievements: - Legal aid support: Female Lawyers Association The Gambia (FLAG) provided legal aid to women seeking redress. - UNDP support: awareness raising and training in decision making at the local governance level. - Financial and project support: - Sum of GMD1.3 million provided as credit to the Gambia Women Self Help Cooperative through a private citizen, a Taiwanese Embassy Grant and The Gambia Government Revolving Fund for Women of GMD100,000.00. - Bureau implementing literacy education for women: TOSTAN Gambia Government joint project for 8,000 beneficiaries and Community Skills Improvement Project (CSIP) for 80,000 Women in 250 communities. - Collaboration with literacy providers: BAFROW, AFET, NAWFA and ADWAC for literacy materials production and writers’ workshops. - Capacity building and support: - Support to 50 National Women’s Council in Capacity Building Training, monitoring, council meetings and Study tour to The Republic of Senegal funded by UNESCO/NATCOM. - Training of women and youth on leadership, advocacy, policy development, entrepreneurship, and management skills funded by UNDP /UNICEF/ UNFPA. - Communication strategy for empowering women developed; National Study on Capacity Assessment of women in decision making funded by UNDP. - Information Centres for Women established in all regions; National Survey on Women’s Empowerment funded by UNFPA conducted. - Drafting and validation of the Women’s Bill 2007 undertaken; National Women’s Council engaged in monitoring implementation of NPAGW funded by UNESCO/NATCOM. - Outcomes: strengthened partnership with stakeholders; increased awareness of gender related issues; increased empowerment of women in decision making; increased women’s participation in political and public life; sector policy reviews enhanced for gender considerations; Women’s Bill 2007 drafted and validated; CEDAW report drafted and validated; increased women’s access to credit. *Italic: Source — CHAPTER 6: CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES (PRSP II APR 2007)* ### 6.2. Forestry and the Environment #### 6.2.1 Forestry - Policy direction: - 2007 review of 1995-2005 forest policy to shift management toward participative and socially oriented approaches; aim to re-orient policy to incorporate recent developments and elaborate second forest policy with redefined targets and orientations. - New Forest Policy, 2006 - 2016: ensure sustainable management of forest reserves, establishment and consolidation of community forest management, co-management of forest parks and private forestry. - Forestry Department remains focal office for coordination of UNCCD and implements protocols under UN conventions (biodiversity, Climate Change, UNCCD). - Community Forest Management: - From 1990 to 2007, Community Forestry management transferred ownership of forest lands covering over 28,508.4 ha to 319 communities; area per CF is 89.36ha. - In three regions (Western Region 11, Lower River Region 5, Central River Region 6) community forest enterprise committees continue enterprise development through forest Market Analysis and Development (MAD); from these activities, over D986, 000 (Nine hundred and eighty six thousand Dalasi) were realized. - Forest plantation and Afforestation: - Participatory Integrated Watershed Management Project (PIWAMP) implemented with DOSA; in 2007, 40 villages supported and in Kabafita forest over 300,000 plants (Gmelina, Cashew, Mangoes, eucalyptus, mahogany etc.) planted. - Expectation: after 3 to 4 years trees will provide fuel wood and cash, improve soil fertility and control erosion; agro forestry practices provide limited fodder and cash. - PIWAMP 2007 activities: community sensitisation, silvicultural activities, land tenure arrangements with surveying, fencing of identified afforestation sites, nursery management, planting stock supply and planting. - Fire Management: - Fire protection and management followed fire management principles and practices; activities increased incomes through harvesting and selling of forest resources and prevented socio-economic losses from uncontrolled fires. - Mangrove management: - High mangroves decreased from 30,000 ha to 15,000 ha; low mangroves increased by 15, 000 ha (Brent 1959). Changes attributed to hyper salinity, acidity, temperature fluctuations or climate change. - Coastal forests including mangrove forest (250 km) upstream provide life support; oyster harvesting by women sold in urban areas (Banjul, Serekunda and Bakau) enhances income. - Effective mangrove management in 2007 expected to increase fish turnover in The Gambia River and tributaries. - Impacts: - Social: increased gender consideration, realization of benefit of working together, reduced friction between stakeholders; market surveys and Enterprise Development Plans (EDP) established; enterprise learning and skills centers established; Economic Grouping (JATIFIF) created; employment opportunities in handicraft, logs and timber marketing created. - Ecological: training led to better forest management, increased local resolve to protect forests, reduced illegal utilization, extraction rates linked to resource scale; shift to lesser known forest products; over 30,000 ha of forest cover under sustainable management. - Institutional: necessity to establish linkages with institutions; capacity building for technical field staff; material inputs (motor cycles and computers) enhanced Forestry Department capacity; collaboration with NACO, St. Joseph Family Farm, National Bee Keepers Association; introduction of MA&D into school curriculum and formation of federations aided community mobilization. #### 6.2.2 Environment - Policy frameworks: Gambia Environment Action Plan (GEAP), Vision 2020, MDGs and the PRSP. - NEA roles: coordinating institution implementing GEAP, controls pollution, conducts Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) through Working Groups and Taskforces. - Implementation tools: Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Public Awareness and Sensitisation, International Cooperation and Programme Coordination and implementation. - GEAP II goal: ensure sound environmental management and sustainable development; develop an effective and financially self-sustaining environmental management system; focus on sustainable natural resource management, energy and environmental health. - Institutional and regulatory objectives: - Improved and strengthened institutional framework for environmental management. - Environmental considerations in policy and planning at all levels. - Strengthened regulatory framework and enforcement; environmental regulations fully enforceable and respected. - Support for Decentralisation and Local Government Reform for Community based Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Development Planning. - Improvements in Performance of Implementing Institutions in Environmental Quality Monitoring and Enforcement and in Solid Waste Management. - Achievements: - GEAP Phase I: establishment of functional institutional framework for natural resources and environmental management and planning; legal and regulatory policy framework established; Working Groups in all program areas; increased public awareness and improved decision-making outputs. - 2007 NEA activities: continued EIA provision for Government institutions, private sector and NGOs. - Public awareness: NEA Environment Open Days, quiz competition among schools, press releases during National Environment Week; media programmes and publication of Gambia Environmental Newsletter; free three-digit environment complaint telephone hotline (167) established. - MEAs implementation: Montreal Protocol on ODS, UNCCD, CBD, Protocol to phase out POPs, UNFCCC, Basel convention, Abidjan convention among others. - Specific actions: - Training of customs officers and refrigeration technicians with banning of R12 and R11 and formation of Refrigeration Technician Associations in URR, NBR, LRR and WR. - Banning of the 12 POPs and implementation of a POPs Phase Out Plan. - Drafting of the second state of Environment Report (draft prepared). - Drafting of the waste management bill pursued; anti littering regulations enacted; identification of waste disposal sites completed; monthly cleaning exercise coordinated by NEA. - Updating of land use/land cover map and production of data directories ongoing. - Setup of divisional environmental offices in NBR, LRR, CRR and URR as part of decentralisation. *Italic: Source — CHAPTER 6: CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES (PRSP II APR 2007)* ### 6.3. HIV/AIDS - National HIV/AIDS Policy: - New policy 2007-2011 principles: no HIV test without counseling; no discrimination because of HIV status; no dismissal from work because of HIV status; no travel restrictions for PLWHA. - Cornerstone: Information, Education and Communication to enhance behaviour changes. - National AIDS Secretariat implementing a strategic plan to guide a well coordinated and effective national response based on the Three Ones Principles; national monitoring and evaluation framework based on the strategic plan. - Global Fund support: grant of over $14m to complement government effort and consolidate gains of HARRP project; second phase 2006-2009 being implemented. - Epidemiology and statistics: - Population: about 1.4 million people. - Prevalence: relatively low HIV prevalence rate of 2.8% and 0.9% for HIV-1 & HIV-2 respectively. - Estimated people living with HIV-1 or HIV-2: about 28,000 people. - Surveillance: HIV more prevalent in rural than urban areas; young people, especially female youths, are at greatest risk. - Contributing factors: poverty, gender imbalance, high illiteracy especially among women, socio-cultural factors. - PTCT routine data indicate prevalence may have increased due to increasing new infections and improved survival from treatment and care interventions. - MICS III (2005/2006) indicators among women aged 15-49: - Knowledge of HIV among women increased from 16% to 39% (compared to MICS II). - Knowledge of place where test can be done increased from 20 to 55%. - Proportion of women who have done an HIV test increased from 7% to 14%. - Programme implementation: - Service coverage: - 29 Health facilities providing free Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). - Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT) services offered in 26 health facilitates (noting remaining gaps in PPTCT coverage). - Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) provided to reduce mortality among PLWHA; expected to increase survival and acceptance of VCT. - Clinical care providers: Hands on Care (HOC), Medical Research Council (MRC), Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH), Department of State for Health (DoSH). - Community/home based care (HBC): - Integration of community volunteers at household level; family caregivers volunteer in care provision. - Nine societies for PLWHA collaborated with NGOs/CBOs and religious organizations (WEC mission). - Community support provided: financial, nutritional, psychosocial, medical/nursing care; community care for orphans of PLWHA. - Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) program: - 1637 orphans and vulnerable children registered. - Community Care Officer with Christian Children Fund offered support: school fees, books, uniforms, access to health care and food supplements. - Challenges: - Human resource constraints in the health sector remain a major challenge. - Variation in implementing partners’ capacity under Global Fund phases compromised implementation. - Actual infection rates have been rising; risk of serious societal consequences unless addressed concertedly and timely. *Italic: Source — CHAPTER 6: CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES (PRSP II APR 2007)* ### 6.4. Nutrition - Policy objectives: - Improve nutritional status of the Gambian population, particularly women and children, and nutrition service delivery at central, divisional and community levels. - Ensure incorporation of nutrition objectives