Hope blooms in Gambia's community gardens

Topics: Africa
April 23, 2013

Hope blooms in Gambia's community gardens

As one of Canada's most active charity organizations, the Canadian Red Cross is committed to responding to the needs of people who have been impacted by crisis situations around the world.

From emergencies and disasters to food shortages, incidents that can develop in vulnerable communities can affect individuals in negative ways, yet the Canadian Red Cross works to provide resources that help people when they need assistance most.

In Gambia, uneven rainfall distribution throughout the harvest season of 2011-2012 has had a disastrous impact on the agricultural production of farmers in the region, resulting in massive food shortages and decreased food security. However, with assistance from the Red Cross Movement, people in the country are getting much-needed support.

Food insecurity in Gambia
In the North Bank and Lower River areas of Gambia, where food scarcity has been significant, assistance from the Government of Canada and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has helped reduce malnutrition, enhance the resiliency of communities and give people the resources they need to overcome future challenges.

In 2012, funds raised by the Red Cross enabled the Gambia Red Cross Society to offer rice seeds and fertilizer to more than 42,000 people. This, in turn, allowed farmers to plant crops before the rain season began.

In addition, the IFRC has supported the development of four community vegetable gardens. Supported by women, these gardens are given access to seeds, fencing materials and other essential items. Overall, the food grown in these plots of land help 1,200 people.

Make a difference
In Gambia and other parts of the globe affected by world health issues, the Canadian Red Cross strives to provide assistance to those in need. As a result of the programs offered, individuals affected by adversity are able to gain much-needed resources and acquire greater skills and knowledge that will help them. 

With the help of people like you, the Canadian Red Cross is able to respond to emergencies and other incidents occurring across the country and around the world.

To make a difference in the lives of those affected by hardship today, please donate online or at your local Canadian Red Cross office. Each contribution goes to benefit people when they need assistance most. 

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