Gambia soil and water management project

The project can be deemed a partial success. On the positive side, creation of the SWMU has led to enduring changes in some agricultural practices in The Gambia. The construction of dikes and bunds in the lowlands has proven particularly successful in stopping both salt-water intrusion and runoff. The dikes brought about significant increases in lowland hectarage, thereby increasing agricultural production while maintaining the natural habitat of certain plant and animal species. The laying out of contour berms in combination with contour farming increases infiltration to provide enough moisture to enhance plant growth. The success of the SWMU"s activities in these areas was echoed in almost all the villages visited by the evaluation team. On the negative side, the SWMU is still weak in the areas of agroforestry, range management, and (especially) monitoring -- despite its progress in the last of these areas. Also, insufficient budgeting from the GOTG (otherwise supportive of the Unit) has limited the SWMU"s ability to decentralize and expand its operations nationwide. Finally, the offshore, short-term training provided by the project has increased the SWMU"s technical skills, professionalism, and motivation, but lack of communication, planning, and follow-up are still evident. An economic analysis conducted in 5/91 found the project highly beneficial to farmers. The internal rate of return over the period 1978-2006 is calculated at 10.1%, indicating that the project is economically justified, even when its many social and environmental benefits are not considered. The Unit"s sustainability hinges on two provisions. (1) the GOTG must provide adequate budgetary support for personnel as well as operating costs. (2) Funds must be secured for ongoing replacement of heavy equipment. The present equipment cannot be expected to last more than 3 years. A key lesson learned is the need for extensionists to train farmers in conservation technologies such as contour farming, proper plowing methods, and use of hedges.