into national development policies and programs. - Ensure reliable and uninterrupted supply and proper utilization of adequate, high quality, safe and affordable nutritious foods. - Strategies: establish an effective and efficient Nutrition Information System (NIS) for policy and programming; strengthen and build institutional capacity of nutrition personnel of NaNA and other stakeholders. - Achievements: - IBFAN support: training programme for eighteen members of IBFAN-Gambia Chapter on Strategic Planning and PCM to strengthen development and implementation of programmes. - Health worker training: 67 nurses and midwives trained to increase knowledge and skills in nutrition to enable adequate nutrition information and timely interventions using lifecycle approach. - Baby Friendly Community Initiatives (BFCI): - Ten additional BFCIs identified in Upper River Region; five days sensitization conducted. - National coverage of BFCI increased to 283 communities. - Micronutrient programs: - Focus on vitamin A deficiency, Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and Iron deficiency anaemia. - NaNA committed to Universal Salt Iodization (USI) target: 90% of households consume iodized salt. - Through a mobile salt iodization plant, a total of one hundred and forty five (145) metric tons of salt was iodized countrywide in 2007. - Iodisation plants installed in three (3) extra communities during the year. - Community representatives trained on quality issues in salt production, iodisation and packaging. - Law enforcement officers trained and supplied with iodine test kits for spot checks on imported salt at border points. - Comprehensive strategic plan for IDD prevention and control developed in August 2007 to provide strategic direction for Salt Iodization Programme. - Iron deficiency anaemia: - Identified as of great public health importance contributing significantly to maternal mortality and under five mortality. - Most vulnerable groups: women of child bearing age (15 – 49 years) and children. - NaNA and partners implemented strategies including a pilot Integrated Community Based Anaemia Control Project focused on food supplements combined with nutrition, health and sanitation components (pilot ended). - Data note: - Figure 6.1 referenced: Trend of wasting 1991 to 2006 — National Prevalence of Malnutrition in Children Under 5 Years by Season (Dry Season and Rainy Season) for years 1991–2006. *Italic: Source — CHAPTER 6: CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES (PRSP II APR 2007)* ### 2007. It covered Early Childhood Development Centres targeting 2 – 6 years old children. The ### _cr0975 - 2007: Early Childhood Development Centres and Social Programmes (excerpt) ### Nutrition — Anaemia and Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) - Early Childhood Development Centres targeting 2 – 6 years old children were evaluated in 2007; findings show there is a huge potential in reducing anaemia using such an approach. - To strengthen gains in anaemia control in the 10 pilot communities: - UNICEF supported re-training of eighty nine (89) people including men and women from the communities in the URR on how to prevent and control anaemia. - Communities were supported with equipment, seeds and fertilizer to sustain or strengthen their communal gardens. - Vitamin A interventions in 2007: - Two (2) rounds of national vitamin A supplementation and de-worming campaigns for children aged 6 to 59 months were conducted. - First round: all children aged 6 to 59 months (289, 028) were targeted; national coverage was 82% for Vitamin A and 80% for de-worming. - Second round (joint campaign organized by NaNA and DOSH): - Children 6 to 59 months were supplemented with Vitamin A. - Children 9 to 59 months received a measles vaccine. - Children 12 – 59 months were de-wormed with Mebendazole. - National coverage: 93% for Vitamin A, 92% for De-worming and 96% for measles. - Combined nutrition and related interventions that contributed to reductions in infant and young child morbidity and mortality: - Vitamin A supplementation and de-worming of children. - Increase in household consumption of iodized salt. - Promotion of optimal infant and young child feeding practices including exclusive breastfeeding for six months and introduction of complementary foods at six months. - Empowerment of stakeholders through capacity building to plan and implement nutrition interventions. - Integration and scale-up with child immunization, provision of potable water and environmental sanitation to meet Millennium Development Goals. ### Population — UNFPA Programme Implementation and Objectives - 2007 was the first phase in implementation of the sixth programme of cooperation between UNFPA and the government of The Gambia; programme activities started only in the third (3rd) quarter due to considerable delay. - Mechanisms for periodic performance assessment were put in place based on the Results Based Management (RBM) Approach. - Overall goal of the programme: - Contribute to improvement of the quality of life and standard of living of the people of The Gambia. - Focus areas: maternal health, reproductive health information and services (with focus on young people and HIV prevention), and collection/utilization of gender-disaggregated data for development, planning and poverty reduction. - Support policy dialogue and advocacy on population, gender and reproductive health; adopt a rights-based approach at national and decentralized levels. - 2007 assistance priorities as per the Country Programme Action Plan (CPAD): - Reproductive Health (RH) including Sexual health and family planning. - Population and development (P and D). - Gender. - Key themes: reproductive health needs of young people, promoting reproductive rights, strengthening national capacity, increasing range and access to quality reproductive health services, and encouraging partnerships with NGOs and civil society. - Achievements in 2007: - Compilation of data for a reliable population databank started with assistance of a UNV (stationed 80% of his time at the NPCS); validation, distribution and dissemination planned for 2008. - Support to review population and family life instructional materials developed in 1996 to update them to current socio-economic conditions. - Support to networks of Technical Committees (TCs), Youths and NGOs to undertake advocacy to eradicate harmful traditional practices (including female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriage), promote reproductive health and reproductive rights, and promote adolescent reproductive health. - Support to TCs for community sensitizations and to network of journalists to publish a newsletter and other media materials to seek support and lessen opposition of religious and traditional leaders and males to reproductive health programmes. - Funding of youth media campaigns on SRH issues drawing audiences from a wide range of people. - Monitoring & Evaluation (M & E): - Intensification of M & E activities at national and regional levels despite inadequate resources; activities included field visits, meetings and workshops. - NPCS inaugurated and conducted Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings as a platform for implementing partners to share information and resolve implementation problems. ### Youths — National Youth and Sports Policy, NYSS, and NEDI - National Youth and Sports policies aim to mainstream youth development within the National Development framework and create opportunities for skills development and gender-related issues. - National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) objectives and priority areas: - Provide requisite skills for self employment or increased employment opportunities and facilitate socio-economic development of young people. - Help youths appreciate dignity of learning skills to earn a decent living and channel creative energies to productive enterprise. - Priority areas: General Agriculture, Auto Mechanics, Carpentry, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hair dressing, Plumbing, Tailoring, Welding and fabrication. - NYSS strategies: - Reinforce existing NYSS structures: orientation camp, Sapu and Nyanibere farms, Tailoring centre and Sapu field office. - Formulate information and communication mechanisms to increase knowledge and awareness on benefits of acquiring skills. - Mobilize more corps for the Orientation camp and decentralize skills training facilities to reach communities. - NYSS achievements: - 160 young people were selected for a six week Orientation course; thereafter deployed to training institutions for a twenty two month skills acquisition programme. - Loans disbursed to prospective corps members upon completion of training: D80, 243.00 was disbursed to four corps members engaged in different business ventures. - Five corps members secured employment. - Agricultural outputs and use: - Okra planted on farms performed well; D23, 950.00 realized from sales and D3, 500.00 worth of produce used to support the six weeks orientation programme. - Groundnut crop: about one ton harvested; hay used as feed in Tabasco Ram Fattening Programme. - 650Kg of clean rice harvested; 50Kg of rice given to four corps members on practical training as encouragement. - National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI): - Initiative under Office of the Vice President in partnership with Department of State for Youth and Sports. - Main objective: make basic commodities accessible (cost and availability) by encouraging active participation of Gambian youths and women in retail business; create employment opportunities and empowerment for youth/women; positively impact stability of prices of basic commodities. - Priorities: create opportunities for unemployed youth and women willing to participate in retail business across the country. - Strategy: provide basic commodities and loans to vendors for retail business at reasonable prices for repayment over a period of two years. - NEDI and related youth entrepreneurship activities in 2007: - Training of 100 young people and women in entrepreneurship. - Securing funds for loan disbursement to 17 young people to operate their retail business. - Setting up a Monitoring and Evaluation team to monitor implementation of loan terms and conditions. - Countrywide treks to make qualitative assessment of vendor performance and identify constraints to jointly find solutions. *National Planning Commission: PRSP II APR 2007 Page 63–66* ### CHAPTER 7: ### CHAPTER 7: CONSTRAINTS AND LESSONS LEARNT ### Overview - 2007 was the first year of PRSP II implementation; a big funding gap persisted and programmes were mainly funded from government resources and existing development partner commitments. - A donor roundtable is expected in early 2008; implementation of the aid effectiveness action plan is expected to improve resource availability. ### 7.1 Creating an Enabling Policy Environment - Government efforts to ensure prudent fiscal and macro-economic management continued, but: - Looming world economic slowdown and appreciation of the local currency against major foreign currencies posed challenges. - Backlog of un-audited accounts being cleared but constraints remain. - National statistical system reform faced: - Delays in recruitment and inadequate funding to implement the strategy. - Divestiture programme constraints in 2007: - Insufficient funding for regulatory activities. - Lack of sector specific laws for telecommunications and water sectors inhibiting regulatory effectiveness. - Regulatory fees identified as major funding source for PURA, but operator non-compliance (notably Gamtel, NAWEC) resulted in arrears of "tens of millions of Dalasis"; Gamtel/Gamcel amounts "running into several millions" were written off by the Government. - Legal sector strategic plan implementation requires: - Consistent allocation of human, financial, and material resources. - Institutional restructuring across Judiciary and DOSJ to create structures indicated in the plan. - A well-developed