As the sun sets over Kerr Jarga village, its golden glow hides a harsh reality: the community is slowly being eaten away by soil erosion. For residents of this small settlement near Kerewan, the issue is no longer just about land loss it has become a fight for survival.
Once fertile and stable, the soil in Kerr Jarga has been deteriorating rapidly in recent years. A combination of climate change and human activities has stripped the land of its resilience, leaving homes, farms, and livelihoods in danger. Agriculture, the backbone of the village economy, is increasingly under threat.
At the village’s meeting point, the tension is palpable. Some residents fear they may soon be forced to abandon their ancestral lands. Others cling to hope that solutions can be found before evacuation becomes inevitable.
“We are worried for the future of our village. We did all we could to prevent the erosion but to no avail,” said Awa Gaye, Councillor for Kerr Jarga ward. “I have engaged the National Environment Agency together with the National Roads Authority and still nothing truthful came out of it. I wish you could go around the school and see how the erosion destroys the settlement.”
According to Gaye, the crisis is already disrupting daily life. The main access road has become nearly impassable, with vehicles struggling to enter the village. Damage to the bridge between Muna Gen and Kuntaya has further compounded the problem, forcing drivers to consider longer detours through Memeh Kuntaya and Bangaleh – a change that will likely drive up transport costs for residents.
Despite the hardships, the community has not given up. Villagers are exploring ways to reduce the impact of erosion through sustainable farming practices, improved land management, and stronger community involvement. Yet resources are scarce, and the scale of the challenge looms large.
For Kerr Jarga, the question remains painfully uncertain: will the village endure and adapt, or will its residents be forced to leave behind their homes and heritage in search of safety?
What is clear is that without urgent intervention, the fate of Kerr Jarga hangs in the balance – a stark reminder of how climate change and environmental degradation are reshaping lives across The Gambia.
