It is in this context that BE REEL was asked to assist people of The Gambia, starting in the village of Gunjur, to develop and grow micro businesses.

Economic and industrial growth in The Gambia is, and will continue to be very slow. Whilst the Government has few resources for educational activities, it strongly supports initiatives such as those associated with micro-business development.

In Gunjur, as with other rural communities, there are very few employment opportunities.  Unemployment for 15 to 35 years olds is up to 80%.  Small-scale farming is the main income generating occupation, supported by the ‘Women’s Gardens’ and opportunities to sell in the village market.  However this provides little income beyond subsistence levels.  Setting up individual micro businesses is the only viable option for most people in Gunjur and other rural communities.  There are now many more opportunities for varied businesses following the recent installation in central Gunjur of piped water (mainly to stand pipes) and electricity.

Many people in Gunjur are actively seeking to set up their own micro-business activities.  However often the business starts well, but then stalls.  Most people do not have the knowledge or experience to develop their ideas beyond an informal ‘cottage industry’, where long term planning, product and market development, and cash flow skills are critical.

Training programmes in existing education centres are available only to those few people who have reached the secondary education standard required and can afford the fees.  Whilst the need for individuals to set up micro-businesses is very high, appropriate educational development for sustainable income-generating activities is not available for the vast majority of the rural population.  The gap between those who can access further education and those who can’t is progressively widening.

It is into this gap that BE REEL has been asked to contribute.