communications system to manage change processes. - Development of internal service quality standards, training (internal, local, overseas), and a performance management system linking output to rewards. - Exploitation of ICT for legal and judicial service delivery. - Civil service reform (PSPS/PSPS alignment issues and parametric reforms): - Proposed introduction of employer and employee contributions possibly "15 percent" of the applicable wage base with division between employer and employee. - Modalities needed for inclusion of allowances in the wage base, topping-up current retirees to a benefit level to be determined (such as the current poverty line), and indexing the topped-up benefit. - Establishing a minimum pension guarantee that does not distort labor market incentives. - Introducing automatic benefit indexation up to a maximum percentage per year (to be determined), actuarial reduction for retirement prior to age "60", and potentially increasing the minimum retirement age. - Change commutation (gratuity) factor per periodic actuarial valuations; introduce deferred pension benefits and improved portability of acquired rights to/from FPS; remove current limit of "400 months" for benefit accruals; increase accrual rate for Level 1 employees to "2.0 percent" from current "1.5 percent". - Establish voluntary framework for benefit accrual for non-pensionable employees, strengthen disability and survivorship provisions, and review/amend FPS legislation to align parametric features with PSPS. ### 7.2 Improving Production and Productivity - a. Agriculture — principal constraints and findings: - Lack of a sector policy and clear role definition causing duplication, inadequate service provision, and low productivity. - Declining budgetary allocations reduced public sector ability to provide essential services. - High cost of production for poultry and animal feeds; inadequate husbandry practices; inadequate access to affordable credit and weak marketing strategies. - Infrastructure deficits across production-processing-marketing value chain; non-functioning grading/pricing policies; market distortions by dealers and middlemen. - Mechanization issues: predominantly public-sector controlled, limited beneficiary participation, unsustainable operations, non-standardized machinery, scarce spare parts, expensive hire services, and holdings too small for large equipment. - Limited industrial processing capacity: few large-scale or medium-scale processing units; tannery not operational. - Processing technologies are low-input and low-volume; chronic shortage of expertise in food technology/agro-processing and Quality Management (except groundnut subsector). - Research reach limited for smallholders; research is supply-driven, focused on rain-fed farming; research budget about "4 per cent" of DOSA total budget. - High cost and laborious groundwater pumping; inadequate qualified nationals in irrigation; water users associations need strengthening. - Horticulture/fish storage: limited refrigerated storage, expensive facilities, inadequate containers, few cold storage facilities for fish. - Gender dimension: women limited in management capacity and access to mechanization; traditional land laws hinder practical land rights for women; extension and research oriented to male-dominated activities; negligible institutional framework for biotechnology. - b. Fisheries and Marine Resources: - Gender trainings addressed social exclusion, but extension staff need ongoing involvement due to negotiation-intensive work with fisher-folks. - c. Energy: - Electricity sub-sector: high electricity losses estimated at "30%" (technical and commercial); low generation, transmission and distribution capacities; high costs of electricity. - NAWEC strategy: corporate plan to expand services; loss reduction strategy adopted—reduction of losses will provide an additional "15MW" without increasing generating capacity; private investment needed in generation and network upgrades; need to explore renewable energy. - Solar energy constraints: lack of renewable energy legislation; high initial cost; theft of solar panels; wrong sizing; poor product quality; low technician education; lack of awareness; inadequate regulatory and institutional framework; insufficient research. - Renewable cooking stoves and LPG constraints: lack of standardisation of improved cooking stoves; expensive stoves; high price of refilling LPG bottles; lack of legislation; frequent cooking gas shortages. - Petroleum products obstacles: lack of bulk storage facilities; lack of legislation to regulate importation and marketing; lack of security of supply; high prices. - d. Tourism: - Air access constrained—The Gambia lacks a national carrier; North American Airline ceased operations in 2007. - United Kingdom accounts for "41%" of arrivals; Holland, Spain, Scandinavia and Germany follow. - "70%" of arrivals occur in six months (November to April). - Four market areas account for "87%" of arrivals with "65%" coming from two of them—over-concentration risk. - e. Road Infrastructure: - National Road Authority constrained by inadequate funding; actual government revenue collected for 2005, 2006 and 2007 fell far short of requirements. - Plans to introduce a road levy to generate maintenance funds are not yet operational. - f. Trade: - Integrated Framework provided basis for trade policy formulation but process incomplete due to budgetary constraint and limited departmental capacity. - Lack of baseline information impedes target measurement. - Commonwealth Secretariat assisting with Competition Commission; sustainability in human and financial terms is a challenge. - Integrated Framework action matrix not yet incorporated into PRSP; slow ISRT implementation due to inadequate financing affecting transit and re-exports. - g. Industry: - Difficulty engaging competent institution to review/update industrial policy due to budgetary constraints. - Challenges securing technical cooperation with UNIDO. - Without industrial policy and master plan, PRSP II industrial activities difficult to implement and monitor. - DOSTIE capacity building needed; SDF Entrepreneurship Development Project implementation slow, delaying enterprise development. - MSME policy finalization delays affecting small enterprise development; investment and Free Zones Acts review delayed; lack of baseline data hampers target measurement. - Public-private sector dialogue gradually institutionalized but not yet recognized at executive level. - h. Employment: - Slow progress at Integrated Framework secretariat in Geneva to secure a fund manager slowed IF programme implementation. - Difficulty securing total project funding for five years; lack of data on current employment levels and baseline information. - Capacity in the Department of State and Labour Department needs improvement to implement programmes. ### 7.3 Basic Social Services - a) Education: Basic and Secondary Education: - ECD programming improved; enrolment growth across regions. - To achieve ESSP targets by 2015, challenges include quality issues (teachers, resources, facilities, curriculum), ineffective coordination, over-dependence on centre-based provision. - Quality remains poor: low mastery, limited supply and uneven distribution of qualified teachers, weak monitoring of learning achievement. - Need increased technical/human resource capacity and funding for basic education. - "8%" of school-age population remains out-of-school (lower basic cohort); strategies needed to attract them to conventional or Madrassa education. - Unequal attainment between Madrassa and conventional institutions; poor quality intake into Gambia College, particularly among females. - b) Adult and Non-Formal Education: - Constraints: domestic chores limiting women’s time for literacy; inadequate mobility for field workers; husbands unwilling to allow night classes; low community capacity to hire/sustain trained facilitators. - Needs: higher training and increased remuneration for facilitators; standardized training curriculum; post-literacy materials; skills training materials and gadgets; training community structures for facility management; adequate resources for monitoring field activities. - c) Higher & Tertiary Education: - Failure to meet minimum entry requirements reduces tertiary enrolment; lack of scholarships limits qualified candidates. - Delays in programme integration, stakeholder consultations, and construction funding (UTG Faraba Banta Campus funding still negotiated). - Main challenges: shortage of lecturers due to low incentives; insufficient resources and capacity building; inadequate supervision/support for student teachers; inadequate library, lecture, administrative spaces and research materials; overcrowded classes at Gambia College; high staff attrition due to poor incentives and working environment. - d) Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET): - Quality suffering due to lack of properly trained human resources; many trainers foreign and may leave. - TVET programmes costly and inaccessible for some; difficulty recruiting a curriculum expert delaying GSQF-aligned curricula. - Delays in developing assessment standards by WAEC and other professionals as required by GSOF. - Quality improvement requires registration/accreditation of providers meeting new standards and trainers/assessors meeting set standards. - Inadequate mobility (vehicle shortages) slows supervision and LMIS data collection; acute resource shortages undermine management effectiveness. - e) Health: - Key constraints: sustaining high immunization rate and managing childhood illnesses; reducing high maternal mortality; controlling communicable diseases (malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS); strengthening health management information systems. - Increasing attrition rate, inadequate production and inequitable distribution of staff, and low staff morale hinder scaling up health programs. - Inadequate capacity in equipment, drugs, infrastructure rehabilitation, management competence, transport and logistics, and referral systems. - Inadequate financial resources and uncoordinated donor support have led to cancellations of Reproductive and Child Health outreach treks due to lack of fuel, vehicles or staff. - f) Water: - DWR communications and operational procedures inadequate and dysfunctional; poor supervisory oversight; junior staff underperforming. - Inadequate community management capacity for water facilities. - Need for proactive groundwater planning within DWR. - Poor dialogue/information exchange between stakeholders; inadequate number of qualified personnel (hydrologists, civil engineers); small budgetary allocation to DWR for monitoring and maintenance. - g) Sanitation: - Inadequate resources for construction, training, monitoring and evaluation of sanitation structures nationwide. - Inadequate field staff to supervise community/district/regional activities; poor mobility of extension workers. - Lack of baseline data on improved latrines and low stakeholder capacity on improved waste management concepts. - h) Social Welfare: - High rates of orphanhood due to maternal mortality and HIV/AIDS in URR and Western Division; need to reduce road traffic accidents and diabetes-related disability. - Need improved rehabilitation capacity: equipment, mobility aids, artificial limbs and shoes production. - Constraints: capacity for child protection, services for the aged, rehabilitation of residential facilities (Shelter for Children, Home for the Elderly), Social Welfare Office structures, transport, fuel and logistics. - Funding for running costs of residential facilities and capacity building of staff needed; decentralization of Department activities constrained—Department present only in Banjul, KMC and URR due to limited resources and high attrition. ### 7.4 Enhancing Governance and Participation of Civil Society - a. Decentralisation: - Policy framework exists but municipal/local government administration constrained by weak financial management capacity