The Gambia is working towards developing a National Clean Cooking Strategy aimed at promoting safer, cleaner and more sustainable cooking solutions. This initiative is being pursued under the Regional Clean Cooking Action in West Africa (ReCCAWA) programme, which supports efforts to expand access to clean cooking technologies across 12 West African countries. The strategy is being developed in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the European Union (EU).
A national kick-off workshop was convened by the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, in collaboration with ECOWAS and the EU, to discuss the development of the strategy. The programme is financed by the European Union and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs through ECOWAS. The aim is to promote clean cooking through interventions targeting demand, supply and an enabling policy environment. This initiative seeks to address the health and environmental consequences of traditional cooking methods.
According to Carmen, a representative of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), clean cooking is crucial for the health of women and children, environmental protection and the creation of business opportunities. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of smoke from traditional cooking methods. The continued use of firewood also contributes to pressure on forests. Carmen emphasized that the strategy must reflect the country’s realities, priorities and needs.
The Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to The Gambia, Raphaël Brigandi, stated that clean cooking is linked to environmental protection, women’s empowerment and private sector development. The EU is supporting regional efforts to address climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect communities and the environment. Brigandi expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to a robust national strategy that would guide future policies and actions.
Kemo K. Ceesay, Director of Energy and Mines at the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, highlighted the need to promote alternatives to traditional cooking methods. These methods expose households to smoke and depend heavily on biomass fuels. Ceesay recalled previous efforts to introduce alternative cooking technologies and stressed the importance of learning from past initiatives. He emphasized the need for collaboration between government and development partners.
The workshop provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange experiences and identify priorities for the proposed national strategy. Through its focus on demand, supply and the enabling environment, ReCCAWA seeks to strengthen regional cooperation and support the development of sustainable clean cooking markets. The development of The Gambia’s strategy is expected to provide a framework for future interventions aimed at expanding access to cleaner cooking technologies.
The strategy could help improve health, protect the environment, strengthen women’s empowerment and create opportunities for businesses. Key stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organisations, women’s groups and other stakeholders, are expected to contribute their ideas, concerns and experiences to the process. The Gambia’s National Clean Cooking Strategy is expected to guide future policies and actions aimed at promoting clean cooking solutions.
Key points
- The Gambia is developing a National Clean Cooking Strategy to promote safer, cleaner and more sustainable cooking solutions.
- The strategy is being developed in collaboration with ECOWAS and the EU.
- The initiative aims to address the health and environmental consequences of traditional cooking methods.