of LGAs, weak regulatory frameworks, weak financial administration procedures, inadequate IT support and personnel undermining fiscal decentralization and autonomy. - Absence of downward accountability, inadequate office equipment/space, lack of infrastructure (roads, electricity, water, transport), non-establishment of sector departments in councils, and inadequate resources for training/monitoring/evaluation across the country hamper decentralization. - Inadequate local government field staff, poor mobility, lack of baseline data on decentralised structures, and low capacity to implement decentralization concept. - b. Civic Education: - Constraints include lack of reliable vehicles and absence of trekking vehicles, low funding/subvention from government, inadequate computer equipment, thin staffing, limited access to public media due to unaffordable GRTS airtime tariffs, and lack of office space. - c. The National Assembly: - Constraints: limited resource allocation, limited capacity of members/support staff, ICT challenges. - Regionalisation and globalisation (ECOWAS, PAP, CPA, IPU, FAAPAD) increase scrutiny/oversight demands. - Priorities include bringing Parliament closer to the people, increasing democratic space, social accountability through greater interactions with civil society, and plans to webcast/telecast/broadcast proceedings but constrained by resource availability. - d. NGOs: - Limitations: inability to influence policy formulation; inadequate capacity to implement MDGs; limited funding/resources; insufficient disaggregated local information and public awareness about MDGs; insufficient capacity for integrated and participatory planning. - Other constraints: limited skills in performance budgeting, limited capacity to create MDG indicators and monitoring mechanisms, inadequate fiscal decentralization, lack of training in budgeting and public expenditure tracking, inadequate local procurement capacity. - Enabling environment exists but operationalisation is problematic: inadequate vertical coordination, poor alignment of local priorities to national plans, inconsistent donor support for local governance, late submission of reports by NGOs, dependence on crash programmes. - Larger NGOs shifting to partner-implementation models; local NGOs/CSOs encouraged to form coalitions (e.g., NAWFA, Pro-PAG, EFA Campaign Network) to create impact—requiring transparency, upward/downward accountability, and strategic partnerships. ### 7.5 Cross-cutting Issues - General: constraints are varied and complex, primarily relating to capacity constraints, funding shortages, and weak coordinating mechanisms; multi-sectoral approaches require effective coordination and strong stakeholder commitment. - a. Gender: - Major challenges: lack of a gender policy mainstreamed into programmes, lack of gender budgets across government sectors and stakeholders. - Training provided to gender activists and networks, but Mid Term review of National Women’s Policy shows persistent need for continual capacity-building on gender budgeting and empowerment for existing and new personnel. - Lack of legal mechanisms for education, protection and monitoring of women’s rights; human resource constraints; unclear linkages between sector policies. - Absence of reliable indicators/data sets for intra-household asset distribution, women’s control of income, sexuality, fertility, freedom from violence, and women’s contributions to non-market activities. - b. Forestry and Environment: - Constraints: limited funding for grassroots operations, delays in contract performance, weak capacity in environmental management, indiscriminate waste dumping, municipalities unable to ensure proper waste collection/disposal. - Limited funding prevented revising the Gambia Environmental Action Plan as planned. - Limited capacity and funding hamper multi-sectoral coordination and enforcement of environmental laws. - c. HIV/AIDS: - Sustaining national response is a major priority; The Gambia lacks adequate resources to scale up a multi-sectoral response. - Challenges in tracking priority interventions; human resource constraints in health sector; phase I Global Fund transition to phase II had uneven partner capacities affecting implementation. - d. Nutrition: - Sustaining achievements hampered by dwindling human and financial resources; inter-sectoral collaboration/coordination challenged by inadequate funding and logistics for community activities. - e. Population: - Renewed UNFPA–Gambia Government programme commencement led to usual delays in logistics, disbursements and payments. - Programme budget execution affected by sudden surge of the Dalasi against major foreign currencies resulting in low implementation rates (e.g., inadequate supply of contraceptives and equipment). - f. Youth: - Constraints for National Youth Empowerment Programme: insufficient funding, low intakes for National Youth Service Scheme, inability to continue Apprenticeship Training Programme, absence of adequate resources and recognition for youth corps programme. - Impacted National Enterprise Development Initiatives and scaling up to reach wider youth targets in 2007. *National Planning Commission: PRSP II APR 2007 — CHAPTER 7* ### CHAPTER 8: ### CHAPTER 8: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ### Overview - The first year of implementation of PRSP II had been very challenging to both government and its development partners. - Resource mobilisation is still ongoing and structural reforms, including the setting up and operationalisation of a National Planning Commission, to coordinate implementation, and enhance prudent financial management are yet to take full effect. - It is hoped that with the country reaching HIPC completion point at the end of 2007, additional resources will be available for scaling up of programme implementation from 2008 onwards. ### 8.1. Creating an Enabling Policy Environment - The reform of the NSS is paramount for the effective development planning and implementation, thus all stakeholders need to be committed to the reform process. - Advocacy and sensitisation on the value of statistics need to be undertaken and donor support and funding of statistical activities of the NSS be solicited. - In the legal sector, both the Judiciary and DOSJ will need to develop monitoring and tracking systems to be able to measure results and take corrective actions and also to ensure that there is a strategic fit between the key objectives and strategies with developments in the external environment. - Establishment of a unit responsible for monitoring, measurement and reporting on the achievements and shortcomings of the plan in a timely and proactive manner is called for. - To assist in the monitoring and control of the implementation of the strategy by the implementation unit, the department will need to set up standards of performance, measure actual performance, identify deviations from the set standards and initiate corrective actions. - With regard to the proposed civil service reform, Government should immediately establish a full-time taskforce that would prepare the civil service reform and capacity building strategy so as to curb the growing attrition rate in the civil service. - There is need to further develop the “Public Sector Reform Sector Strategy Paper 2007-2011,” drawing on the analytical findings of the reports “Improving Civil Service Performance.” The strategy should include a medium term pay and pension reform plan. - Donor missions had suggested several measures to move the reform process forward, and implementation of these recommendations should begin in immediately. Recommendations included: - (i) reconstitution of the PSPS Task Force with more focused terms of reference and a mapping of its expected outputs and decisions for reforming the PSPS and FSP; - (ii) contracting of additional diagnostic work as determined by the Task Force, including an actuarial assessment of the PSPS; - (iii) reconciliation of contribution and benefit parameters and qualifying conditions between the PSPS and FPS with a view towards a unified framework which supports pension rights portability and labor mobility; - (iv) careful consideration of the institutional arrangements suggested for the management and governance of the proposed schemes, including weighing the merits of the operational policy issues above; - (v) reconciliation of the governing legislation and regulations for the PSPS, FPS and NPF, respectively. It is important to point out the importance of a review of Part 4, para. 176 of the Constitution as applied to the existing schemes and proposed reforms; and - (vi) establishment of a sequencing of reforms to the PSPS, FPS, SSHFC and implementing regulations for each. ### 8.2. Improving production and productivity a. Agriculture - There is need to transform the current status of the sector for agriculture to be the back bone of the nation’s economy. The key areas of focus for action in ANR policy should be the following: 1. Sustainable systems of extending the information outreach on the availability of economic resources, especially inputs/outputs markets; opportunities and possibilities to invest or be involved in the sector, at all levels, particularly small holders, medium and large scale investors. 2. Availability of affordable water supplies year round for production in crops and livestock, and promoting decentralized management operations 3. Sustainable levels of improved soil fertility and land use management through participatory, people-centred approaches promoting security of property rights and broad access and control over land and natural resources 4. Universal and affordable access to essential inputs/resources: - a. including credit and other financial services; ensuring efficient use of existing capacities and those to be built up to strengthen further the supply-side of the sector; underpin the sustainability of technologies transferred to small holders to enable them move to and operate within a modern commercialised agriculture; maximise appropriate use of available credit to small holders. - b. Agro-chemicals; particularly fertilizers, - c. Undertake a comprehensive programme of transfer of improved skills and knowledge in their use and management, in tandem with relevant technologies such as Integrated Pest Management, technical standards in food products, and management of credit facilities. - d. Making mechanised power affordable and accessible particularly for crops and fisheries to underpin productivity, enhance competitiveness and attract investment in the sector, and the resulting increased opportunity costs of manual production labour - e. The sustainable availability of high quality and yielding crops and livestock germ plasm 5. Much greater focus on the use of Research and Extension structures and services on a continuous basis, primarily to meet requirements of small holders to increase their productivity and margins, from knowledge transfer, and to existing commercial enterprises to increase their competitiveness and optimize opportunities 6. Much greater attention to, promotion and adoption of value chain approaches, including institutional and organizational aspects, essentially to increase productivity and competitiveness of targeted staple food, export and industrial commodities, with greater emphasis on improving agro-processing 7. Improving the demand side for agricultural products, particularly, creating markets, expanding the growth of existing ones, enhancing inter-relationships between the agriculture sector and high value markets, especially local Tourist industry, exporters, and for diversifying the diet or food basket base of the population 8. Establishing a critical mass of skilled service providers and users of knowledge for increased productivity and competitiveness. The action will extend to all economic agents of the ANR sector; producers, marketers, processors; trade information systems. 9. Strengthening selected institutions and capacities for policy analysis, monitoring and formulation, advice, coordination, delivery, regulation and resource mobilization. 10. Strengthened CBOs, farmers groups and organizations and their Apex bodies for enhancing sustainable investment activities, including participation in the development of appropriate support and extension services to promote improved technologies such as mechanization, adopting economies of scale in farm enterprises, particularly the supply side activities; marketing and processing; enhanced information networks, communications and broadening linkages and partnerships; taking advantages of investment opportunities of diverse markets, niche markets and other employment opportunities; strengthening civil society empowerment and engagement in policy dialogue and decision making concerning ANR and rural development; local governance, and involvement in the monitoring and evaluation of policy implementation. 11. Strengthened selected Inputs/Outputs Market enterprises for availability and distribution of, and access to essential inputs by Small and Medium scale enterprises. *National Planning Commission: PRSP II APR 2007 — CHAPTER 8* ### 12. Supporting the Livestock sub sector for productivity, competitiveness, income generation and ### _cr0975 - 12. Supporting the Livestock sub sector for productivity, competitiveness, income generation and ### Fisheries and Marine resources - Forge partnerships between the fisheries administration, other government departments, existing projects/programmes and NGOs/Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to address poverty in fisheries communities. - Strengthen and support marketing organisations and structures with information services to facilitate distribution and movement of fish products to and from the community. - Stimulate women’s participation in planning and decision making taking cultural and local customs into account to avoid conflicts. - Include non-fisheries related income generating activities in integrated fisheries projects/programs to offer alternative income possibilities where fish resources diminish. ### Energy - Implement pilot solarization of villages or clusters of peri-urban villages through a pre-finance system whereby solar systems can be installed and beneficiaries pay by installment; Department of state for Energy to partner with local solar companies and local financial institutions. - Enhance capacities of Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) and the Energy Division to conduct training in solar installation and maintenance. - Promote use of solar water heaters through awareness campaigns, especially in the hotels industry. - Formulate renewable energy legislation and pursue adoptive research and development of renewable energy devices. - Raise awareness on benefits of growing energy plants; implement a pilot project on Jatropha; formulate renewable energy legislation; initiate more adoptive research in bio-fuel. - Train Gambians in making improved cooking stoves and organize awareness campaigns on their use and benefits. - Continue development of downstream petroleum legislation; construct LPG bulk storage facility (construction has already commenced). - Subsidize the price of LPG at least for five years to increase demand, reduce fuel wood use and ensure sustainability of supply. - Department of State for Energy to develop Petroleum Downstream Legislation and, subject to availability of necessary funds, explore alternative fuel in the form of renewable energy through research and development. ### Tourism - Source new markets and extend the tourist season beyond the winter season; promote the Green Season with focus on the West African sub-region. - Leverage memorandum of understanding between Ghana Tourism Board and The Gambia Tourism Authority and tour operators to jointly promote tourism products and allow Ghanaian tour operators to bring American tourists to The Gambia. - Continue ensuring adequate infrastructure facilities (water, sewage disposal, electricity and access roads) in designated tourist development areas. ### Road Infrastructure - Raise funds for the road authority, particularly through implementation of the proposed road levy to ensure funds for road maintenance. - Institute strict monitoring of contracts to ensure adherence to contractual terms and avoid settlement of claims. ### Trade - Finalise formulation of the National Trade Policy and carry out a baseline survey to determine current levels of trade activities identified in the PRSP (e.g., export/import ratio, export in non-traditional commodities, the level of The Gambia trade vis-à-vis the ECOWAS region). - Assess training needs of the trade division of DOSTIE. - Include the operation cost of the Competition Commission in the national budget and seek more donor support for the Commission. - Include priority activities of the Integrated Framework in the PRSP and overall national development strategy. - Develop an export strategy to enhance export of non-traditional exports. - Provide additional financial support to GCCI for implementation of the ISRT. ### Industry - Seek funding for review and updating of the industrial policy and development of the industrial master plan. - Settle The Gambia’s contribution to UNIDO to enable technical cooperation. - Review the SDF project agreement with the ADB to determine causes of implementation delay and review the Investment and Free Zones Acts. - Institutionalize public-private sector dialogue and pursue relevant legislation. - Strengthen capacities of DOSTIE and GIPFZA to better articulate investment policy and strategies. ### Employment - Secure adequate funding for GAMJOBS. - Conduct baseline study to ensure availability of data on current levels of unemployment and employment. - Develop a labour market information system (LMIS) for monitoring developments in the labour market. - Build capacity of DOSTIE and Labour Department for effective formulation, implementation and coordination of labour policy and enhance institutional arrangements for employment generation. ### Increase access to and coverage of Basic Social Services #### Education - Revitalise and institutionalise the access programme at the Gambia College and support that of the UTG. - Improve the scholarship package to enhance access to tertiary education. - Improve Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to increase enrolment and quality of delivery; enhance marketing strategies through information and communication management. - Raise funds for infrastructural development of the UTG Faraba Banta Campus immediately. - Improve quality and quantity of trainee PTC and HTC teachers and university graduates with academic degrees. - Establish and sustain a functional quality assurance framework, monitoring and evaluation mechanism for tertiary education programmes. - Expand structures, increase training opportunities and recruit additional lecturers in tertiary institutions. - Sensitise the public to encourage private sector and individual participation in funding tertiary education. - Register and accredit qualified trainers, assessors and training providers. - Establish a scholarship scheme for girls and the needy to enhance access to quality TVET. - Establish at least one public TVET institution in each region. - NTA to recruit a curriculum expert; develop assessment standard’ for student’s practical works as part of the GSQF to enhance full implantation. - Provide mobility support to enhance supervision of training institutions and ease data collection by LMIS Unit for analysis necessary for management decision making. #### Health - Achieve Vision 2020 long-term objective: provide adequate, effective and affordable health care for all Gambians. - Improve administration and management of health services, provide better infrastructure for referral hospitals and health facilities, and extend primary healthcare (PHC) services to all communities. - Ensure availability of well trained and motivated health personnel. - Establish an efficient supply and logistics system for effective and efficient health services. - Improve ancillary services for management of health data and enhance research into paramedical services such as traditional healing methods. - Strengthen management of Basic Health Services with emphasis on regulatory function of Department of State for Health and Social Welfare (DoSH & SW) to improve governance of the health sector. - Strengthen community structures to support health interventions including Primary Health Care, Bamako Initiative, Community Integrated management of new Born and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI), and other health initiatives. - Urgently improve access to services and Essential Care Package, particularly in poorly served areas. - Provide basic equipment for all levels of health delivery system. - Ensure effective and efficient referral system for timely and safe evacuation of patients between levels, especially during obstetric and neonatal emergencies. - Establish efficient and sustainable Health Management Information System (HMIS). - Plan for changes from Chloroquine-based malaria treatment to an Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) and ensure strategies for availability of supplies when donor funding ceases. - Intensify fight against malaria with priority to prevention and continued emphasis on environmental sanitation. - Provide vehicles, fuel and logistics for RCH, outreach services and pursue accelerated training of health workers. #### Water Resources - Develop a water strategy to guide policy implementation, provide technical direction and momentum. - Establish sound technical rationale underpinned by verifiable information and sound quantifiable hydrometeorological and hydrogeological data. - Make available Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) instruments for assessing and quantifying available river basin yield (surface and sub surface) for a range of climatic scenarios. - Place people at the center of the process; consult widely with stakeholders to achieve policy objectives and build consensus. - Establish a long-term humanitarian vision for water resources management and development. #### Sanitation - Address increased cost of constructing latrines due to rise in cement price; recognize reduced spillover effect on poor households. - Promote best hygiene practices via theatre groups engaging in continuous IEC in communities; interventions such as “set setal” have improved hygiene conditions. - Undertake more studies on appropriate technologies in environmental sanitation. - Promote recycling techniques for major waste products such as paper, nylon, bottles and metals. - Promote establishment of environment friendly organisations at local level and strengthen horizontal and vertical linkages and coordination between institutions. #### Social Welfare - Work with partners to address vulnerability among the elderly, adults and children to enhance social protection of the poor and vulnerable. - Provide quality functional equipment for production of artificial limbs for the disabled; address inadequate availability of material and inadequate funding. - Improve access to care services for the poor in rural areas; intensify fight against child abuse, abandonment and exploitation. - Operationalise the developed child protection data base. - Ensure efficient implementation of the national plan of action on orphans and vulnerable children. - Provide adequate transport and logistic support for proper delivery of services; provide basic equipment and material at all levels of social service delivery system. - Increase human resources for the Department and encourage flexi time working hours to respond to emergency cases outside working hours. - Expand coverage areas beyond pilot basis to achieve significant impact, recognizing that scaling up requires additional funding. ### Enhancing Governance and Participation of Civil Society #### Decentralisation - Increase budgetary allocation to the Department of state for Local government and Lands for continuous training of VDCs, WDCs and Technical Advisory committees. - Require Local Government authorities to allocate a percentage of their budget as direct support to training, planning and funding implementation of development activities of decentralised structures. - Conduct baseline studies on the state of decentralised structures and support establishment of Village Development Committees with required support (group management techniques, participatory research and planning techniques) as expressed by most MDFTs, VDCs and WDCs across regions. - Urgently implement the Community Driven Development programme to ensure community development needs are addressed. #### Civic Education - Provide reliable roadworthy vehicles to enhance closer and informed participation of individuals and communities in identification and implementation of relevant activities. - Secure sustainable sources of funding for continuity in delivery of Civic Education. - Review Council’s annual subvention to increase operational funds to complement partner funding. - National Council for Civic Education to have at least weekly one hour programme on national radio and television to deliver Civic Education to the public. - Provide adequate and conducive office space to fully accommodate the council and technical staff. - Engage NCCE in conducting public education activities across government departments to add professionalism, save cost and reduce duplication. - Support NCCE to attract, employ, train/reorient, adequately remunerate and retain competent administrative, technical and support staff. #### NGOs - Build capacities of NGOs and the NGO coordinating Agency, TANGO, for effective involvement in PRSP II implementation. - Expedite promulgation of Decree 81 into the bill. - Develop a strategy to track NGOs income and expenditure. - Embark on institutional strengthening of TANGO (human, material and finance). ### Cross-cutting issues #### Gender - Strengthen sector contributions, participation and commitment to development of the Gender priority programme in PRSP II despite obstacles. - Undertake joint programming, funding review and assessment of actions within the social sector to address issues relating to per capita income of female headed households. - Compare policies to determine gaps (e.g., NPAGW and the Health Policy). - Facilitate effective policy dialogue for enactment of the Draft Women’s Bill 2007. - Coordinate data to avoid inconsistency of available data. #### Forestry and the Environment - Harness more resources to ensure availability of better skills and institutional capacity for sensitization activities. - National Environment Agency to continue and widen consultative forum for mainstreaming environmental issues into economic decision making. - Review partnerships with key stakeholders to strengthen regulatory framework and enforcement codes, particularly for sustainable management and protection of the coast and its resources. #### HIV/AIDS - Accelerate implementation rates of PPTCT, ART IEC/BCC and OVC components of the National Response. - Renew commitment and dedication of all implementing partners; consider sustainability of the Secretariat in terms of strategic planning and resource mobilization to enable sector-wide approach. - Enhance human resource capacity and staff retention in Public Health Facilities. - Introduce in-service training for midwives and support lay counselors for VCT/PTCT/ART services. - Include HIV/AIDS into the curriculum of pre-service health training schools. #### Nutrition - Sustain interventions through wide stakeholder participation via multi-sectoral structures; secure funding to maintain and strengthen structures built. - Widen and strengthen Integrated Community Based Programmes as more sustainable and cost effective. - Secure better funding to ensure successful implementation of the National Nutrition programme and scaling up of proven successes. #### Population - Enhance partnership and collaboration among partners on capacity building, especially further training of programme personnel and more advocacy. #### Youth Empowerment - Increase funding for Youth empowerment programme, particularly to strengthen the Apprenticeship Training Programme and build staff capacity. - Formalise and integrate National Enterprise Development Initiatives with programmes such as the Social Development Fund and the Community Driven Development Programme. *National Planning Commission: PRSP II APR 2007 — pages cited in source content* ### APPENDIX 1: ### APPENDIX 1: PRSP II: ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR 2007 - RESULTS MATRIX UPDATE ### PILLAR 1 - Create an enabling policy environment to promote economic growth and poverty reduction #### 1.1. Macro-economic management - Expected outcomes: - Macroeconomic stability consolidated (IMF) - Measures to induce the financial sector to lend to productive investments in place. - Key indicators, baseline, targets, achievement: - Annual GDP growth (in real terms) - Baseline 2005: 6.3 - Targets: 7.2 - Achievement: 6.3 - Consumer Price Index- All items (Inflation rate Period Average / End Period) - Baseline 2005: 105.28 - Targets: 1.4 4.0 - 2006: 110.93 (3.8) - Achievement (end period): 5.39 - 2007: 112.26 (5.2 6.0) - Basic fiscal balance (av. 2.7% of GDP) - Baseline 2005: 8.5 - Targets: 8.3 - Achievement: 0.2 - External current account deficit - Baseline (2006): 14 - Targets: 12.3 10.0 - International reserves (months of import cover) - Baseline (2006): 5.0 - Targets: 5.5 - Achievement: 5.5 - ODA disbursements as percentage of GDP - Baseline (2004): 15.1% - Debt stock as % of GDP (Domestic debt stock as % of GDP) - Baseline: 32.1 - Targets: 30.2 - Achievement: 28.4 - Domestic revenue as % of GDP - Baseline 2005: 22.1% - Targets: 21.7 - Government strategies and priority actions (selected): - Put in place investment incentives to create employment in the private sector. - Reduce government domestic borrowing; improve money market operations and financial system flexibility. - Strengthen institutional capacity and procedures at revenue departments. - Improve public expenditure transparency and reflect government priorities. - Improve export activities and intra-regional trade; develop programmes to direct remittances into key development areas. - Ensure strict compliance with HIPC triggers; gradual reduction of annual budget financing requirements. - Improve budget management through Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS); enhance public sector financial management and aid coordination. - Public financial management and poverty monitoring indicators: - Poverty Head Count Index - Baseline (2003): 58% - Target (Phase 1): 50% - Achievement: Updated poverty data not available (last update 2003) - Poverty Gap ratio (Incidence x Depth) - Baseline (2003): 25.1 - Target: 22 - Share of Poorest quintile in National Income - Baseline (2003): 9% - Target: 13% - Poverty-reducing expenditure as % of GLF (including debt service) - Baseline: 15.04% - Target (excluding debt service): 28.1% / 25% #### 1.2. Legal Sector - Expected outcomes: - Effective and efficient justice management system. - Efficiently managed legal sector; strengthened institutions (AGC, RGD, LRC, National Council for Law Reporting). - Improved advocacy and litigation skills; unified criminal justice system; strengthened Law Reform Commission. - Key indicators and targets: - Self-financing contribution of judiciary system as proportion of overall judiciary budget: - - Reduction of Backlog cases (number) - Baseline: 33 - Target: 21 - Achievement: - - Case processing time (months) - Baseline: 88.3%11.7% (appears in matrix) - Targets/Achievement: 75% / 30 / 11 (as listed) - Utilisation of ICT per Court (High Court / Magistrates Court / District Tribunals) - Baseline: 0 0 4 - Targets: 1 0 4 - Achievement: 7 0 - Percentage of Gambians in superior Courts; Satisfaction with legal services (user survey) - Targets: 30% / 35% - Government strategies (selected): - Review and strengthen administrative and management capacity of DOSJ. - Decentralize administration and management of AGC; strengthen autonomy of units. - Restructure, upgrade and improve capacity of RGD; publish trademark application process and create computerized database. - Revitalise and strengthen Law Reform Commission; provide LAN and training to Commission members. - Strengthen National Council for Law Reporting; increase recurrent and capital budget and begin in-house printing. - Improve registration, recording and management of legal instruments; implement HRIS and training. #### 1.3. Civil Service Reform - Expected outcomes: - Improved governance and management of the Civil Service to ensure transparency, accountability and promote ethical values. - Reformed public sector able to implement policies and programmes; retained highly trained professional staff. - Key indicators: - Public sector attrition rate: 10% - Public sector wages as proportion of private sector wage level: (not numerically specified) - Public sector vacancy rate: (not numerically specified) - Productivity gains in public sector processes (Weeks): (elements listed: Recruitment, Promotions, Pension) - Payroll as % of GDP: (not specified) - Government strategies (selected): - Review Public Service Act, Regulations, General orders, Financial Regulations and Schemes of Service. - Strengthen institutional capacity for policy formulation, human resources development, programme coordination and monitoring. - Implement funded pension scheme, medical insurance, and re-introduction of car and building loan scheme. #### 1.4. Public Utilities Regulation (PURA) - Expected outcomes: - Existence of a highly competent Human Resource Base at PURA. - Enhanced competition, market entry and rural access; service provision in un-served and underserved areas enhanced. - Optimal utilization of spectrum and defined numbering plan; effective enforcement mechanism; effective consumer protection. - Indicators and targets: - Human resource competency: xx 27 (as listed) - No of Utility Providers licensed: 2 - Tele-density per 100 (linked in telecoms later) - Consumer education carried out: 1 (baseline) - Existence of consumer bill of rights, consumer query lodge database: Development - Existence of Tariff models in electricity and water; Regulatory Accounts Guidelines; Interconnection Framework: Development - Government strategies (selected): - Develop tariff models and regulatory accounts for Electricity, Water and Telecoms. - Develop interconnection framework for operators in telecoms; universal access programmes and funds. - Develop national frequency table and numbering plan; framework on cost of spectrum usage/pricing. - Establish license application guidelines and compliance/enforcement policy; dispute resolution mechanism. - Conduct consumer awareness campaigns and customer satisfaction surveys; formulate consumer protection policy; create ADR mechanism. ### PILLAR 2 - Enhance the productive capacity and social protection of the poor and vulnerable [MDG 1] #### 2.1. Agriculture - Expected outcomes: - Enhanced agricultural productivity across crops; increased horticultural productivity; improved livestock productivity and carcass weights. - Crop yields (CROP YIELDS) - Rice: Baseline 1.2t/ha; Target 0.9t/ha - Millet (L&E): Baseline 0.9t/ha; Target 0.7t/ha - Maize: Baseline 1.0t/ha; Target 1.0t/ha - Sorghum: Baseline 0.9t/ha; Target 0.9t/ha - Groundnut: Baseline 1.0t/ha; Target 0.7t/ha - Sesame: Baseline 0.4t/ha; Target 0.4t/ha - Findo: Baseline 0.3t/ha; Target 0.3t/ha - Production (in mt) and targets (selected): - Rice production: Baseline 21,376; Target 137,275 (table shows increases across crops to 224,598 total cereals and specific figures) - Groundnut: Baseline 184,197; Target 224,598 - Sesame: Baseline 715; Target 894 - Cashew nuts: Baseline 3,200; Target 3,400 - Findo: Baseline 238; Target 755 - Horticultural yields (t/ha) - Onions: Baseline 5.0t/ha; Target 5.5t/ha - Tomato: Baseline 7.0t/ha; Target 7.5t/ha - Cabbage: Baseline 10t/ha; Target 10.0t/ha - Egg plant: Baseline 12t/ha; Target 12.5t/ha - Pepper: Baseline 5.0t/ha; Target 5.5t/ha - Okra: Baseline 2.5t/ha; Target 2.6t/ha - Water melon: Baseline 20.0t/ha; Target 21.0t/ha - Livestock productivity (carcass weights) - CARCASS WHT.: Cattle 135kg; Sheep 25kg; Goats 20kg; Poultry 0.9kg; Pigs 15kg - Targets: Cattle 136kg; Sheep 26kg; Goats 21kg; Poultry 1kg; Pigs 16kg - Livestock numbers (production) - Cattle: Baseline 57,379; Target 57,804 - Sheep: Baseline 5,167; Target 5,374 - Goats: Baseline 7,148; Target 7,505 - Poultry: Baseline 623; Target 692 - Pigs: Baseline 370; Target 395 - Strategies (selected): - Rehabilitation of groundnut sector with privatization; revisit public sector role; improve extension services; develop improved seeds; strengthen pest and disease surveillance; introduce SWAp; improve agricultural data collection. - Promote sustainable diversified food production, facilitate access to land for commercial farms, strengthen cashew nut and sesame producer associations, develop rural infrastructure (storage depots and roads), promote private sector input supply and marketing. #### 2.2. Fisheries and Marine Resources - Expected outcomes: - Higher contribution of artisanal fisheries to food security and livelihoods; increased production and reduced post-harvest losses; expansion of aquaculture and mariculture. - Key indicators and targets: - Number of youths trained in the fisheries sector - Baseline: 295 - Target: 10 - Total surface water area under fish farming - mariculture: - - aquaculture: 1.2ha and 14 ponds - Strategies (selected): - Develop on-land preservation and storage facilities; support training; provision of gears; establish centralized wholesale fish market; facilitate river-based fish ponds and integrated rice-fish farming. #### 2.3. Tourism - Expected outcomes: - Growing tourism industry; increased revenue, GDP share, jobs and accommodation capacity. - Key indicators and targets: - Tourism sector revenue (D bn.) - Baseline: 1.8 - Target: 1.89 - Tourism share of GDP (%) - Baseline: 16% - Target: 16% - Number of jobs in the Tourism Industry - Baseline: 10,000 - Target: 10,155 - Tourism facilities/capacities accommodation (number of beds) - Baseline: 6093 - Target: 8284 - Bar and restaurants: Baseline 42; Target 50 - International tour operators: Baseline 6; Target 7 - Ground tour operators: Baseline 5; Target 6 - Car rental companies: Baseline 6; Target 7 - Strategies (selected): - Create awareness of The Gambia and build positive brand image; diversify tourism product range; regulate and classify tourism establishments; meet manpower needs; implement Tourism Master plan; increase local entrepreneur participation; intensify linkages with agriculture and fisheries. #### 2.4. Industry - Expected outcomes: - Expansion of manufacturing industry. - Indicators: - Contribution of manufacturing to GDP (%) - Baseline: 5.21% - Target: 5.24% - Employment in manufacturing (number): (not numerically specified) - Strategies (selected): - Review and update industrial policy; entrepreneurial development programmes; ensure adequate infrastructure services (energy, transport, telecoms); small-scale industry extension programmes; training for entrepreneurs. #### 2.5. Trade - Expected outcomes: - Attractive investment climate; improved access to trade finance; promotion and diversification of exports. - Indicators (selected; some baselines shown) - Ease of Doing Business ranking (WB) [position] - Baseline (2006): 113 - Foreign Direct Investment (net) US$m: 60.8 (baseline) - Number of days to register a Limited Liability Company: (not specified) - Number of days to resolve commercial disputes: (not specified) - Private fixed investment (as % of GDP): (not specified) - Domestic credit to the private sector as ratio of GDP: (not specified) - Percentage change in non-traditional exports (NTE): (not specified) - Average number of days for customs-clearing goods from the national ports: (not specified) - Strategies (selected): - Formulate and implement investment policy and investment promotion strategy; institutionalize public-private dialogue; divest public sector assets; reform Mortgage Act; consolidate macroeconomic stability; improve electricity supply; develop national export strategy; improve customs clearance procedures; establish trade information system; support ECOWAS regional integration and WTO agreement. #### 2.6. Employment - Expected outcomes: - Reorient policies towards employment creation; reduction in youth unemployment; increased income from agricultural employment; establishment of micro-finance fund; labour-intensive public works created. - Indicators and targets: - Youth unemployment rate (in per cent): (not numerically specified) - Number of new jobs created by sector: (not numerically specified) - Per-capita income of rural households: (not specified) - Social Protection Expenditures as % of GDP: (not specified) - Number of jobs: 10000 (appears in matrix) - Strategies (selected): - Enhance capacity of DOSTIE and National Employment Commission; improve national labour market information and poverty monitoring; implement training programmes for young entrepreneurs and vocational training; establish or reinforce labour market intermediation / job centres. #### 2.7. Energy - Expected outcomes: - Enhanced supply and lower cost of electricity; effective implementation of energy policy, electricity law and petroleum act; increased use of renewable energies. - Indicators and targets: - Electricity generation capacity (in MW): 25 - Transmission/ distribution capacity: 41.2 - Transmission/ distribution losses (%) - Baseline (2003): 27.8 - Hours of electricity outage per consumer per year (number): 54 - Percentage of households with access to electricity: 30 - Renewable energy indicators: - Increase in forest cover (in %): 43 44 (listed) - Growth in consumption of LPG (2005=100): 100 - Strategies (selected): - Encourage private investment in generation; rural electrification; invest in transmission and distribution; reduce losses; develop tariff structures; un-bundle and divest government assets; strengthen R&D for renewables; increase use of efficient stoves and bio-fuels; formulate petroleum downstream regulations; encourage private investment in storage and distribution. #### 2.8. Infrastructure (Transport, Roads, Maritime, Bridges, Airports) - Expected outcomes: - Road Transport Policy and Plan incorporating PRSP and MDG objectives; high standard primary road network; efficient maritime transport; improved road safety; enhanced regional connectivity via bridges; increased air passenger and cargo volumes. - Indicators and targets: - Length of primary roads reconstructed/rehabilitated: Baseline 257km; Target 429km - Length of urban roads maintained (routine and periodic maintenance): Baseline 20km; Target 50km - Number of accidents per 10,000 vehicles: Baseline 870; Target 5% Reduction - Bridge projects (Farafenni Bridge; Sankoley Kunda Bridge; Basse – Wuli Bridge & Bansang Bridges): status entries include Baseline2007 / Feasibility Study / Tender for Feasibility Study / Feasibility Study and Detailed Design. - Cargo volume transported by river vessels: (not specified) - Total air freight; Number of air traffic passengers: (not specified) - Strategies (selected): - Set up National Road Authority and Road Fund; revise Port Master Plan; conduct container management study; promote sub-regional coastal shipping; develop airport cargo and aircraft maintenance facilities; implement steps towards ICAO category I status. #### 2.9. Telecommunications - Expected outcomes: - Liberalisation and privatisation; creation of USF; greater coverage and affordability; increased ICT penetration; reduced urban-rural ICT divide; improved government service delivery. - Indicators and targets: - Tele-density per 100 - Baseline: 2.89 - Target: 3.93 - Mobile users per 100 - Baseline: 16.28 - Target: 38 - Internet users per 100 population - Baseline: 3.22 - Target: 3.47 - PCs per 100 - Baseline: 1.51 - Target: 2.35 - Telecommunications ACT / Generic and Harmonised ICT Law: N/A N/A - Strategies (selected): - Encourage national coverage and rural access; create universal service fund to provide access to ICTs; enact Telecoms Bill; capacity building; implement NICI e-strategies. ### PILLAR 3 - Improve coverage of the basic social service needs of the poor and vulnerable [MDG 2, 4, 5 and 6] #### 3.1. Health - Expected outcomes: - Availability of well-trained and motivated health personnel; improved access to and quality of health services; improved maternal and newborn care; strengthened referral system; intensified fight against malaria and TB. - Key indicators, baseline, targets, achievement: - Public expenditure on health as percentage of total budget - Baseline: 9.9% - Target: 9.79% - Achievement: 9.79% (table shows 9.79% and 9.79% with per capita health expenditure 290 / 109.6) - Per capita health expenditure (Dalasis): Baseline 290; Target 109.6 - Utilization of public health services (Out-patients only): Baseline 509,387; Target 509,387 - Infant mortality rate by region (per 1000 live births): 93 (2006) / 122 (2004) - Under-five mortality (per 1000 live births): 730 (2003) - Maternal mortality (per 100000 live births): 56.3% (table shows mixed entries) / 574 - Births attended by skilled health personnel (%): 86 / 59.3 - Malaria and TB indicators: - Malaria prevalence (per 100000 people): 2.8 - Fatality rate from malaria: 2.7 - Tuberculosis prevalence (per 100000 people): 120 (2004) - Fatality rate from tuberculosis (per 100,000 people): 39 (2004) - Immunization: - No. of children >1 immunized with DPT 3: 89.2% (2005) → Target 94% - No. of children immunized with Measles: 83.4% (2005) → Target 85% - No. of children <1 immunized with DPT: 95.5% (2005) → Target 85% - Strategies (selected): - HR planning and training; improve financing; upgrade infrastructure and supply/logistics; implement new anti-malarial drug policy nationwide; procure new malaria drugs; strengthen district health planning and management; increase immunization acceptability and accessibility. #### 3.2. Education - Expected outcomes: - Increased access and participation in education; improved quality of teaching and learning; improved school environment; narrowed gender gap. - Key indicators and targets: - Public Expenditure on Education as Percentage of GDP (%) - Baseline: 2.2 - Target: 2.4 - Government Expenditure (%) on Education - Baseline: 18 - Target: 18.2 - Gross Enrolment Rates (%) (selected) - Lower Basic: Baseline 81; Target 92 - Upper Basic: Baseline 59; Target 63 - Senior Secondary: Baseline 31; Target 35 - Enrolment Figures (Numbers) - Lower Basic: Baseline 193,801; Target 215,273 - Upper Basic: Baseline 62,664; Target 68,743 - Senior Secondary: Baseline 34,198; Target 35,816 - Completion Rates (LBS) (%): Baseline 62; Target 64 - Number of Additional Teachers Lower Basic: Baseline 385; Target 360 - Gender parity (Ratio of girls to boys) - Lower Basic: Baseline 50.63; Target 50.42 - Upper Basic: Baseline 48.03; Target 49.18 - Senior Secondary: Baseline 41.61; Target 43.7 - Percentage of Trained Teachers in Basic Schools (%) - Baseline: 71; Target: 73 - Enrolment to Adult and Non Formal Education - Baseline: 7670; Target: 13516 - Adult Illiteracy Rate (%) - Baseline: 47; Target: 49 - Strategies (selected): - Improve planning and management; improve school infrastructure; provide scholarships for girls; provide adequate teaching and learning materials; develop up-to-date curriculum; effective school management; support literacy providers. #### 3.3. Higher Education - Expected outcomes: - Increased access to tertiary education; improved planning and management; improved infrastructure; stronger TVET; narrowed gender gap. - Indicators and targets: - Public Expenditure on Education as Percentage GDP (%) - Baseline: 2.2 - Target: 2.4 - Government Expenditure (%) - Baseline: 18 - Target: 18.2 - Enrolment Figures (Numbers) - GC: Baseline 708; Target 2346 - MDI: Baseline 1051; Target 782 - GTTI: Baseline 2087; Target 1842 - UTG: Baseline 336; Target 869 - Skill Centers: Baseline 14929; Target 17169 - Number of additional TVET establishments: Baseline 103; Target 53 - Number of trained HTC teachers: Baseline 333; Target 176 - Gender gap in access to tertiary education (%) (GC MDI GTTI UTG Skill centers) - Baseline: 29.2 57.3 36.1 24 85.1 - Targets/achievement entries: 41.3 61.5 32.5 41.3 85.1 - Strategies (selected): - Integrate tertiary institutions (MDI, GTTI, GC, UTG); expand UTG Kanifing Campus; PTC extension at Gambia College; develop laboratories and counselling centre; establish quality assurance framework; scholarship schemes for needy girls; expand TVET particularly in rural areas. #### 3.4. Water and Sanitation - Expected outcomes: - Increased access to safe water and sanitation; improved operation and maintenance for community water facilities; enhanced solid waste management infrastructure. - Indicators and targets: - % of rural population with sustainable access to safe water sources - Baseline (2006): 81.3 - Target: 83 - % of urban population with sustainable access to safe water sources - Baseline (2006): 91.2 - Target: 92 - Number of water supply facilities constructed - Baseline: 1323 - Target: 1423 - % of population with access to improved sanitation: (not specified) - % of solid waste generated properly disposed of (urban areas): (not specified) - Strategies (selected): - Provide potable water to rural communities; train area mechanics and village water committees; implement National Water Policy and master plan; enhance solid waste management. ### PILLAR 4 - Build the capacity of local communities and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to play an active role in the process of poverty reduction - Expected outcomes: - Strengthened and more focused NGOs; upgraded and strengthened NCCE human and material resources; strengthened capacities of National Assembly members in public financial management. - Indicators and targets: - Annual number of NGOs compliance to the NGOs Policy on Article 13 of the agreed protocol - Baseline (2004): 55% - Target: 100% - Achievement: 70% - NCCE staffing and resourcing (2005 baselines and targets listed): Baseline numbers and targets for regional offices, motorcycles, pedal bicycles, computers, higher level training (examples: (2005) 14 → 83; (2005) 0 → 7; etc.) - Number of trained NAMs on budget management of public: Baseline 34%; Target 100%; Achievement 34% ### PILLAR 5 - Mainstream poverty-related cross-cutting issues into poverty reduction [MDG 3, 6, 7] #### 5.1. Gender - Expected outcomes: - Produce gender-disaggregated data; expand gender analysis in policy; implement master plan for women's empowerment; promote awareness and compliance with women's rights laws; strengthen institutions dealing with women and children. - Indicators and targets: - Proportion of national budget allocated to gender concern - Baseline: 10.4% - Target: 10.4% / 13.2% (table shows both) - Achievement: 10.4% 18.2% - Proportion of women in public leadership positions: (parliament seats % of total; administration): (not numerically specified) - Ratio of girls to boys in primary school - Baseline: N/A - Target: 1.00 - Achievement: 0.87 - % of women 15–24 who can read - Baseline: 43.1 - Target: 45 - Achievement: 43.1 - Strategies (selected): - Promote increased enrolment, quality and survival at all education levels; strengthen women and girls' entrepreneurial skills; boost adult literacy campaigns; improve female access to credit and land ownership; develop community infrastructure to facilitate women's agricultural activity. #### 5.2. HIV/AIDS - Expected outcomes: - Prevention of new HIV infections; effective coordination of responses; increased quality treatment, care and support; reduced morbidity and mortality. - Indicators, baseline and targets: - HIV prevalence rate among youth (MEN / WOMEN): Baseline: - / 0.6% / 1.7% / 1.2% (table entries mixed) - HIV prevalence among pregnant women: 1.0 - Coverage of HAART: Baseline 50%? (matrix entries show various targets) - Access to clinical care & treatment and prevention of OIs for 80% of PLWHA; Access to safe and well-monitored ART for 50% of all PLWHA eligible for HAART within 5 years; Access to prevention of PTCT for 80% of all pregnant women. - Targets for service coverage (examples in table): 50% 70% 20% 10% 20% 70% 70% 95% 75% 20% - Holistic support provided to 50% PLWHA who are diagnosed and registered: Baseline 20% - Strategies (selected): - Scale up prevention and information/advocacy; mainstream HIV/AIDS into national programmes; strengthen VCT services; develop M&E plan and institutional frameworks; improve access to HAART and PTCT; build health sector and civil society capacity for care and support. #### 5.3. Population - Expected outcomes: - Strengthened capacities for population policy development and implementation; improved reproductive health management; expanded coverage of vital registration; balanced spatial distribution of population. - Indicators and targets: - Annual population growth rate (per cent): Baseline 2.7 (2003) - Fertility rate: Baseline 5.35 (2003) - Life expectancy at birth: Baseline 64 yrs (2003) - Contractive Prevalence Rate (per1000 live births): (not specified) - Infant Mortality Rates (100,000 live births): see Health section indicators - Strategies (selected): - Implement IEC programmes targeting men; include life skills in education; research migration types and formulate migration policy; strengthen data collection, analysis and dissemination (DHS and household surveys); establish data bank and management information network. #### 5.4. Nutrition - Expected outcomes: - Scale up preventive nutrition interventions; strengthen management and control of micronutrient deficiencies; reduce burden of malnutrition. - Indicators, baseline and targets: - Households unable to meet minimum nutritional and non-food requirements: Baseline 45.6%; Target 50% - Exclusive breastfeeding rate: Baseline (not numerically specified) - Under-five malnutrition rates: - Stunting: Baseline 19%; Target 18% - Wasting: Baseline 6.8%; Target 6.5% - Underweight: Baseline 17%; Target 16% - Low birth weight babies (percentage): Baseline 17%; Target 16% - Vitamin A supplementation coverage, iodized salt consumption, incidence of iron deficiency anaemia, goiter rate: Baseline and targets include 76% 73% 16.3% 13.2% → Targets 80% 78% 16.0% 50% → Achievement 82% 80% - Strategies (selected): - Strengthen nutrition service delivery through health system and community; strengthen community capacity to plan and manage nutrition interventions; incorporate nutrition objectives in development policies; support implementation of the Food Act. #### 5.5. Climate Change - Expected outcomes: - Heightened resilience of local communities to climate change via irrigation, agro-forestry, coastal protection, disease control, aquaculture and renewable energy alternatives. - Indicators (examples listed, not numerically specified): - Agricultural land under irrigation (ha) - Farmer incomes from livestock industries - Rate of deforestation / afforestation (by area) - Beach erosion - Prevalence of water-borne and water-related diseases - Aquaculture/mariculture production - Strategies (selected): - Implement early-warning system; sensitize population; enhance irrigation and communal gardens; promote community-based forest management; sustainable coastal zone management; reforestation; reinforce capacity to control water-borne diseases; promote aquaculture; undertake feasibility studies on private sector energy alternatives. #### 5.6. Environment - Expected outcomes: - Effective management of natural resources for environmental sustainability; implementation of GEAP II; strengthened enforcement of environmental regulation; implementation of afforestation and biodiversity plans; operationalized clean development mechanism. - Indicators and targets: - Cost of environmental degradation: 10% of GDP (listed) - National budgetary allocation for environment: (not specified) - Forests and afforestation indicators: - Rate of deforestation / afforestation and hectares devoid of forest: Baseline entries 42.6% 41.8% 41.4% across rows - Afforestation (by area) targets: 43% 45% 47% - Wildilfe and marine resources: Areas under protection; Bio-diversity indicator; control of GMO and LMO (listed) - Strategies (selected): - Implement GEAP II; strengthen enforcement capacity; launch local environmental action plans (LEAP); promote participatory forest management and tree planting; implement desertification action plan; implement National Biodiversity Action Plan and Bio Safety action plan. *Source: APPENDIX 1: PRSP II: ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR 2007 - RESULTS MATRIX UPDATE* ### APPENDIX 2: GDP at CURRENT PRICES (Thousand Dalasi ### APPENDIX 2: GDP at CURRENT PRICES (Thousand Dalasi) ### Agriculture, hunting and forestry (Thousand Dalasi) - Agriculture, hunting and forestry: 2004 4,364,988; 2005 4,577,091; 2006 4,665,327; 2007 4,986,988 - Crops: 2004 2,820,497; 2005 2,957,549; 2006 3,014,565; 2007 3,222,369 - Livestock: 2004 1,439,041; 2005 1,508,967; 2006 1,538,056; 2007 1,644,145 - Forestry: 2004 105,450; 2005 110,575; 2006 112,705; 2007 120,475 - Fishing: 2004 301,585; 2005 306,350; 2006 313,326; 2007 334,925 ### Production industries (Thousand Dalasi) - Mining and quarrying: 2004 266,938; 2005 290,643; 2006 337,119; 2007 360,360 - Manufacturing: 2004 973,364; 2005 1,024,155; 2006 1,040,338; 2007 1,112,050 - Electricity, gas and water supply: 2004 134,484; 2005 141,501; 2006 143,737; 2007 153,644 - Construction: 2004 982,179; 2005 1,124,013; 2006 1,605,946; 2007 1,525,869 - Total production industries: 2004 7,023,538; 2005 7,463,753; 2006 8,105,792; 2007 8,473,835 ### Service industries (Thousand Dalasi) - Wholesale and retail trade: 2004 4,380,418; 2005 4,608,991; 2006 4,681,819; 2007 5,004,550 - Hotels and restaurants: 2004 438,580; 2005 461,464; 2006 616,697; 2007 659,208 - Transport and storage: 2004 588,897; 2005 610,686; 2006 633,282; 2007 676,936 - Communications and postal services: 2004 1,334,581; 2005 1,428,001; 2006 1,527,960; 2007 1,633,288 - Business services: 2004 1,702,295; 2005 1,762,668; 2006 1,765,707; 2007 1,887,423 - Financial intermediation: 2004 1,105,022; 2005 1,135,965; 2006 1,136,853; 2007 1,215,221 - Real estate, renting and business activities: 2004 597,273; 2005 626,703; 2006 628,854; 2007 672,202 - Market services: 2004 51,225; 2005 53,898; 2006 54,750; 2007 58,524 - Imputed rent: 2004 546,048; 2005 572,805; 2006 574,104; 2007 613,678 - Public administration: 2004 376,386; 2005 382,032; 2006 382,118; 2007 408,441 - Other services: 2004 426,077; 2005 433,549; 2006 433,696; 2007 463,575 - Education: 2004 172,493; 2005 175,080; 2006 175,120; 2007 187,183 - Health and social work: 2004 170,423; 2005 172,979; 2006 173,019; 2007 184,937 - Other community, social and personal services: 2004 83,161; 2005 85,490; 2006 85,557; 2007 91,455 - Total service industries: 2004 9,247,234; 2005 9,687,391; 2006 10,041,279; 2007 10,733,421 ### FISIM, totals, and GDP aggregates (Thousand Dalasi and rates) - FISIM: 2004 (692,848); 2005 (726,799); 2006 (728,446); 2007 (778,659) - Total all industries: 2004 15,577,923; 2005 16,424,345; 2006 17,418,625; 2007 18,428,597 - Taxes less subsidies on products: 2004 239,781; 2005 1,562,518; 2006 1,965,700; 2007 2,031,750 - GDP at market prices: 2004 15,817,705; 2005 17,986,864; 2006 19,384,325; 2007 20,460,347 - Annual growth rate: 2005 13.8; 2006 13.7; 2007 7.8; 2008 5.6 (labels in table: "Annual growth rate" then values 13.8, 13.7, 7.8, 5.6) - Note: table presents four growth numbers aligned with annual entries ### Per capita and population (exact values) - Per Capita GDP: 2004 11,228; 2005 12,332; 2006 12,838; 2007 13,091 - Population: 2004 1,408,763; 2005 1,458,542; 2006 1,509,928; 2007 1,562,894 *Source: _cr0975 - APPENDIX 2: GDP at CURRENT PRICES (Thousand Dalasi)* --- _Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/websites/imf/imported-full-text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/scr/2009/_cr0975.pdf_